COURT HOUSE, SOHOHARIE, N. Y.
171.3
OF-
thoharit
NEW YORK,
SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.
By WILLIAM E. ROSCOE.
Published by D. MASON & CO.,
SYRACUSE, N. V.
1882.
SYRACUSE, N, Y. :
TRUAIR, SMITH & BRUCE,
PRINTERS AND HINDERS,
1BB2.
609298
CONTENTS.
r IDE.
CHAPTER I.— The Germans — Cause of their
I . .i\ing German)- Palatine Tenants—
Kocheitlial's IVtitio n— First Immign-
tion Agents sent to Germany— Hum.
Petition— Report of Board of
. dile in humiliation — Robert
Hunter Appointed Superintendent of
humiliation Hi- I etu-r of Arrival at
New York Appointed Governor — Ac-
tion of the City Council— German Chil-
dren Aprawrticed— Settlement at 'he
"Camps — Number of Settlers— Trou-
ble Experienced — Diseontenl of Ger-
mans—Meetings Held — Lori Claren-
don's Letter- Expedition to Canada—
('•ennans Petition to the King 9
CHAPTER II. — '1 he Foregoing < l.apter Re-
viewed txoetat ol in* Germans —
Located at Sc boric— Their Hardsh
— Judge Ill-own'-- Account — Fiyht— In-
dians of what Tiibe— Hunting Grcmndj
— Kn-rig-hon-don-tee the Chief — Sale
of i Gov Hunter— Schuyler
and Cocymans' l'uicha-e~ Gov. Hun-
id of Trade —
. ard's Visit to Sehoharie — Resumed
La'nils- Slierilf Adam-- Adnm Vroman
— The Germans Trespass upon Him —
His Letter to Gov. Hunter- \Veiserin
Confined in the Tower —
Clark'- Letter— Jci. ncil
for the Germans — Pureiia-e of Lands in
1719 — Location of Weiser's Dorf —
Other Doit- spread of Settlements —
d( of Liutig- lmpl"mcnts- Negro
Slave- and Customs— Indians — Their
Petition— Number of them in Sehoharie
— Milit I hu.-ion of Albany
County— Early Otiieials 21
CHAPTER III.— Loyalty ot Gentians to Britain
— S. rir < lath — Mohawks
and Tomahawks- First Committee of
Safety— Military District and Officers—
Lvrni-of 1777 Di\isiun of Sehoharie
— McDonald's Invasion — The Haipers '
—Adam Crysler— Skirmish at Oriskany
— Hemis Hdghts- Ituililing of Forts —
Battle of Cobleskill— Morgan's Corps
— Johnson and Hiant'- Invasion at
Middle Fort — Lower Foil— In< i
"BraveW omen— Colonel Vroman's March
CHAPTER III— IOMIMM.
to Moli. iv.U s.'lhs Henry I
— Dockstader at Curntown and Aharon
- \Yillett- Si-ths Ilen'ryat Fox'sCreek-
Crysler at V romansland in 1781— Cap-
lain 1! nt at the Lake— Camp-
bell's and Simnis' Labors— Returned
Tone* and Indians— Muster K
1777— Sehoharie Supplies Division of
Albany County — Inundation of the
liarie River 35
CHAPTER IV. — Formation of County — The
Name of Sehoharie — Population —
Boundaries — Surface — The Sehoharie
and Tributaries — Inundation- — Lakes
—Formation of Towns nty
Officers — First Court House — Poor-
house — Paupers— County's Progress —
\\arof i Si 2-- Delegate- to Slate Con-
vention— Governor liouek's Message —
Sourkrout M< — age- Anti-Rent
Railroads — Plank Roads- Seminary
Mania— Susquehanna Railroad — Si ho
harie Valley — Sharon and Cherry Valley
— Howe'- Ca\e Enterprises — Mineral
Springs — Education — Religion — Tem-
perance — Sabbath School Societies —
Bible Society — Masonic Lodges — Agri-
cultural and Medical Societies— Tele-
phone Lines — New --papers — Criminal
Ust — Summary of Fails- Population by
Census of 1880 56
CHAPTER V. — Civil War— The Year 1861—
Captain Snyder— Volunteers first Re-
cruiting—Colonel Mix and Comrades—
The 76th Regiment— Members— 1 34th
M. -tubers of Companies — The 44th —
Members — Members of other Regiments
—Colored Volunteers— Hero Martyrs... 86
CHAPTER VI. — Sehoharie County Civil List-
Judges of Common Pleas — Assistant
•s Judges — Session Justices — Surrogates—
I Mstrict Attorneys-County Clerks-Sher-
iffs— Treasurers-Superintendents of Poor
—School Commissioners-- 1. nan Commis-
sioners—Excise. — Inspectors — Governor
— Treasurers — Adjutant General-yCanal
Commissioners — Canal Appraisers —
Curator of State Library — Legislature — '
Senators-Congress—Presidential Elect-
ors— Consuls 102
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER Yd.- History of the l',,wn oi
— Town Formed First Town O;
I livision into
Di-trict- — Town Meeting of 1849—
Ami-Rent Ditncultic-- Sheriff's Posse
Fir-t Settler- and Mills —
|ohn Di-c Archibald do-well Tan-
Tannery —
Ited I iy I'lalt. Potter &
Co.- ' -- Luinan Reed —
I avern --< >il
-Chniche- Mei, li.ini ' 'en-
tre — Henry Tihbctt- McK
Hi, Narrali\c~ Offi-
— District Atlur-
ik — Assembly — Slate
i.iries ........................ 119
CHAPTER VIII. — History of tlieTo,,
Manorkill Falls — Stry-
kcr Broth, : yens' Mill —
(•,,11,% Reed The First Store— Hunting
Grounds— Indian Relics Disc Purcli:
of I... Uichlmycr — The Disc
Rll Irtniyr
His Capture !>y Indian-- — Escape — Re-
building (if His llou-c — 1 Ic ( >pcns an
Inn — Hum idilional Settler?
— Dairying — Prominent Settlers — Town
Jonathan Cone
— Town Records ............................. 129
CHAPTER IN'. — History of the Tnwn of Broome
— When I Changed —
Cat-kill Creek— Indian Trail — General
i - Firsl Settler, Daniel Shays —
Hi- Life— fcejicllion and Death— David
\Villiain-— His Life — Incidents Rela-
ting to Capture of Andre - Livings-
tonville — Asa Stalkwcalilcr - Hi
ment in Convention — Death —
.'•rian Church-- Mcth-
• 'hurch — Draft of 1813 — Sniithton
— Hulibai - . ly — Super%
Bounds ....................................... 133
CHAPTER X — History of the Town of Jeffer-
11— When Settled B> Whom — Inter-
est in Education — l''ir-t Town Meeting
— Effort to Change the Name of Town
— lieman Ilickok — J, idciny
- Do): jilKMl Jlldd's Do:
of Farm — 'I l-my — Pres-
- Tanneries — Presbyterian
Church — M Physicians — Judd
Famir Masonic (Irand
Army Re]>ublic - Methodist Church —
\Ve-t Rill Methodist Church — Gait's
History of the Methodist Society of
the Town — Revolutionary Incidents —
Smit',! i ory Clawson — Taken
HT — Smith Family — Battle at
Lake — Ofli< i -visors --General
of To%vn — The Lake —
Line — Reliellion —
Amount of Town Bond- Issued —
Boundaries .................................... 142
CHAPTER XI II Utory of the Town of Summit
— II,, Lake
— lohn-onand Brant's II. lit -Early Set-
I Other Business Men
— Cl, -.edy—
CHAPTER XI— CoNiiNtiKi). PAGE.
Murphy's Own Statement — Murphy's
Purchase — Acl of 1777 — Abraham
Becker — Suit Gained— Service's Affair
i 'oniemplated — Settlement of the West-
em Part of the Town — Seminary— Its
Hi-lory — Faculty, etc — Dairy Interest
— Elisha Brown Assemblymen— Sher-
iffs -John l,a%\y,-r S. J. Lake — Isaac
\V. Beard— John II. Coons — Churches
Fir-i Baptist Church— Second Baptist
Church- -Reformed Church of Eminence
--Methodist - Free Methodist - Luth-
er.m of Lutheranville — Lutheran of
Beard's Hollow - Town Volunteers
Medical Frateinity First Town Meet-
ing— Resolutions — Report of iSBo —
Officials — Eminence 153
CHAPTER X1I1— History of the Town of Ful-
ton— First Purchase of Land by Adam
\ Toman — Adam \ Toman and Family —
Indian Deeds — Captain \ Ionian — In-
dian Castle — Colonel Peter Vroman —
Swart Family — Peter Swart— His Man-
uscript— Death -Orysler Family — Mrs.
John I!";:- k I tenrj 1 lager — In Mc-
.iald's Cam - lager at
Bemis Heights I'pper 1 ort- --Exempt
Volunteers- -Invasion bj (']'}'slci -Mur-
der by ' l'risoners--( rysler1!
Invasion Murder near the Fort — En-
gagement with Captain Hager— Richard
Hagadorn Wounded — Conflict at the
Lake- — John-on's and Brant's Invasion
— Mary 1 k Family and
Island— Wm. ('. B.mck— His Life-
Inhabitants of 1788 Timothy Murphy
— His Life and Historical Incidi
Town Formed - Patriotism of 1812 —
Petersburg!! — Breakabeen-- First Lands
Settled - F'ultonham --Charles Watson
— West l-ulton--Churches--l'olly Hol-
low — Reformed ( 'hurch — Physician- —
Supervisor Boundaries 166
CHAPTER XIV.-- History of the Town of
Middleburgh— -Weiser's Porf- Conrad
Weiser -- His Daughter --John Peter
G. Muhlenberg--Coiuad Weiser, Jr —
Settlers of the Dorf Relic- of the Past
-Reformed Church — Its F'.aily History
Ed'tice Relmili in i7S5--Pctilion to
Assembly— Pastors' Reformed Church
— Lutheran Church — Methodist — Epis-
copal— The True Reformed Church —
Middle Fort — Description — Zielie Fam-
ily— Colonel /ielie — His i hildrcn —
Swan Low Duich i;
Bor-t Family — Grist Mill- Louck's
Family — -Eckerson's — First Men liant —
(irist Mill— Bellinger Family --Hart-
man's Dorf — Kichtmyer Family — Alex-
ander I'niyd J. M. Scribncr — John
Hinman — Nathan Ilinman — Jonathan
Danforth — Atchiu-on House — Freemire
1 louse — Merchant- — Freeman Stanton
—John P. Bellinger I), p. D
General Danforth— Phy-icians — Legal
ternity — lion. Lyman Sanford —
National Hani - ge — I. O.
G. T — G. A. R. Post — Inco:poration —
Hunter's Land— Supervisors — Bounda-
ries 196
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
C'H AP'IT'.K XV. — History of the Town of Sharon
— |, M I torlach — Sharon
— DI,I]:I( h Grant— I1 i> t Seitli i - Later
Settler-. - Pelcr S<
Hi ol I M -i, —\Villiani I.eekman— Hattle of
Sharon— Colonel MarinusWillett— Leem
ami Hopper Families — Main i
tmc ol Myndeit and ( itliers — \Vill-
Kneiskern • V Som-
— St. John's Church — Reformed
Church — Turnpikes — Ta veins — Beek-
A. 1 lilt. in —
l.ldredge— P'.ldredgc 1-annh —
Hi. I1. ilia, i Knglc's Mill — Leesville —
lioimanl Villages— I eesvillc Lutheran
•isl Church —
netery — Rockville — Sharon Springs
— Public Houses — Anal} r —
Meix-hants — Konian ( 'atholi,- (lunch —
Sharon Centre [< ! ion
Hill and Iloll.,«' K S. Wale Xach-
ariah Keyes Killing of Van Seiiaik —
Johannes' 1. ..in Us William Ilavcnport
— Lemuel Cl . Kling -I'iliinent —
Slate II:' . •— Bellengfr Family
— Van \ alkenlui! < or-
ners — Reformed ( lunch of Sharon —
, ials — Boundaries 226
CHAI'TKR XVI. — Hisloiy of the Town of I'.len-
heim 249
CIIAl'TEK XVII. History of the Town of
Sewatd -Tow 11 Formed Peter I lymls
— Henry llaiues— I-'irst ( mst Mill —
Capture' of the Hynds Family — The
Crysler Urothers — Invasion of Seths
iry Murder of Mici ley
--Murder of Catharine and Sebastian
France — Frederick Merekley's Family
Fiance l-amily — John Rice- First
Meeting Hou Murder of Mr. and
. Hoffman— Rhinebeck (.'hurch —
ll.ni\ Moeller anil Other Pastors —
i 'Settlers of Rhinebeck — Strobcck
— Hyndsvillc- Sewanl \"alley--Seward
Station \ille — Rev. Philip
Wieling — Colonel \Villett's Raids —
Mills— Business [nteresta -Churches —
Dairy Interests — Physicians — Town
Bonds — Supervisors — Boundaries 268
CHAPTER XVIII. — History of the Town of
Rielini Iville— Formation of Town —
First Settlement — George Warner —
John Zea and Family— Captain Snyder
- His Life— Snyder Family — Warner-
ville- Cieotee Mann- Wann'rville Meth-
odist Cliuivh ' Church — Sem-
inary— First Tavern — John Warner —
First Justice of the Peace- Hon. John
ver — Physicians — Churches —
Methodist, Lutheran and Christian —
Seminary - Kulmiondville Bank —
Newspapers — School at West Rich-
mondville— Supervisors— Present Busi-
of Town 283
CHAPTER XIX.— History of the Town of Car-
lisle—First Settlers— Dortach Giant-
New Rhinebeck— Mrs. Philip Karker
— Judge Brown — George William Brown
Young Family— John C. McNeill — Set-
tlement of Grovenor's Corners— Joseph
CHAPTER X!
.•.mini V -'ire
irst
AC-
noi !ne
Turnpiki
in — Hum
_i 'i—
KUlii
chj -lllc
_]• 1 lie
ob-
ber 81 I. II. Angle—
< lies
— Valuai n —
Boundaries of Town 3°«
CHAFER XX.— Historyof the T ranee
— Local i |llir-
chase of the I
•, — Tumpi'. ' —
f.C.Wrfght— Isaac H.
i an
— S —
Merchant*— Villa lion— Stage
House and Route— Academy— '
I!- ''~
• •eper— SloansvilU — Van-
\alken1iurgh Settlement- -'h-
i amily— Other
,lcr.,_st,,: .— \<$y.
H i, ; >', Nari itii M'" —
Kneisk, ) Kneiskern Family
— Enders Family- Mill—
lohuson's Inva .iniiment —
Brown -Anti-Rent Troul.i
\, ., papei ' niotations from it— Land
Patents 32O
CHAPTER XXI ol the Town (.fWiight
—Town Formed— First Settlement-
Becker Family— Becker Land Grant —
First Saw .Mill— !!<•• '*•"—
John Dominick and Family— EM
Ijg2 — Burning of /immer's Building*
— Becker Murdered — Advance Upon
House — Snyder and
Mann Cap lured— Traditionary Tale of
Seths II ;h— Major Becker's
DC Store at Shutter's Comers
— Henry Becker — Founding of School
— Hunting Family — Gallupville —
Churches — Reformed Church, Metho-
dist and Lutheran — New Village —
\\:i".in Making — Dutch Settlement —
Weidman's— Hiram Waldcn — Super-
.rs— Valuation — Merchants and Phy-
sicians— Boundaries 34*
CHAPTER XXII— History of the Town of Scho-
harie— First Settlers of Brunnendorf—
Schaeffcr Family and Name— Lutheran
Church and Parsonage— Dominie Som-
mers, and other Pastors— Doctor Lint-
ncr— Reformed Dutch Church— Church
Converted into a Fort— Doctor Budd—
"Post Mix"— Peter Mix— Doctor Brig-
ham— Physicians of Schoharie — Captain
Mann — Captain Snyder — Taverns —
CONTENTS
r-HAl'TFR \\II- (CONTINUKD.) PAGE.
L ,,,^-n, Hotel. - FOX:S I>..rf-Dietz
, -Colonel William Din/-- Will-
iam F'-x and Settler* of Fox'iDort—
Smith's Dorf — Court House— George
Tiffany— Lawyer Family — Garlock s
ib \ roman— Samuel Smith
(i II. Williams— ]. G. Caryl— Strubach
Mill— Village at' Depot— First Grist-
Mill Mill— Distillery— Bull-
, -lo-Fngagcmenl at Fort—
John Ingold— Bouck House, anil other
lings— Burning of Court House—
Fire Fountain Town School
.— Schoharic Academy — Metho-
dist Church-African Church-( lebhard's
-Schoharie Bridge— Formation of
T,,wn — First ( H'ticers — Supervisors—
] utheran Cemetery— Commodore Hard-
ing 354
CHAPTER XXIII. — History of the Town of
-kill— First Settlement— Brown s
and Stream -Cobleskill Militia —
Building a Furl - Invasion by Indians
and Tories — First Schoolhouse — Lam-
bert Lawyer— Jacob L. Lawyer— Chas.
Courier— Augustus C. Smith— Hotels
and Inns— Early Merchants— Churches
Mr>. Borst — The Schaeffcr or Shafer
Family — Van Dresser Farm — Kicht-
.:!y— Captain Brown— Henry
Shafer— lierner Settlement — Doctor
Werner — Kilmer Settlement — Wetsel
Family— Brayman's : Mill— Howe's Cave
— Mineral Springs — Paul Shank —
Methodist Church of Mineral Springs
— Lawyersville— First Settlers— Angle
Family— Young Family— General Dana
— John Redington — William Elman-
dorf — Jared Goodyear— Isaac H. Tif-
fany—Thomas Lawyer— Jcdediah Mil-
ler—Doctor Shepherd— Shutts Family
— Thomas Smith — Henry Smith — J. H.
Ramsey— William H. Young— Ceme-
tery — Wakeman Family — Reformed
Church— Lutheran Church— Early Mer-
chants — Physicians — Legal Fraternity
— Manufacturing Interest — Masonic
Society — Good Templars — G. A. R.
post — National Bank — Formation of
the Town — First Officers — Supervisors
— Efforts to Remove the Court House
— Boundaries 386
APPENDIX.
449
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Bouck Governor William C., Fulton, portrait
facing 176
Bouck lion. Charles, Fulton, portrait facing 176
Bergh Philip, Fulton, portrait 190
Becker Sarah E., Sharon, view of residence. facing 239
Best Benjamin, Fulton, portrait facing 177
Couchman Hon. Peter, Conesville, portrait. .facing 132
Clark Hon. William S., Espcrance, portrait. .facing 337
PAGE.
Colby Thomas, Gilboa, view of residence.. ..facing 128
Courier Charles, Cobleskill, portrait, (steel) facing 444
...frontis
Court House
Freemire John, Jr.. Fulton, portrait 193
Holmes Judge Charles, Cobleskill, porlrait (sleel)
facing 431
Howe's Cave, Cobleskill, view of Cave House 4°7
Howe's Cave, Cobleskill, view of Crystal Lake 409
Keyser Barent and wife, Blenheim, portraits 266
Kilts Wesley H., Sharon, view of residence.. facing 228
LawyerGeneral Thomas. Cobleskill, portrait, (steel)
facing 441
Mattice, Adam L., Fulton, portrait 194
Murphy Peter, Fulton, portrait ' '91
Mayham Hon. Stephen L., Schoharie, portrait 384
Mil'ler Jedediah, Cobleskill, portrait 434
Norwood Dr. J. E., Schoharie, porlrait facing 363
Old Brick Lutheran Church, Cobleskill ... 398
Ramsey Hon. Joseph H., Cobleskill, portrait (steel)
' facing 435
Shafer Jacob L., Blenheim, portrait 267
Swart, Dr. Peter S., Schoharie, portrait 385
Sanford, Hon. I.yman, Middle! mrgh, portrait (steel)
between 222-223
Stone Fort, Schoharie 3UO
Tanner James, Cobleskill, portrait (steel).... facing 445
Vroman Ephraim B., Fulton, portrait 195
Wieting Rev. Philip, Cobleskill, portrait 448
Westover Hon. John, Richmondville, portrait (steel)
facing 299
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Bergh Philip, Fulton I9°
Best Benjamin, Fulton facing 177
Bouck Governor William C., Fulton 176
Bouck Hon. Charles, Fulton facing 176
Clark Hon. William S., Esperance 337
Colby Thomas, Gilboa between 128-129
Couchman Hon, Peter, Conesville 132
Cuurter Charles, Cobleskill 444
Freemire John Jr., Fulton 193
Holmes Judge Charles, Cobleskill 431
Keyser Barent, Blenheim 265
Lawyer General Thomas, Cobleskill 441
Mattice Adam L., Fulton 194
Mayham Hon. Stephen L., Schoharie 383
Miller Jedediah, Cobleskill 433
Murphy Peter, Fulton '91
Ramsey Hon. Joseph H., Cobleskill 435
Sanford Hon. Lyman, Middleburgh... between 222-223
Shafer, Jacob L., Blenheim 267
Swart Peter S., M. D., Schoharie 385
Tanner James, Cobleskill 445
Vroman Ephraim B., Fulton 195
Westover Hon. John, Richmondville 299
Wieting Rev. Philip, Cobleskill 447
INTRODUCTION.
In compiling the facts chronicled in the following pages, the Author has IK it
been led by an idea of financial gain or literary glory, but by a sense of the worthi-
ness of Schoharie's history being published by itself, and not in connection with
that of other localities. In this County he has a pride. It is the " land of his birth ! '
1 1 1 glories in her beauty and grandeur.
Whether it be among her fossiliferous rocks, within her winding caverns, or
upon the romantic surface, he feels that it is home; full of instruction, pleasing
associations and wonders, such as few sections can boast.
I'lompted by such motives, and the solicitations of those earnest in interest,
the Author was induced, many years ago, to garner the harvest of events connected
with the County, which he here presents for the instruction and pleasure of the
youth of Schoharie, with the hope that a presentation of the struggles of their fore-
fathers and mothers, in establishing peaceful homes, and their triumphs through sac-
rifice of life, fortunes and personal pleasures, in obtaining the rich blessings of free-
dom, may animate them to a just appreciation of the priceless inheritance bequeathed
to them.
Others with more pleasing pens, have traced our early history previously
in connection with other border settlements, and brought to light many facts that
would lia\e been lost, or marred by ruthless tradition but for these labors at the
time; vet t he inveterate animosity created by antagonistical interest through the
settlement of the Palatines, and later through the Revolutionary war, has not died
away, and much that was chronicled has been proved through more recent discoveries
of documents, to have been exaggerations, dictated by those " bitterest of feelings."
The settlement of the Clermans, and incidents connected with their pioneer life,
was based entirely upon tradition, leaving important facts in doubt, and dates open
to conjecture. The only work upon that event was by the late Judge John-M. Brown,
in his " Brief Sketch of the First Settlement of Schoharie," published in 1823, when
he had arrived at the advanced age of seventy-eight. The work was founded upon
INTRODUCTION.
tradition, wit lit he exception of such events as came under his personal observation,
and proves to be incorrect, jre< it is an interesting and amusing work, with too few
pages to satisfy tin- reader, upon such an interesting subject. Campbell, in his
"Annals of Trvon County," and Jeptha R. Simms, in his "Border Wars," have
(fared the same line of events through tradition, and brought their conclusions be-
fore t lie reader in nearly parallel lines. Thev were better acquainted with the in-
cidents connected with (hi- Revolution, through many of the actors in that strife,
with whom thev were intimate, and to them we arc indebted for many authentic
tacts that make up the general historv of that eventful period. Revolutionary facts
thus handed down, coupled with those collected in the forepart of the century by
Author's parent, who was conversant with many of the old patriots, together
with rustv documents of late brought to light and never before published or con-
sulted, assure the authenticity of this work, from the first settlement of the County
to the cloM.-of the war, which part of our history has hitherto proved unsatisfactory.
In collecting facts relating to the time intervening between the last event and
the present day, the writer has spared neither time nor expense, and has traveled
thousands of miles, repeatedly visiting each neighborhood to consult persons,
Is, and public archives, and feels that his labors have been in the main, fruitful
in interest and accuracy.
The latter has been a pleasing portion of the task, as it has brought him in
acquaintance with the people of the County, from whom he has received the
kindest hospitality, assistance and encouragement in the work, and given birth to
many associations that will be treasured with pleasing remembrances and jealous
care.
Among the many visited, were aged ones — the silver rays of Schoharie's heroic
days — who have cleared the portals of seventy, eighty, and even ninety-five, with
robust forms and active minds, and to them the writer has many times been indebt-
ed for explanations and the information necessary to a correct filling out of records
carelessly kept.
Those who have aided and encouraged in the work, have been almost " Legion,"
and to all such the writer extends his grateful thanks, and hopes his efforts to pre-
sent a truthful history, will not prove fruitless, but that it maybe a mile-stone of
events reared upon our County's century course, and read by our youth and posterity
with profit, and by their true patriotism, industry and frugality, be enabled to add
as worthy a record of their day and generation, as the fathers of the County have
here transcribed through the author
WILLIAM E. ROSCOE.
HISTORY
O F
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
THE GERMANS — CAUSE OF LEAVING GERMANY
— PALATINE TENANTS — KOCHERTHAL'S PE-
TITION—FIRST IMMIGRATION AGENTS SENT
TO GERMANY — HUNTER'S PETITION — RE-
PORT OF BOARD OF TRADE FAVORABLE TO
IMMIGRATION — ROBERT HUNTER APPOINTED
SUPERINTENDENT OF IMMIGRATION — His LET-
TER OF ARRIVAL AT NEW YORK — APPOINTED
GOVERNOR— ACTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL —
FEELING OF ENMITY — GERMAN CHILDREN
APPRENTICED — SETTLEMENT AT THE "CAMPS"
—NUMBER OF SETTLERS — TROUBLE EXPERI-
ENCED — DISCONTENT OF GERMANS — MEET-
INGS HELD — LORD CLARENDON'S LETTER —
EXPEDITION TO CANADA —GERMANS PETITION
TO TIIK KING.
FTER wandering through the picturesque
valleys and over the noble hills of Schoharie
County, visiting the many places made historic
by the scenes and incidents enacted in the
'' days that tried men's souls," and after glean-
ing from family records, official documents,
public and private journals, and archives in gen-
eral, we find ourselves upon a mountain of
facts, from which we can look over the whole
territory. From this position let us look back
beyond the advent her* of the first pioneers,
and satisfy ourselves as to whom they were, and
the causes that induced them to brave old
ocean's calms and storms ; and also at what
time they came.
Let us not forget, however, that we are tread-
ing upon tender ground that has been gleaned
by others of riper age and greater ability, nor
the natural propensity to condemn where ideas
disagree. From this " mountain of facts" we
find, regardless of the differences of opinion in
relation to the time and the causes which led to
the first settlement of Schoharie, that all writers
agree as to the natinnality of those settlers, and
ascribe to them those commendable character-
istics— Honesty, Frugality and Industry.
Many sections of our country have been the asy-
lums of the religiously and politically oppressed
— of those who fled from their homes in the Old
World, to enjoy the privileges that conscience
craves of the one, and free thought and speech
of the other, even if it could only be granted in
an unknown wilderness, infested by savages and
wild beasts.
It has been conjectured that the Germans
who settled at Schoharie fled from their homes
to avoid religious persecution ; but those who
have advanced this idea have been content to
10
HISTORY OF SCHOHARTE COUNTY.
follow in the path marked out by imaginary tra-
ditions and self-satisfied conjectures, without
taking pains to explore archives that concealed
documents left by those sturdy ones to enlight-
en us.
It is a singular fact, that history is more
truthful after the lapse of a century or more
from the time the events transpired, than at a
nearer date, as all personal animosities, self-
interests, jealousies, and all other monitors of
fictitious chronicles die out, leaving the field
open for the impartial to glean facts as they
were, without distrust of disapprobation by
factions, cliques or communities.
The first settlers of this County were Pala-
tine tenants from the lower part of Germany.
They were called "Palatines" from the fact
that the lands which they occupied were owned
and ruled by officers under the Crown, called
" Palatines,'' and the country over which they
presided, as governors, were " Palatinates. "
By studying the history of that time, we find
that the poorer class — the tenants of those of-
ficials— were ground down by crown, state and
church taxation, so much so that they barely
made a living. Yet, the church requirements
were more obligatory through choice than com-
pulsion, as the people had long been free from
the Popish grasp, and, as a mass, were followers
of Luther.
In order to give an idea of the cause of the
German immigration to this country, we will
draw the attention of the reader to a letter,* writ-
ten by one Joshua Kocherthal, a minister to the
Board of Trade in London in 1708. He petitions,
" in behalf of himself and the poor Lutherans, to
be transported to some of ye Ma's5 plantations
in America." " We humbly take leave to repre-
sent that they are, in number, forty one — ten
men, ten women and twenty-one children ; that
they are very necessitous and in the utmost
want, not having at present anything to subsist
themselves ; that they have been rendered to this
by the ravages committed by the French in the
Lower Palatinat, where they lost all they had." f
This small band, on the zgth of June, 1709,
was settled upon Quasek Creek \ in Ulster
* London Ducn in
f Documentary Hiitory.
\ Now Chamber-, (.'reek.
County, and was the first German immigration
to America.
By referring to European history, the reader
will find that in 1702, England, Holland and
Germany declared war against France, in sup-
port of Charles, Archduke of Austria, to the
Spanish throne.
Charles the Second of Spain died in 1700,
and Louis the Fourteenth of France, wishing to
make Spain an ally, trumped up a candidate for
the throne in the person of Philip of Anjou.
The war lasted until the year 1713. During the
years 1708, '09 the French carried hostilities
upon German soil, and devastated the Lower
Country, as stated by Kocherthal in his petition.
England, possessing a goodly portion of Ameri-
ca and receiving but meager supplies from her,
embraced the opportunity (as she was but thinly
inhabited) of peopling her possessions with the
homeless Palatines ; and, according to Brown's
Pamphlet History, sent agents throughout the
Palatinates to induce them to immigrate here; as
we of to-day find our Western railroad companies
that received large bounties in land from the
government sending agents throughout Europe,
to induce immigration, that their claims may
become settled and produce a revenue. A goodly
portion of the Western States, through such
agencies, have been peopled, and numberless
poor, delving, tenants of the Old World have be-
come landlords here, under the influence of our
generous laws. We trust they will continue to
come by thousands, as in them we find indus-
trious, energetic and law-abiding citizens.
Seeing the opportunity offered of peopling
the American possessions, Robert Hunter, a
man of official ambition, conceived the idea of
immigrating a large colony of the Germans, and
petitioned the London Board of Trade to that
effect. The board made the following report
"To the Queen's Most Gracious Majesty," on
the 5th of December, 1709, which was approved
January 7th, 1710.
From this second immigration came the
pioneers of Schoharie County. As we shall
be under the necessity of referring, in several
points, to the above mentioned report, we will
copy a portion of it, leaving out that which will
be of no service to us, it being too monotonous
for the matter-of-fact American reader : —
ROBERT HUNTER'S PETITION.
ii
" May It Please Your Majesty : " In obe-
dience to your Majesty's commands, signified to
us by the Right Honblethe Earl of Sunderland,
we have considered the proposals made to us
by Colonel Hunter, for settling 3,000 Palatines
at New York and Employing them in the Pro-
duction of Naval Stores, and thereupon humbly
Represent to your Majesty —
"That the Province of New York being the
most advanced Frontier of Your Majesty's
Plantations on the Continent of America, the
Defence and Preservation of that place is of the
utmost importance to the security of all the
Rest ; and if the said Palatines were seated, they
would be an additional strength and security to
that Province, not only with regard to the French
of Canada, But against any Insurrection of the
scattered Nations of Indians upon that Conti-
nent, and, therefore, we humbly propose that
they be sent thither.
" By the best Information we can gett, the
most proper Places for the seating them in that
Province, so as they may be of benefit to this
Kingdom by the Production of Naval Stores,
are on the Mohaques River and on the Hud-
sons Rivers, where are very great numbers of
Pines fit for Production of Turpentine and Tar,
out of which Rosin and Pitch are made.
" First — In relation to the Mohaques River :
Your Majesty was pleased, by your order in
Council of the z6th June, 1708, to confirm an
Act, passed at New York, the 2nd of March,
169! for vacating several Extravagant Grants,
whereby large Tracts of Land are returned to
your Majesty, and among the rest.
" A Tract of Land lying on the Mohaques
River, containing about 50 miles in length and
four miles in breadth, and a Tract of land lying
upon a creek which runs into the said River,
which contains between 24 and 30 miles in
Length. This last mentioned Land, of which
Your Majesty has the possession, is claimed by
the Mohaques, but that claim may be satisfyed
on very easy terms.
"The Objection that may be made to the
seating of the Palatines, on the fore-mentioned
Mohaques River, is the Falls that are on the
said River between Schenectady and Albany,
which will be an interruption in the Water
Carriage, but as that may be easily helped by a
short land carriage of about 3 miles at the
west, we do not see that this objection will be
any hindrance to the seating of them there, In
Case there be not an opportunity of doing it
more conveniently in some other part of that
Province.
* • • * *
" We therefore humbly offer that the Gover-
nor or Commander in Chief be Directed upon
their Arrival to Seat them all, either in a Boddy
or in different Settlements, upon those or other
Lands as he shall Find most proper and that
they be Encouraged to settle and work in Part-
nership, that is, 5 or more families to unite and
work in common.
" That the Governor be likewise Directed to
grant, under the Seal of that Province, without
fee or Reward, 40 acres per head to each
family, after they shall have repaid, by the pro-
duce of their Labour, the charges the publick
shall be at in settling and subsisting them there,
in the manner as hereinafter proposed: To
have and to hold the said Lands, to them and
their heirs forever, under the usual Quit-Rent,
to commence and be payable after seven years
from the date of Each respective Grant ; and
further, that in every such grant there be an ex-
press Proviso that the Lands so granted shall
be seated and planted within a reasonable time,
to be therein prefixed, or, on failure thereof,
such Grant to be void and to revert to the
Crown. And for the better preventing those
people from falling upon the Woollen Manufac-
tures, it will be proper that in every such grant,
a Clause be inserted, declaring the said Grant
to be void, if such Grantee shall apply himself
to the making of Woollen or such like manu-
facture.
"As these people are very necessitous, they
will not be able to maintain themselves there
till they can reap the benefit of their labour,
which will not be till after one year at the
soonest. We therefore humbly offer, that they
be subsisted, the men and women at the rate of
6d sterling a head pr day, and the children under
the age of 10 years, at 4d Sterling pr day, which
as we are informed, will be sufficient.
" When their houses shall be built and the
ground cleared for making their settlements,
they may then be Employed in the making of
12
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Turpentine Rozin Tar and Pitch, and that this
will be beneficial not only to the said Palatines,
but to this Kingdom.
• » • » *
" As these Palatines are ignorant in the Pro-
duction of those Stores, it will be necessary that
three or four persons well skilled in the doing
thereof (if to be had) be sent from hence, to in-
struct the said Palatines there, and that they
be allowed ,£200, New York money, per an-
num each, during their being employed in this
work.
" In case no such persons can be found here,
then We propose that Mr. Bridges, Surveyor-
General of Your Majesty's Woods on the Con-
tinent of America, who was sent 4 or 5 years
ago to New England to instruct the People
there, be Directed to go to New York for that
purpose, and that he bring with him 3 or 4
other persons, the most skilfull he can get,
who may assist him in the instructing the said
Palatines, and for their pains therein have a
Salary of ;£ioo pr annum during such their
employ and stay at New York.
" It will be likewise necessary that there be
Supervisors appointed to reside among the said
Palatines to over see and keep them at work,
with a Salary of ^100 per annum each. As to
the number of the said supervisors we humbly
conceive it cannot well be regulated here, for
that will Depend in a great measure upon the
number of the Palatines settlements, and On the
Distance they may be one from the other.
Therefore we are of opinion that this be left to
the Discretion of Your Majesty's Governor after
his arrival there.
* » » * »
"And we further offer that the Premium
given by an Act made in the 3d and 4th year of
Your Majesty's Reign to encourage the Im-
portation of Naval Stores from Your Majesty's
Plantations in America, be paid to such factor
or Agent to and for the sole Benefit of such
Palatines, who were the Manufacturers of such
Stores, in like manner as Premiums are allowed
to other Importers of Naval Stores from those
parts.
" Lastly, we humbly offer that the said Pala-
tines, upon their arrival there, be Naturalized
without fee or Reward, that they rnay enjoy all
such privileges and advantages as are Enjoyed
by the present Inhabitants of that Province."
While the Palatines were in London, Brig-
adier Robert Hunter was appointed to superin-
tend the transportation of them by Queen
Anne. They set sail some time between the
approving of the report (January ;th, 1710) and
the I4th of June following. After their arrival,
Hunter addressed the following letter to the
board of trade in London : — •
NEW YORK,* July 24th, 1710.
" My Lords:
By a small vessel bound for Lisbon, I gave
your Lordships notice of our arrival here (June
i4th). Since that time all the Palatine ships,
separated by the weather, are arrived safe, ex-
cept the Herbert Frigat, where our Tents and
Arms are. She was cast away on the East end
of Long Island, on the 7th of July, the men are
safe, but goods much damaged. We still want
the Berkley Castle, which we left at Portsmouth.
The poor people have been mighty sickly, but
recover apace. We have lost above 470 of our
number.
" Soon after our arrival, I sent the surveyor \
with some skillful men to survey the land on
the Mohaks river, particularly the Skohare, to
which the Indians had no pretense — being Col.
Bayard's grant — they however, by the instiga-
tion of some ill-intentioned men, at first refused
to suffer it to be surveyed, upon pretense of its
having returned to them, after the resumption,
but have been better advised since. So at this
time he is actually surveying of it. These lands,
however, I believe will be no ways fit for the
design in hand, being very good Lands which
bears no Pines and lyes verry remote. I shall
however be able to carry it on elsewhere, for
there is no want of Pines, but the Pine land
being good for nothing, the difficulty will lye
in finding such a situation as will afford good
land for their settlements near the Pine lands.
I am in terms with some who have lands on the
Hudsons River fitt for that purpose, which I
* London Documents, XVIII.
f Augustus Graham was the surveyor that was sent to
Schoharie to survey the land, and his bill — now in the
otiice of the Secretary of State — amounted to ;£l2I,
being employed one hundred and twenty days at twenty
shillings per day.
SECOND IMMIGRATION OF PALATINES IN 1710.
intend to view next week in company with I >r.
Bridges, who is now with me, and gives me good
encouragement."
( )n the same day of Hunter's arrival at New
York (June I4th,) he was appointed Governor
of the " Province of New York and its depen-
dencies." Thus we find this the second immi-
gration of Germans arriving at New York in
June and July, 1710.
We find that the city council had the fact of
the arrival brought before them, by Mr. Beek-
man, its President, on the i3th of June and
" desirred the council to give their opinion what
measures are proper to be taken with respect to
them," and " that the mayor of ye city having
petitioned to the board from himself and the
corporation, setting forth that there is just cause
to believe that there are many contagious dis-
tempers among them, which they are apprehen-
sive, will endanger the health of the inhabitants
of the citty if they be landed, in any part there-
of," etc. In council, June i6th, it was ordered
that certain officials "doe draw upp a Scheme,
for ye Ordering, Ruling, and Government of
ye Palantines, and that it is the opinion of
this board, that Nutten Island (now Governors)
is the properest place to put the Palantines,"
etc.
Huts were constructed, and the Germans kept
upon the Island until other provisions could
be made for them. New York city at that time,
was mostly Holland or Low Dutch, yet under
English government. They were not on the
best of terms with the Germans, or High
Dutch. Whether enmity had existed towards
each other at home, as a people, or was an off-
spring of selfish commercial dealing here, we
are unable to say ; but by preserved letters of
business transactions between the two branches
of Dutch, which it is unnecessary to copy, we
find that their early intercourse at New York
was marked by ill feeling ; and from the tenor
of their communications, we are led to think
that the Germans were very distrustful of the
honesty of their neighbor Hollanders.
Among the Germans at Nutten Island were
many children, quite a number of whom were
orphans, made so, no doubt, by the sea voyage,
as stated by Hunter. The Government having
the whole in charge, to provision etc., we find
that the counril ordered, (so as to retrench ex-
penses) on the 20th of June, the following: —
"There having been several! Proposalls made
for the taking many of the Palantines children
for a Term of years, and there being many < >r-
phans who are unable to take care of them-
selves to work and many who by sickness are
Rendered incapable of doing any service for
some time & in that condition would be a great
expense and there being noe prospect of Set-
tling them this summer by reason its soe much
advanced, His Excellency does appoint Doctor
Staats and Mr. Van Dam or either of them to
take such Proposals for Placing out the orphans
and other children whose Parents have a nu-
merous Family, entering into an Instrument in
Writeing, to Cloathe, Victual and use them
well, and to deliver them to the Government
when called for."*
We find that the boys were apprenticed until
the age of seventeen, and the girls until fifteen
years of age. Thirty-four were bound out in
1710 — twenty-five in 1711 — three in 171* —
and one in 1714.
Here we are led to think, undue advantage
was taken of the poor Germans by Govern-
ment officials. We cannot believe that they
would have immigrated under the protection of
a foreign government, unless great inducements
were offered for doing so. If they had not been
assured of their little effects and families being
retained, and also their freedom granted to sup-
port and maintain them, we do not believe they
would have listened to England's entreaties.
Apprenticing the orphans was right, as they had
no one to care for them ; but taking children
away from their able-bodied parents, was inhu-
man, and uncalled for. The Government knew
their situation and the expense likely to occur
from transporting and settling the Palatines,
and if they did not wish to support the children,
they ought not to have taken them nor their
parents under its protection. By a petition to
the Crown in 1720, to which we will draw the
reader's attention hereafter, this act of appren-
ticing children, is spoken of among a long list
of grievances, and also the promise made to
them of " forty acres of land to each person,"
* Historical Documents.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
with necessary utensils, etc., upon their arrival;
but after being huddled together upon Nutten
Island until November, Hunter wrote to the
Board of Trade, that he had purchased a tract
of 6,000 acres of Robert Livingston "for the
settlement of the Palantines," and upon the
1 4th of November, 1710, he wrote to the
same : —
" I have now settled the Palantines upon
good lands upon both sides of the Hudson's
River, about one hundred miles up, adjacent
to the Pines. I have planted them in five
Villages, three upon the East side of the River
upon 6,000 acres I have purchased of Mr.
Livingston about two miles from Row Lof
Jansens Kill. The other two on the West
side near Sawyer's Creek, as your Lordships
will observe by the inclosed sketch No 10 com-
pared with your maps.
"The lands on the West side belong to the
Queen. Each family hath a sufficient Lot of
good arable land, and ships of 15 foot draught
of water can sail upp as far as the Plantations.
They have already built themselves huts,
and are now imployed in clearing off the
grounds. In the Spring I shall set them to
work preparing the Trees, according to Mr.
Bridges direction."*
Thus it will be seen by the foregoing letter,
that the Germans were settled at Livingston's
Manor, in November 1710, in five villages or en-
campments, which originated in the place being
called " the Camps." Livingston was a man of
large means, for those days. He owned a mill
and brew-house, and made a contract with Gov.
Hunter to supply " the camps " with provisions
at the Governments' expense. Such supplies
were to consist of "For each person of them,
each day, the quantity of Bread, equal to one-
third of a Loaf of bread of such sort and assize
which is comonly at the prise of four pence half
penny in the city of New York, and one quart
of Beer such as is usually called Ships beer, of
the Prise of three pounds for each Tun, All
which is to be delivered to the commissary of
the Palentines." The first account, for the sub-
sistence of the Palatines, shows that the first
arrival at "the camps" was Oct. 6th, 1710, and
*Documentary History.
the number of persons 213. "On Jan. ist,
1711, they numbered 1,434. In June 1711,
there were, upon the east tide of the river, four
villages — called 'dorfs' — namely — Hunters-
town, Queensbury, Annsbury, and Haysbury,
containing 1,189 Palentines." On the west side,
there were three, Elizabethtown, Georgetown,
and Newtown,with 614, making 1,803 Palatines
at "the camps." Over each of these villages,
or "dorfs", was placed one of their number, to
keep a correct account of their condition, wants,
etc., and was required to make a report to the
commissary, at the beginning of each month.
Those overseers or head men were called " List-
masters," and were, in the order of the villages,
just mentioned — "John Peter Kneiskern, John
Conrad Weiser, Hartman Windecker, John
Christopher Tucks, John Christopher Gerlach,
Jacob Manch and Philip Peter Granberger."
In the spring of 1711, the Germans became
dissatisfied with the lands upon which they were
located, and asked to be taken to those which
they had been promised — namely — Schoharie —
or — as called by them " Schorie." Here, it will
be observed, that the Germans first speak of a
"promise" to be taken to " Schorie." During
their discontentment at the " camps" they were
firmly determined to leave them, and go to
"Schorie," stating that the Governor and other
officials had deceived them, by promising them
while in England, to locate them in Schoharie,
and to give to each forty acres of land, with
necessary implements, etc. The officials denied
making such a promise, but as to the forty acres
of land, admitted, that they were to have it after
paying for it, together with the expense the
Government had been to for transportation, in
tar and pitch. But the Governor and council
of New York had made arrangements to begin
the manufacture of tar and pitch at this time,
yet upon attempting to set them to work, the
overseers found the Palatines " resolute in dis-
obeying orders," in fact, mutinized. Secretary
Clarke, in writing to the London Board of Trade
says : —
"About a fortnight ago his Excel'cv- hav-
ing received information from their Over-
seers and other Officers that these people had
taken a Resolution neither to work in making
Pitch and Tarr nor to remain on the land they
SECRETARY CLARKE'S LETTER TO THE LONDON HOARD OF TRADE. 15
are settled upon for that purpose, but even by
force, If they could not otherwise effect it to
remove to Schohary (a tract of resumed lands)
and that they had actually hindered the Sur-
veyor from laying out more Lots to them " also
" By their deputies they returned for answer
that when the surveyors came to lay out more
land, the People called them out, told them
'twas worth nothing, they would have no more,
so that 'twas needless to survey it and that they
would have the land at Schohary which the
Queen had ordered them by their contract.
«»**»»«
" His Excellency replyed. That as to the
lands at Schorie, its the malace of those who
would have them for their slaves that put them
on demanding it, for that those lands the In-
dians had not yet parted with, nor were they fit
for their labor, no pine being within Twenty
miles of it, that it would be impossible to sub-
sist them there, or defend them against ye
French and French Indians & besides they had
obliged themselves to settle on such lands as he
should assign them and then desired their final
answer, which was, that they would have the
lands appointed them by the Queen.
" Whereupon his Excellency in writing told
them that since neither their duty or allegience
or regard to Her Maj's unparalled Charity in
goodness in taking them up and providing for
them when they were starving, and abandoned
by the world beside, had been of any force to
keep you within the bounds 'of their duty, and
since they had no regard to a solemn contract
signed by them, he was come to require & en-
force the execution of it, Copies and Transla-
tions of which they had in their own language,
and that they must give their final answer the
next day at four in the evening.
"A few minutes after the deputies were gone,
His Excellency was informed that a body of
three or four Hundred of them were then pass-
ing the brook, the Deputies, among whom were
the Captains, returned to him, and in appear-
ance seemed softened, and then went to the peo-
ple who were drawn up on the hill above the
house, towards whom his Excell'0)'- marching
with his detachment.
"One of the commisary's who had been with
them told him they had come to pay their com-
pliments to him, so his Excellency walked up to
them, and asked them what they meant by ap-
pearing in arms, they told him what they told
the Commisary.
" Thereupon his Excellency ordered them
home to their habitations and being gone about
a mile they discharged all their firelocks.
" But their saying they came to pay their com-
pliments was only a pretence, for they told two
of their officers, as they were going home, that
they came to relieve their Deputies in case they
had been confined. The next day the Dep-
uties came according to order with their an-
swers which begins indeed with a desire that his
Excellency would assist them, that they might
be settled in the lands of Schohary, but they
soon forgot their humble style and told his Excel-
lency that they had rather lose their lives im-
mediately, than remain where they are, that they
are cheated by the contract, it not being the
same that was read in England there, they say it
runs thus, ' that seven years after they had forty
acres a head a piece given them, they were to
repay the Queen by Hemp, Mast trees, Tarr
and Pitch, or anything else, so that it may be
no damage to any man in his family.' Upon
these terms they will perform the contract, but
to be forced by any other contract to remain
upon the lands all their lives and work for her
Majesty for the ship use, that they will never
consent to doe. What does it signify, they say,
to promise them this land that they shall make
pitch and Tarr. They will be obedient to the
Queen, but they will have the promise kept that
Mr. Cast read to them in High Dutch in Eng-
land, and upon that land which was promised
them they will be there, and if they cannot they
desire three or four men may goe for England and
lay their case before the Queen. They say like-
wise there are a great many things promised
them — Clothing, household goods and working
tools wch they desire to have." "They say
further their people dye for want of care and
proper remedyes and desire money to subsist
themselves and lastly they say Mr. Cast told
them he'd make them slaves and therefore desire
his Excellent- to appoint another in his room.
" Whilst his Excellent- was talking to the
Deputies he received information that there was
a great body of men in arms on the other side of
i6
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the brook and having by that time a re-enforce-
ment of seventy men more, he marched the de-
tachment immediately and passed the brook,the
Palentines were run home to their houses. His
Excellency marched to the first village and
ordered them to bring in all their arms, which
they did immediately except a few. He could
goe no further that night, but the next morning
marched to ye other three villages on the same
side of the river and disarmed them all and
then returning to Mr. Livingston, sent orders to
the villages on the other side to bring in their
arms that day to the storehouse to be transport-
ed to him. which I believe they have done."*
The letter is lengthy, and having given an
idea of the Germans discontent and the extent
of the mutiny, we will not copy the remainder,
as the writer, in substance, " wonders how a
people can be so ungrateful to the Queen," and
that " Its hardly creditable that men who reap
so great a benefit as they doe by these people —
not only by the consumption of their provisions,
but by the increase of strength, should be so
malicious to possess them with notions so inju-
rious to themselves and prejudicial to Her
Majesty's Interest but yet it is so."
Whom those were that "possessed" the Ger-
mans we are unable to tell, but we are satisfied
that John Conrad Weiser, the List-master over
Queensbury, urged their disobedience, as we
find he was a very " malicious " man, in the
officials' estimation after removing to " Schorie."
Without doubt, great advantage was taken by
the officials over the Germans, especially by Mr.
Livingston, in furnishing the supplies; as he
was a shrewd, money-making man, and as more
modern "government contractors " do, stinted
in quality if not in quantity, to the detriment
of the stomachs of the Palatines. Various in-
terested men wrote to the London Board of
Trade in regard to the "maliciousness" of the
Germans, and without doubt that honorable body
had discussed the matter. Being aware, how-
ever.of the temptations held out for money-mak-
ing, a portion, at least, of that body, took a fair
view of the matter and one in particular, Lord
Clarendon, wrote to Lord Dartmouth in regard
to Mr. Livingston, as follows : —
" 1 think it is unhappy that Col. Hunter at
* London Documents.
his first arrival in his Government fell into so ill
hands, for this Livingston has been known for
many years in that province, for a very ill man.
He formerly victualed the forces at Albany, in
which he was guilty of most notorious frauds,
by which he greatly" improved his estate. He
has a Mill and a Brew-house upon his land, and
if he can get the victualing of those Palentines,
who are so conveniently posted for his purpose,
he will make a very good addition to his estate,
and I am persuaded, the hopes he has of such a
Subsistence to be allowed by Her Majesty, were
the chief, if not the only Inducements, that pre-
vailed with him to propose to Gov. Hunter, to
settle them upon his land, which is not the best
Place for Pine Trees. The borders of Hud-
son's River above Albany, and the Mohawk
River, Schenectady, are well known to be the
best places for Pines of all sorts, both for num-
bers, and largeness of Trees. *
My Lord, upon the whole matter, I am of the
opinion, that if the Subsistence proposed, be
allowed, the consequence will be, that Livings-
ton and some others will get Estates, and the
Palentines will not be richer."*
The Germans became convinced, no doubt,
that they had been deceived, either by their
misunderstanding the contract in England or
the dishonesty of those who read it to them,
and resolved to keep quiet, at least until after
the contemplated campaign against Canada.
In June of 1711, a secret expedition was
started from New York city, both by sea
and land, to . take Quebec from the French.
A land force was to form a junction with
the fleet before the city, and capture the
fortress. In July, Gen. Nicholson started with
the land force, and was joined at the "Camps"
by 300 of the Palatines, under the command
of Capt. John Peter Kneiskern, Conrad Weiser,
Hartman Windecker and J. Christopher Tucks.
The vessels encountered a heavy storm and
were driven back, and a few of them were
wrecked and failed to reach Quebec. The land
force waited impatiently for the vessels and at
last decided to return, which they did in the lat-
ter part of the August following. They found
that their families had been poorly provided for
and were upon the verge of starvation which
* London Documents, XVIII.
PETITION OF THK PALATINES TO KING GEORGE.
again aroused them to a sense of the injustice
with which they were dealt, and a deeper desire
to remove from the " Camps." Some of them
became "unwary," and settled upon lands be-
longing to others, and "ye justices" were or-
dered to cause them to return to their own set-
tlements, and in May, 1712, a detachment of
troops was ordered among them, as they " will
not obey orders without compulsion."
Upon the 6th of September, 1712, the Gov-
ernor wrote a Liter* to Mr. Cast, one of the
commissioners, the substance of which we will
here give ; and we desire its special notice, as
reference will be given to it again. He says : —
" I have at length exhausted all of my credit
I was master of, for the support of the Palen
tines; and have thereby, I assure you, embar-
rassed myself with difficulties, which I know not
how to surmount, if my bills of exchange be
not paid. • • * "
" When you call the people together, and
communicate together the present state of my
affairs, you will tell them, that I wish they would
accept any employment they may get from
farmers, and others in this Province, and New
Jersey, for their own, and their families support,
until they are recalled by Proclamation or other
public notice." *
Upon learning the situation of affairs from
Mr. Cast, the discontent became greater, and
since they were obliged to seek employment
elsewhere, and that, too, at the close of the
year, they concluded to embrace the opportunity
of seeking the " promised land Schorie," and
after years of " dhrouble " even in that imaginary
paradise, they sent a petition to King George —
as their devoted Queen Anne had gone to her
rest — laying their grievances before his Majesty,
which we will here copy as it gives us the true
dates, to verify in a measure that which we
have already noticed.
" The Condition, Greivances and oppressions
of the Germans In His Majesty's Province of
New York In America, 1720: —
"In the year 1709 was her late Majesty
Queen Anne most graciously pleased to send a
body of between 3 and 4000 Germans to New
York under the Inspection and Care of Robert
* Documentary History.
Hunter, then Governor there, with particular
Orders & Instructions to settle them upon lands
belonging to the Crown, and such as was most
proper for raising Tarr & Pitch and other Naval
stores.
" Before they left England they were promis'd
5 pounds in money pr. head, of which they have
received nothingat all. It was 1'kewise promis'd
that on their arrival there, Each of them should
receive Cloaths, Utensils, tools and other Con-
veniency's belonging to Husbandry, all which
were sent with them from England for their use
but of these they have received but little.
" They were moreover to have a grant of 40
acres of land to each person but it was never
perform'd.
"On their landing at New York they were
quartered in tents on the comon & divided in
six companies over each of which was a Cap-
tain appointed to Command them, (of which
number John Conrad Weiser arrived here in
London 1718) with an allowance of ^15 per
annum each but not one farthing has been
hitherto paid to them.
"About the same time took the Govern''
without & against their consent many children
from them and bound them to several of the In-
habitants of that province till they should arrive
to the age of 21 years, particularly two Sons
from Captain Weiser, one of twelve and another
of 13 years of age by which means they were
deprived of the comfort of their Childrens Com-
pany and Education as well as the assistance
6 Support they might in a small way have
reasonably expected from them.
" In the fall of that year, those that were liv-
ing [then it must be observed that during their
voyage thither and after their landing a great
number of them died] were removed to a tract
of land belonging to one Mr. Livingston where
they liv'd in houses, erected by themselves, till
the Spring following, when they were ordered to
the woods to make Tarr & Pitch and continued
there nearly two years, but as the land was im-
propper to raise any sort of naval stores in any
Considerable Quantity their labors turn'd to a
different account and the profits of building &
Improving the lands fell to a private person, they
not being able to make more than 200 barrels of
Pitch and tarr. The small prospect they had
x8
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
of being in a Capacity to serve the nation, who
had so generously & Charitably advanc'd very
great sums of money for their relief & Support
and the Impossibility there was of raising Corn,
Cattle & other provisions for their subsistence
on such ordinary & allmost barren land oblig'd
them to petition the aforesaid Governor that
they might be put in possession & settle on
the land Call'd Schorie which the Indians had
given to the late Queen Anne for their use, he
answered that tho the lands was theirs he could
nor would not take it from them, neither could
he settle them there, because it would oblige
him to maintain to many Garrisons.
"The said Governor thought fitt sometime
after to visit all the villages, where they were
settled and view the people there, who with one
Consent apply'd to him again, humbly praying
they might go and inhabit the above promis'd
land, upon which he in a passion stamped upon
the ground & said, here is your land (mean-
ing the almost barren rocks) where you must
live and die.
" The second year after our arrival were or-
ders sent to them to detach 300 able men to
serve on the late unfortunate expedition against
Canada, which they willingly & Cheerfully did,
and on their return, were their arms taken from
them, tho all that went on the expedition should
have kept them by her late Majesty's particular
Order without paying them any wages or Sallery,
(notwithstanding they were put on the Estab-
lishment of New York and New Jersey or both,
& the money received by the said Governor)
they marched home, where they found their
family's allmost starved, no provisions having
been given them during their absence.
" The Winter following did the Inhabitants
of the frontier Town of Albany desire the Gov-
ernor that they might have (being fearfull) the
assistance of some of them to strengthen ye
Garrison of that town from Invasion of the In-
dians in Conjunction with the French of Cana-
dy, which the Governor agreeing to, they went
accordingly, but were never paid.
" In the second year of their abode at Living-
ston's on the pitch wood, three of their people
were sent down to Col. Hunter, Petitioning
that he would be pleased to order them their
full allowance of provisions, which they never
hitherto had, to which he answered that they
should return home & he wou'd send orders
after them, and about 8 days after came
this surprising message from him, that he had
not received any subsistance for them from
England, & therefore every one of them must
shift for himself, but not out of the province.
" This was the latter end of the year and
winter just at hand which is very severe, there
being no provisions to be had, & the people
bare of Cloaths, which occasioned a terrible
Consternation amongst them & particully from
the women and children, the most pityful Cryes
and lamentations that have perhaps ever been
heard from any person under the most wretched
and miserable circumstances, so that they were
at last much against their wills, put under the
hard & greeting necessity of seeking releif from
the Indians. Upon which some of their Chiefs
were suddenly dispatch'd away to the Indians
by whom they were kindly received, & to whom
they open'd their miserable condition & that
being wholly cast off by the sd Governor, &
left destituted of the means of living elsewhere,
they intreated them to give 'em permission to
settle on the tract of land call'd Schorie which
they immediately granted, saying, they had
formerly given the sd land to Queen Anne for
them to possess and that nobody should hinder
them of it, and they would assist them as farr
as they were able. Whereupon these chiefs
returned to the people acquainting them of the
Indians favorable disposition.
" This put the people in some heart & find-
ing it absolutely necessary to embrace1 that
opportunity so providently bestowed on them
all hands fell to work and in 2 weeks Clear'd a
way thr' the woods of 15 miles long with the
utmost toyle and labor, tho almost starved &
without bread. Which being effected 50 family's
were immediately sent to Schorie when being
arrived £ allmost settled they there received
orders from the Governor, not to goe upon that
land & he who did so shou'd be declared a
Rebell.
" This message sounded like thunder in their
ears, and surprised them beyond expression,
but having seriously weighed matters amongst
themselves & finding no manner of likelyhood
of subsisting Elsewhere but a certainty of perish-
PETITION OF THE PAIATINKS TO KING GEORGE.
ing by hunger, Cold, etc., if they returned, they
found themselves under the fatal necessity of
hazzarding the Gov'" Resentment, that being
to all more Eligible than Starving.
"In the same year in March did the remain-
der of the people (tho treated by the Governor
as Pharao treated the Israelites) proceed on
their journey & by Gods assistance, travell'd in
fourtnight with sledges tho the snow which
there covered the ground above 3 foot deep,
Cold & Hunger, Joyn'd their friends and Coun-
tryman in the promised land Schorie.
" The number of Germans who came hither to
search for bread for themselves, their wifes and
children, were more than the land already
granted them by the Indians cou'd supply with
settlements & some of the people of Albany
endeavoring to purchase the land around em
from the Indians on purpose to close them up,
and deprive them of any rang for their Cattel,
they were obliged to solicit all the Indian
Kings there adjoining for more land, which
they willingly granted 'em & sold 'em the rest
of the land at Schorie being woods Rocks and
pastaridg for 300 pieces of Eight.
"No sooner had Governor Hunter notice of
their settlement and agreement with the Indians
but he ordered one Adam Vroman to endeavor
to pursuade the Indians to break the agreement
made.
" Upon the first settlement of this land the
misery's of those poor & almost famished
Creatures underwent were incredable, & had it
not been for the Charity of the Indians, who
shew'd them where to gather some eatable roots
and herbs, must inevitably have perished, every
soul of them, but what God said in Anger to
Adam was in mercy fulfilled viz Thou shall eat
the herbs of the fields, when they continued
about one year on this land, build small houses
and huts and made other Improvements thereon,
with their bloody sweat & labor and under the
most greivous hardships & dayly hazard of their
lives from the French & Indian Enemy's, as
well as from those more dreadful ones, Cold &
Hunger, severall Gentlemen Came to them from
Albany, declaring they had bought that land of
Gov. Hunter & if they intentioned to live
thereon they must agree with them, to which
demand these poor people answered. That the
land was the Kings and that they were the Kings
subjects and had no power to agree to anything
about his Majesty's lands without his special
order, upon which these Gentleman said, Wee
are Kings of this land, but the Germans reply'd
that their King was in England, & that the land
shou'd not be taken from them without his
Majesty's particular order.
"Sometime after did these gentleman send
the Sheriff with some others upon the land and
to take the sd Captain by force, dead or alive,
but he having timely notice of it was on his
Guard so they were prevented.
"These Gentleman finding the Inhabitants
resolut in keeping possession of the lands, they
had thus improved and from whence they drew
the only support to themselves and familys fell
on an other project which was Clandestinely
and basely to endeavor to sew Enmity betwixt
them and the Indians and if possible to pur-
suade them (for Money or Rumm) to put them
in possession of the land and declare them right-
ful owners thereof, but in this they also fail'd,
tho not without great trouble & charge to those
poor people who were forced to put themselves
on the mercy of the Indians by giving them out
of their nothing and begg of them, that since
they had so long suckled them at their breast,
not to ween them so soon and cast them off.
" In the spring of 1715 the Gentleman from
Albany sent a man to affix some papers on the
land, Containing in Substance that whoever of
the Inhabitants shou'd see those papers must
either agree with them or leave the land.
" This with their threatenings being done in
the Spring, the best planting time for Indian
corn (the chief of their subsistance) damp'd the
spirits of these poor people — slackened their
Industry & did 'em great damage.
" In the year 1717 came the Governor to Al-
bany and sent orders to the Inhabitants of the
land Schorie that 3 men of every village shou'd
appear before him on a day appointed and par-
ticularly the above mentioned Captain Weiser.
" When they appeared before him, he said
that he would hang John Conrad Weiser and or-
dered them to answer him the 3 following ques-
tions viz: —
" ist, Why they went to inhabit the land
Schorie without his order ?
20
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
" 2(1 Why they would not agree with the
people of Albany ?
" 3d. Why they concerned themselves so
much with the Indians?
"Their answer to the fiist question was, that
his Kxcell'cy had ordered them to shift for them
selves & denied them further subsistance, the
utmost necessity and poverty forced them to
remove thither to earn their bread for the main-
tainance of their wifes and children and that they
continued their settlement on the same motives
in expectation of His Majesty's Grace and His
Excell'c)r favor.
" When they mentioned his Majesty the Gov-
ernor in a passion said What Great Britian &
Mr. Leivingston added, here is yr King, mean-
ing the Governor. Whereupon they beg'd his
pardon, and that he would forgive them their
Ignorance and Inadvertency.
" To the second question they returned their
answer that the people were so many, the land
so small and the wages so bad, that it was im-
possible to agree with the gentleman on their
extravagant terms, especially after the vast ex-
pense and labor they had had, not mentioning,
that the Indians had given it to the Crown for
their use and that there was no direction imedi-
ately from his Majesty to confirm it to them,
they being sent over with a promise of so much
land pr head and if they served any body it
must be the King and not a privat person.
" They answered to the 3d point, that because
they lived on the borders of the French as a
Frontier & were liable to their dayly insults
against whom they could scarcely stand, they
were obliged to keep fair with the friendly In-
dians amongst whom they dwelt, which was the
only way to be protected and live in peace.
" Governor Hunter then ordered that those
who wou'd not agree with or turn tenants to
those Gentleman from Albany, to whom he had
sold the land for 1500 pistoles shou'd remove
from their habitations and Improvements &
that they should make two lists, one of those
that wou'd agree the other of those that wou'd
not agree with the Gentleman & and that he
soon expected an order from England to trans-
plant them to another place, but no such thing
was performed.
" They then most submissively remonstrated
with the Gov. how hard it would be to leave &
abandon their houses, lands and Improvements
for nothing beside that they were indebted for
other necessary's, thereupon Gov. Hunter an-
swered, that he would send 12 men to examine
their works and Improvements and give them
money to pay their debts but it was never per-
formed.
" The winter following they sent 3 men to
New York to the Governor humbly beseaching
him to grant them liberty to plough the lands
or otherwise take care of them, but he answered,
What is said is said, meaning the Prohibition
of plowing at Albany
"This was a thunder clap in the ears of their
wifes & children and the lamentations of all
the people increased to such a hight and their
necessity's grew so great, that they were forc'd
for their own preservation to transgress those
orders and sew some Summer Corn and fruits
or Else they must have starv'd.
" These Gentleman have thrown one of their
women in Prison at Albany, who still continues
there also a man for ploughing the land and will
not release him till he gives One Hundred
Crown's security, the same has also happened
to others.
" The Governor sent orders, that all the
Germans should take their oaths of being faith-
ful and withal to pay 8 shillings pr head, which
they willingly agreed to, in hopes of a settle-
ment, but this with all the promices formally
made, unto them was in vain."
[Endorsed] " Greivances of the
Palentins in New York
Rd Aug 2oth 1722."
CHAPTER II.
THE FOREGOING CHAPTER REVIEWED — EX-
PENSE OF GERMANS — REVIEW OF THE GER-
MAN MOVEMENTS — LOCATED AT SCHORIE —
THEIR HARDSHIPS JUDGE BROWN'S AC-
COUNT— FIGHT — INDIANS OK WHAT TRIBE
—HUNTING GROUNDS — KA-RIG-HON-DON-TEE
THE CHIEF — SALE OF LANDS BY Gov. HUN-
TER— SCHUYLER AND CoEYMAN's PURCHASE
—Gov. HUNTER'S DEFENSE TO THE BOARD
OK TRADE — BAYARD'S VISIT TO SCHOHARIE
RF.VIEW OF THE EARLY PALATINE SETTLF.M I.NTS.
21
I;MED LANDS — SHERIKK ADAMS — •
ADAM V ROMAN— THE GKRMANS TRKSPASS
UPON HIM — His LETTER TO Gov. HTNIKR
-Tun FOURTH OF JULY SPIRIT— OFFICIAL
CORRUPTION — -HUNTER'S ORDER OF ARRF.ST
— WEISER IN ENGLAND— CONFINED IN THE
TOWER — CLARK'S LETTER— JEREMY LONG'S
COUNCIL FOR GERMANS PURCHASE OF
LANDS IN 1719 — LOCATION OF WEISER'S
DORF — OTHER DORFS — SPREAD OF SETTLE-
MENTS— MODE OF LIVING — IMPLEMENTS —
NEGRO SLAVES AND CUSTOMS — INDIANS —
THEIR PETITION — NUMBER OF THEM IN
SCHOHARIE— MILITARY AFFAIRS— DIVISION OF
ALBANY COUNTY — EARLY OFFICIALS.
TjERHAPS we have drawn too freely upon doc-
j_ umentary history to be pleasing, as it is con-
sidered by the general reader to be uninteresting.
But we are aware that our County's history
has been written — its life and character drawn,
and long years ago its fac-simile impressed upon
the minds of her people in a different light
from that which the foregoing chapter casts, and
to make such contrary assertions without proof,
would be useless. Therefore, we produce these
copies raked from dusty archives to prove the
facts, and from them we glean much that must
change the impressions that conjecture and tra-
dition have made, however much we have been
content with the well told and pleasing tale.
It will be seen that it was the intention of
Gov. Hunter to settle the Germans at " Schorie "
upon their landing at New York, as by his let-
ter to the Board of Trade, he had sent the sur-
veyors there to lay out their lots — also through
the petition, that the Indians had given the land
for that purpose.
It was so understood by the Palatines while
in England, and we have not a doubt but they
were made to believe that they were to have forty
acres each with necessary utensils, immediately
after landing, or they would not in their honest
simplicity have so persistently petitioned to the
Governor and King to that end.
But the officials required them to pay the ex-
pense their immigration had incurred, in pitch and
tar, before any farther movements were made.
Hunter's sole excuse for not settling them in
the "promised tax) Scborie," was that it "would
incur too great expense to maintain a gairison
for their protection from the invasion of ye
French and French Indians" — -while he kept
them at the camps at an expense tothe govern
ment of from eight to twelve hundred pounds
each month. After they came to Schoharie
they did not cost the government a single farth-
ing for their subsistence. The fact was, as Lord
Clarendon wrote, that " Gov. Hunter fell in
very ill hands " when he concurred in Mr. Liv-
ingston's scheme to employ and subsist the Ger-
mans, and His Lordship's words proved true
that "Livingston and some others will get es-
tates and the Palatines will not be the richer."
There was a speculation in the labors and sub-
sistence of the Germans, and they knew it, and
for their persistent efforts to obtain a recom-
pense for their labors in desirable homes for
their families and a plentiful amount of eatables,
they were stigmatized by the officials as ignorant
and willfully obstinate. In reviewing the peti-
tion of 1720 and letters which we have copied,
we learn that they landed in New York in June,
1710, and were taken to Livingston's manor in
the fall of that year.
In the spring of 1711 they commenced
making tar and pitch, and in June following,
three hundred of them joined the Canadian
expedition. Here we will stale that John Con-
rad Weiser, Hartman Windecker and others,
whom all writers agree were among the first
settlers in the Schoharie valley — were on that
expedition from June to October, which con-
futes the statement of the Schoharie settle-
ments being made in 1711.
During the winter of 1711 and 1712 many
were sent to Albany to strengthen the garrison,
while others were working " in the pines,"
where they remained " nearly two years " from
the spring of 1711. That " nearly two years "
extended to the winter of 1712 and 1713, when
Gov. Hunter's supplies gave out as seen by his
letter to Mr. Cast, of September, 1712, granting
them permission to work for fanners, and inter-
preted by the Germans in the petition to "shift
for themselves."
The sending of their "chiefs" (List-masters,)
to treat with the Indians, must have been in
22
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the fall, and the arrival of the first party in the
Schoharie valley must have been after the ist
day of January, 1713, as we find, that "the
same year in March, did the remainder of the ist
people proceed on their journey," showing con-
clusively, that all arrived in the same year, and
not at an earlier date, than between the ist of
January and April, 1713. Then, we find the
List-masters named here, at the Schoharie
valley, where Middleburgh now stands, and
then known as " VVeisersdorf." The number
that came is not known, but the fifty families
that first sought the valley would number one
hundred and seventy-five, according to the
average of the whole, at the camps. But how
many families came a short time after, or how
many the "remainder that came in March"
numbered, we are unable to say.
In 1718 a census was taken to obtain the
number of inhabitants in the province of New
York, and Joshua Kocherlhal and John Fred-
erick Hager were commissioned to report the
number found along the Hudson, Mohawk and
Schoharie. • They reported seven villages or
"dorfs" at Schoharie " consisting of 170 fam-
ilies, containing six hundred and eighty souls."*
Being located at "Schorie, the promised land,"
in the midst of winter, we cannot conceive the
amount of hardships they were compelled to
endure. Their petition expresses in a manner
their deep troubles, but words, we know, were
inadequate to " tell the tale." Arriving, as they
did when there were three feet of snow upon
the ground, without shelter or food and undoubt-
edly with but little clothing, in a desolate and
unknown wilderness, with none to aid but a few
half-starved savages, we, who enjoy ourselves
so luxuriantly upon the broad acres they regen-
erated from the wilderness, are unable to im-
agine their critical condition. But with deter-
mined purposes, they overcame all obstacles.
They lived upon roots and herbs, found so plen-
tifully near the Indian encampment. But when
warm, and gentle spring came, melting the snow
and ice from the hills and valleys, with what heart-
felt gratitude they must have returned thanks to
the Divine Head for their deliverance from the
frosty chains of unmerciful winter !
I mmediately they commenced planting.and the
* Consult Chapter 16.
richness of the soil soon furnished them with an
abundance of eatables. Brown, in his Pamph-
let History, says that the first settlers came from
the camps, by way of Albany, and upon arriv-
ing at the Helleberg, and enjoying ablutions by a
creek, the lice washed off from their bodies
floating down the stream, gave it the appella-
tion of " Louse Creek." He also tells us of a free
fight from some unknown cause between those
pioneers. We do not wish to contradict so
good an authority as Judge Brown nor will we
deny that such proceedings were enacted ; but
it does not look reasonable, that the settlers
whom we have followed from the camps in the
depth of winter would have come by the way of
Albany as at that tirr.e there was a road upon
the east side of the river from New York to
Albany, which would have made it useless for
them to have cut a road through the woods as
the petition states. Besides, at the time these
settlers " proceeded on their journey, with snow
three feet deep," and nearly starved, we cannot
think they would stop to take an out-door bath
on the summit of the Helleberg. While we are
perfectly willing, indeed anxious, to accord to
every object, whether man, beast, or louse, all
credit due for acts, especially endurance, we
cannot think that either the Germans or lice,
could "stand the test" upon that mountain, in
mid-winter.
Without doubt, some of the Germans that
were sent to Albany to strengthen the garrison,
joined their countrymen atWeisers in the spring
of 1713 or '14, and being disappointed in not
having an opportunity of displaying their "mar-
tial spirits" at the garrison by a conflict with "ye
French and French Indians," concluded to have
a private rough and tumble upon the mountain,
and leave a mark of their "inroads," if not upon
trees, stones and earth — upon ribs, shins and
noses.
There was an Indian path leading to the
Schoharie valley from the Hudson river near
Catskill, over which the Stockbridge and Mohe-
gan hunters and visitors travelled, that the first
German settlers, no doubt, followed; as we
believe they came direct from the camps, over
hills and along valleys, without making the cir-
cuitous route by the way of Albany, and the
" three weeks cutting a way through the wil-
THE SCHOHARIE TRIBE OF INDIANS.
derness," was in making a road to intersect the
Indian path at the nearest point from the camps.
Upon the advent of the whites, a small tribe
of Indians occupied the Schoharie valley, but at
what particular time they congregated, as a dis-
tinct tribe, or branch of the Mohawks, is not
known. We can only conjecture and indefi-
nitely date their organization from the time
those tribes from which they came began to
disband by the progressive march of the whites
upon their possessions, or through repeated
wars.
The " Schoharie Tribe" was a mongrel one,
made up of different tribes, and numbering, ac-
cording to Brown, about three hundred warriors.
The Mohegans, of the Thames and Yantic
of Connecticut, were stationed in considerable
numbers, near the present Middleburgh village.
The native tribe once numbered thousands,
but by numerous wars with the Mohawks and
Narragansetts, were reduced to a few hundreds.
At the death of Uncas, their venerated chief,
in 1683, quite a number left the tribe and with-
out doubt sought a home among the Mohawks,
and were placed by them in the Schoharie
valley.
Oweneco, the son of Uncas, succeeded his
father as chief and with a few followers remained
near the graves of their fathers, living upon the
charity of the English, to whom their camps
and hunting grounds were sold. In 1710,
Oweneco died, and another scattering was made,
and perhaps another addition to the Schoharie
tribe.
A band of Stockbridge Indians, also, was
here but could not have come as early as the
Mohegans, unless they were refugees from the
native tribe for misconduct or crimes, from the
fact that the tribe remained nearly intact up to,
or near, the year 1700. A squad of Tuscaroras,
too, united with them, but at what time, tra-
dition does not tell. In 1712, the Tuscaroras
united with the Five Nations, but by a letter we
read several years ago, written by an Indian
trader in 1711, the tribe was represented in the
valley at that time. There being a few of the
Delaware Indians here mingled with the whole,
perhaps the Tuscaroras came with them, led by
the fascinating hunting-grounds, unless they were
refugees from the council fires.
When we look over the hills and valleys of
Schoharie, we cannot imagine but that they
were once noble hunting and fishing grounds that
would excite the envy of any Nimrod or Walton
whether he were savage or civilized ; and pre-
vious to the formation of the Schoharie tribe, we
believe they were trodden by the Mohawk and
Delaware hunters in quest of the abundance of
deer, bears, foxes and panthers that were found
here. For lovers of such sports to have built
their wigwams upon such grounds, would not
seem strange, but on the contrary very consis-
tent. These different squads, with different
dialects and perhaps customs, settled separately,
but were subjects of Ka-rig-hon-don-tee, whom
the Mohawks placed here as their chief. Tra-
dition tells us that he was a captive Canadian
Indian chief, and married a Mohawk squaw.
Brown says, his " father-in law sent him there,
and gave him land, for fear that the Mohawks
would kill him when they got drunk, as they
bore a great enmity to the French." Allowing
that the Mohegans came in 1683, the Stock-
bridges, in 1700, and the Tuscaroras a few years
later, we can but see that the "make up" of
the tribe was but a few years previous to the
settlement of the whites. Various places
through the County bear the marks of Indian
encampments and burial places, that would lead
us to think were far back of those dates. Un-
doubtedly the whole territory of the present
County, was occupied by the confederate tribes
and the Delawares, Stockbridges, Mohegans,
Narragansetts, and many others, as hunting-
grounds as far back as any other portion of the
country. When the whites settled along the
Schoharie valley the Indians were marked as
being a revengeful, murderous set, which gives
us the impression that they were the scum, as
it were, of the tribes from which they came.
The Mohegans, as a tribe, were ever friends to
the whites, but much to the discredit of the
whites they many times proved traitors to the
Indians' confidence in them.
The Stockbridge tribe, also, were a quiet and
friendly people when used by the English with
any degree of kindness and fairness, and the
friendship of the Tuscaroras towards our strug-
gling forefathers, through the Revolution, should
suffice for us to think well of them.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
In comparing the general characters of each
tribe with their representatives in the valley,
we cannot but believe that they were the out-
casts from each, or, as termed by the white
man's code, criminals.
To follow up traditionary tales of noble In-
dian tribes is a pleasing and interesting task
and to the competent, doubly pleasing it must
be to reverberate, to after ages, their heroic
deeds and valorous exploits. But to chronicle
the characters and acts of the Schoharie tribe
would prove to be no embellishment to the
meagre history of the ;' untutored savage." We
have before us a deed dated Oct. 7, 1722, given
by Adam Vroman to his son John, conveying
a piece of land upon a part of which the chief
resided. The writing states that, " I (Adam
Vroman,) promised to several scachams when I
bought the land of them, that Ca-ree-ah-dun-kah
should be allowed to live where he now lives, as
long as he chooses, and reserve for his use,
where he lives." The land was sold lor " twen-
ty morgans of land," and without doubt was that
lying by the " Dovegatt," in Vromansland where
the castle was built. The writer of the deed was
an excellent penman, and to judge by the lan-
guage used, a fair scholar, that would be apt to
write the chief's name as pronounced by the In-
dians with whom he was conversant, with more
accuracy than Judge Brown who came at a much
later date, and wrote when at an advanced age.
After the Germans had been settled over one
year and received many threatenings from the
Governor and in fact had a few of their num-
ber imprisoned, Gov. Hunter sold to Myndert
Schuyler and others the land upon each side of the
river from a point above Middleburgh down the
stream, to one on the same river between the old
ferry opposite Sloansville and Esperance bridge.
It was intended to take in all the " flats " but
the stream being very crooked below Jacob Vro-
man's — along the Lendrtim farm and those ad-
joining, the lines ran over the hill, instead of
keeping with the stream, (the points of com-
pass not being changed.) The line bore con-
siderably to the east of north and if continued
on in the same course would have met the
stream again below Esperance, but at a point
upon the hill back of Lendrum's the course was
changed nearly to the northwest, and ran to
the river as before mentioned.
From the point the course was changed
upon the hill to the Schoharie stream or con-
fluence of the Cobleskill, a wide space was left
unclaimed. Simms says : :' Morris and Coey-
mans were sent to survey this tract, purchased
by Schuyler and others, and finding this space
not included in the grant, purchased the same
themselves." But we find they did not take
the whole of that space, but A. Van Cortlandt
*n J7S3 upon a careful survey, found a tract
lying between Schuyler's and Coeymans' not
disposed of and purchased it.*
Hunter, knowing the fact of the promise of
these lands in England to the Germans and
that they were upon it and doing well— without
cost to the government and it being unoccupied
land, showed himself to be a very unjust and
obstinate official.
* There appears to have been fourteen purchasers of
the lands at Schoharie, among whom were several
officials then acting, whose names did not appear in
some of their transactions. We found an unpublished
document in the office of the Secretary of State, under
the charge of Mr. B. Fernow, (to whom we are in-
debted for many favors,) which we here copy, and
which determines at what time the troubles were
brought to a close : —
"NEW YORK, Sept. 23d, 1722.
Gentlemen :
Mr. Van Dam informs us that you want our accounts
concerning Schohare, it may be so, but is it not as
reasonable that we should have yours. We are of the
opinion with you that the affair should be bro' to a con-
clusion, And the Lands Divided. We know no better
way to do it, than for you to come down and bring all
your accounts, yours * * * interchangably delivered
we may then finish that affair if there be Power from
you all so to do. We consent to a division of the
Lands in 14 Equal shares that James Livingston
to be surveyor appointed to that work on the
terms already agreed on with him, that he or you may
hire chain Bearers but that if any of you think to be
present it must be at his or your own expense. That
when the Survey to be made and the place of division be
furnished, it to be sent to us and when any of you come
to York on your Private affairs we will then draw lots for
we are desirous to Save Expense as much as possible.
Lett the Chain bearers be some of the Inhabitants of
Schohare of good understanding whom you may hire
cheaper than it will be to cary them from Albany
To We are Gentleman
W. WASSENERS Your Humble Serv
MYNDERT SCHUYLER RIP VAN DAM
ROBT LIVINGSTON GEORGE CLARK
P. O. BENYAR PHIL LIVINGSTON "
JOHN SCHUYLER
NICHOLAS BAYARD'S VISIT TO SCHOHARIK.
In after years when questioned in regard to
this act by the London Board of Trade, he
wrote, "They went and took possession of the
Lands, granted to several persons at New York
and Albany, against repeated orders." While
they " took possession of these lands against
repeated orders," they were not sold to the
New York and Albany gentlemen until the
3d of November, 1714; and he says — "in
compassion to the innocent women and chil-
dren, I prevailed with the proprietors of these
lands to make them an offer of the lands free
from all rent, or an acknowledgment for ten
years, and ever after, at a very moderate quit-
rent." It was these gentlemen, of whom the
petition speaks, as trying to induce them to
become tenants here, as they were at home, in
Germany. But the Germans were not to be
moved by sweet songs of selfish sirens, or en-
trapped by quit-rents for all time to come.
It was a short time previous to the sale of
these lands that the Bayard, of whom Brown
and Simms speak, came to offer free titles to all
who would appear before his august presence
with an ear of corn. Had such an offer been
made, we think Gov. Hunter would have so
stated to the Board of Trade, when he so faintly
defended himself against the accusations brought
forward by his enemies, as he called them. If
Bayard did appear in the valley offering free
titles, we believe he came without Royal
Authority.
In Hunter's letter of July 24, 1710, we find
that the surveyors were sent upon lands in
Schorie, they being "resumed lands of Col.
Bayard's grant." To explain the last quoted
paragraph, we shall be obliged to call the atten-
tion of the reader to the " Report of the Board
of Trade to Her Majesty in Council," as copied
in Chapter I, which says : —
" Your Majesty was pleased by your orders
in Council of the z6th of June, 1708, to con-
firm an act passed at New York the 2nd of
March, 1693 and '9, for vacating several ex-
travagant Grants, Whereby large tracts of Land
have returned to your Majesty."
Farther on it speaks of lands " lying along
the creek running into the Mohawk (Schoharie)
which contains between 24 and 30 miles in
length." This extravagant grant was given to
Colonel Nicholas Bayard, and taken from
him, regardless of his official services, and un-
doubtedly his feelings were not very charitable
towards the Government for so doing, and
thought that by giving the Palatines free titles
they would cause the Government trouble in
their removal. He must have come for himself
and not the Government, and the shame that
Judge Brown felt in writing the account of the
affair might have been saved, had he searched
records instead of listening to the plausible
story of the Colonel's descendants. Many such
family traditions are related to show the ances-
tor's prominence, which, when stripped of the
probabilities with which they are enwrapped,
prove to be mere magic skeletons, "without
form and voice." Not long after the purchase
of the lands by Schuyler and others, Sheriff
Adams of Albany was sent to dispossess the
Germans and was rudely received and waited
upon by the sturdy women of the settlements,
as told by Brown in too plain English to be pub-
lished here. In 1711, Adam Vroman, an Indian
trader living at Schenectady, upon one of his
expeditions purchased a tract of land of the na-
tives now called " Vroman's Land." Not having
the proper utensils for surveying it, he paced off
the tract and called it four hundred acres, for
which he gave one hundred and ten gallons of
rum and a few blankets.
When the Germans came in 1713, they ac-
quainted the Indians with the fact that the tract
contained a larger number of acres, and that
they had been cheated by Vroman. This
caused them to possess an enmity towards him
and to refuse to barter with him for his goods.
For this act Vroman complained to the Gover-
nor in a very plaintive manner, and " desired
him to attende to the seditious Palentines." He
also applied for and obtained a grant of the land
to him in 1714.
Instead of its being but four hundred acres,
the grant gives the same tract an acreage of
eleven hundred. In after years Vroman pro-
cured another title from the Indians, perhaps to
satisfy them of his honest intentions. In 1715
Vroman commenced building a house upon his
land, and the Germans being jealous of his
purchase, or, in truth believing he was sent to
"hem them in," as they stated in the petition,
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
-•
took the responsibility of trespassing upon his
domains in a very riotous manner; as will be
seen by Vroman's letter, written from Schenec-
tady to Gov. Hunter bearing the date of " the
9th day of July, 17 >5-"
" May it please Your Excellency—
" As in duty bound by my last to you, I
give your Exc'y an acct How the Palintines
threatened In a Rebellious manner, If I should
build or manure the land at Schore that your
Excell'cy- was pleased to Grant me a Patent for,
and it Please your Excellency, I have manured
a great part of the land, and sowed Consider-
able grain thereon ; they still drove their horses
on it by night. I then hired my sons to go with
me, and build me a house. I was there and was
making a stone house 23 foot squar, and had so
high so that I had Layd the Beames for the
Chamber. I, having at the same time an Indian
house about 200 yards off, for myself, workmen,
and negroe to sleep in, but on the 4th day of
this Instant, In ye night, following, they had a
contryvance to tie bells about horses necks, and
drive them too and fro, In which time they
pulled my House, Stones and all to the Ground,
the next day I spok with some of them, and
they used such Rebellious Expressions, that was
never heard off; but they told me before now,
when they done all they would run among the
Indians. John Conradus Wiser has been the ring
leader of all factions, for he has had his son
spme time to Live among the Indians, and now
he is turned their Interpreter, so that this Wiser
and his son talk with the Indians very often,
and have made treates for them, and have been
busy to buy land at many places, which is Con-
trary to your Excellency's Proclamation, and
has made the Indians drunk to that degree to
go and mark off Land with them ; and I am no
wayse secure of my life their, for after I came
away, they went and pulled my son off of the
waggon, and beat him, and said they would kill
him, or his father or any body else that came
their ; so that my son .was forced to come away.
Likewise they say they care for nobody. John
Conradus Wiser, and 2 or 3 more has made their
escape by way of Boston, and have said they
would go for England, but has left his Son,
which is their Interpreter, to the Indians, and
every day tells the Indians many lies, whereby
much mischeife may Ensue, more than we now
think off, and is much to be feared, for the time
I have been their, I have made a diligent scru-
tiny into all their actions, but I dont find a
great many Concerned with this Wiser and' his
Son, in their disobedient, unlawful and Rebel-
lious Proceedings. I am well Informed who are
their cheifes ; for those that are good subjects
among them, and will not Joyn with them, are
afraid the others will burn their houses down by
their threatening words. And please you I could
Enlarge much more of their misdemeanors but
for fear of trebling yr Excellency too much, I
shall beg your Excellency's pardon all this time,
and Ever Remain your Excellency's most Hum-
ble and Obedient Servant to Command.
ADAM VROMAN.
Schenectady, July J
the gth day i 7 i 5 V
In haste." )
By this letter of Vroman's, we find him ac-
cusing the Palatines of getting the Indians
drunk, which was an accusation brought against
Vroman in the petition.
Much obstinacy, as well as ignorance, is
shown in such acts, for which we are not apt to
have much compassion. But in their case we
must remember, that they believed that the
Queen had given " Schorie " to them, and that
by machinations they had been deprived of their
rights, and that an attempt was being made by
Vroman's settlement near by, to take advantage
in some way of them, Vroman acting for
others.
We have the story of both parties but we
will let the reader decide for himself as to
which was in the right. We know that Vroman
had this advantage — any request of his to Gov.
Hunter, would be granted while the Palatines
petitioned to that dignitary in vain.
Knowing this they took the matter in their
own hands, and upon the night of the ever
memorable Fourth of July, " Rebelliously pulled
the house down, and trampled upon the grain."
Some spirit of " Rebellion " partial to the
glorious Fourth seems to have been implanted in
the Anglo-Saxon heart, years and years ago, that
with just or unjust cause has given to monarchy
— whether individually or collectively — a para-
lytic stroke, that will, in a few more years, cause
its whitened and brittle bones to be laid away in
WKISF.R CONFINED IN THK TOWER OF LONDON.
27
the seething pit which its avarice and cruelty
have been constructing for ages to receive.
Living in these days of " official corruption,
that stalks forth defiantly, even at noon's broad
light," fearless of condemnation, as in its num-
berless friends is its strength and security
and knowing the conspiracies, formed by such,
to control and obtain the "Almighty dollar," we
can but think, that a speculation in the labors
of the Palatines, at the camps, was fostered by
the officials, and engendered by Robert Living-
ston ; and when they could no longer hold them
at that place, measures were taken to make
them a poor tenantry at Schoharie. They
believed this, and in order to avoid it, acted ac-
cordingly, and when the "Council of His Ma-
jesty " received the petition, they also believed
it, as one of them had given his views to that
effect, over six years before. Passing on to the
22nd of Tuly, the same month in which the tres-
passes were committed, the Governor having
had ample time to receive Vroman's letter,
issued the following warrant to arrest Conrad
Weiser :—
" Gentlemen : — I am informed that one
John Conradus Wiser, Covenanted Servant of
His Majesty, who has been Guilty of Several
Mutinous, Riotous, and other disobedient and
Illegal practices, is now skulking in your county,
to avoid punishment, you are therefore on sight,
thereof, to issue your Warrant, for the Appre-
hending the said Wiser, and to cause him to be
sent down in safe Custody, to the City of New
York, that he may be proceeded against, as the
nature of his Crimes shall require, hereof fail
not.
" To the Justices of the Peace of the Co. of
Albany, or any of them. To the Justices of
the Peace of the Co. of Dutchess, or any of
them."
Vroman thought Weiser had " gone for Eng-
land," but, expecting that his arrest would be
made, he kept secreted, no doubt, and did not
go there until the year 1718. As soon as he
arrived and made himself known, they found he
was just the man they wanted, "the ring-leader
of all Rebellious and illegal practices," and of
course locked him up in the town. We have no
proof that he was caught and required to pay a
fine, or imprisoned for trespasses, before that
time. We think he had escaped all. But what
a long list of "Crimes" was brought against
him, all at once ! Weiser had time enough,
now, to ponder, and be Wiser, still.
Sitting within those massive walls that had
once held the great and mighty, his case was a
lone one and perhaps it was well that he was
uneducated, and ignorant of the fate of his
predecessors, as headless ghosts of Kings,
Queens and other high officials, would certainly
have made his confinement hideous.
While Weiser was perhaps cogitating upon
the ills of human life, and sighing for the "re-
union of friends" around the Schoharie hearth-
stone, though humble — the petition we have
copied was laid before the council. Hunter was
removed, and William Burnet appointed in his
place as governor. Hunter, to prove that he
had subsisted the Palatines, pursuant to the
Queen's orders, sent a certificate to Secretary
Clarke, requesting him to get them to sign it.
Clarke put it in the hands of the governor and
others, who told them, that unless they signed
it, they should not have the lands promised them.
The majority of them refused, and as Secretary
Clarke wrote to Mr. Walpole, Nov. 27, 1722,
" purchased land in Pennsylvania, and are de-
termined to go thither, thus the Brigadier (Hun-
ter) is baulked, and this province deprived of a
good frontier of a hardy and Laborious people."
The petition was before " His Majesty's Com-
missioners for Trade and Plantations " on the
6th of September, 1720, and "Jeremy Long
appeared in behalf of the Palatines " and exam-
ined General Nicholson in regard to the prom-
ises made the Germans. He stated that he
only knew " that he had three hundred of them
on the Expedition to Montreal " and were sub-
sisted while there, and as to the arms then used
" he knew of no direction " in regard to them.
Mr. Long being unable to make proof of any
of the particulars set forth in the Petition, he
was made acquainted that copies of the several
papers relating to them would be transmitted to
Mr. Burnet, Governor of New York Province,
and it was observed to Mr. Long that it seemed
" that several of the Palatins had behaved
themselves very undutifully to his Majesty and
his late Governor of that province."
Weiser was released, and as soon as he re-
28
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
turned, sometime in 1722 or '23, with several of
his followers he immigrated to Pennsylvania
upon the lands referred to by Secretary Clarke.
We have herein laid >before the reader the
circumstances connected with the first settle-
ment of Schoharie, and given such facts as are
of interest, relating to the difficulties the Ger-
mans experienced from their landing in Amer-
ica, to Weiser's grand retirement from the
"promised land." Their troubles have been
accorded to their ignorance, but we think too
well of them and believe they knew too much
for the scheming officials that were placed over
them, to be trapped by their snares. The lands
were purchased for a nominal sum in 1719 and
'20, and a " spreading out " was made, and by
the year 1730 they were settled in seven differ-
ent hamlets, called "dorfs;" an appellation
given in Germany to farm villages. Upon lo-
cating in the valley in the winter of 1713, it
cannot fairly be supposed that they settled each
of the seven dorfs during the same season, as
tradition has intimated, as they were too desti-
tute and uncertain of their lands. The first
settlement was made where the beautiful village
of Middleburgh now stands, and was named
after the " ringleader of Rebellious practices,"
and known as " Weiser's Dorf."
The time from their arrival to the opening of
spring undoubtedly, was occupied in building
huts, and while they were being constructed
they and their families were the " guests " of
their Indian friends. If they had been located by
Governmental agents or had been acquainted
with the country we should not consider it
strange if all of the seven dorfs had been estab-
lished in one season, but being fugitives, un-
acquainted with the valley and destitute of the
necessaries of life, each depending on the other
for protection from the Savages and assistance
to build etc., we cannot think that they did oth-
erwise than to begin at Weiser's, clear up build-
ing spots, erect huts, and all turn in to make a
surety of raising eatables the season following
and guard against another winter of " root
diet." The fear of French Indian invasions,
which had been an argument brought up by the
Governor and his friends after peace had been
proclaimed between France and England, to
influence them not to think of settling here,
would naturally have caused them to keep to-
gether for mutual protection. Possibly those
that came over in March were the followers of
Hartman Windecker, and there being too many
to live comfortably together established " Hart-
man's dorf" in the spring and obliged them to
"solicit more lands of the Indian Kings." An-
other settlement was made about the year 1717
or '18 where Schoharie village now stands and
was called "Brunnen dorf" also "Fountain-
town." All records of this dorf with the ex-
ception of a bond and a few deeds are lost, or
are in the dusty tills of distant families yet to
be discovered.
They were more of a business class taken
as a whole, especially the Lawyer and Schaeffer
families, and to judge by their qualification as
business men in after years, we do not believe
they would have settled upon the disputed ter-
ritory upon uncertainties. There were seven
settlers at this dorf within a distance of three-
fourths of a mile whose enterprise made the
" dorf" the business centre of all others and laid
the foundation of the county seat. A short
distance below seven other German families
formed a settlement which was distinguished as
"Smith's Dorf," but at what time the settlement
was made we are unable to tell. Undoubtedly as
the Germans came from time to time from the
Camps, New York City and the Mohawk they
established "dorfs" or settlements and this,
with the three below, Fox's and Gerlach or
Garlock and Kneiskern were made or formed
in that way. The papers relating to both
Smith's and Fox's dorf are not to be found.
We only know when Fox sold his possessions
and moved away, but at what time he purchased
or settled we cannot tell.
Fox's dorf was pleasantly situated upon the
low ground east and north of the Stone fort
and was in existence in 1728, as then the
"High dutch Reformed church" was here
formed. It was the first church organization
in the County, whose history is interesting in
the extreme, and may be found in Chapter
XVIII. The Germans were a very religious
people, and it cannot be supposed that they
lived very long at this place without religious
ceremonies. We may place Fox's and Gar-
lock's settlements in the year 1718, and have
LOCATION OK THE VARIOUS " DORKS."
29
them full early enough, to correspond with
their individual members' presence at other
places.
" Kneiskern's dorf " was the most northerly
settlement, and was at the confluence of the
Cobleskill creek with the Schoharie river.
While the three last settlements' history is
wrapped somewhat in darkness, the papers
relating to this, are in a good state of preserva-
tion. John Peter Kneiskern, a list-master at
The Camps and Captain in the Canadian Ex-
pedition of 1711, was the head man, and after
whom the "dorf" was named.
In 1728, an article of agreement was executed
by Myndert Schuyler, attorney for George
Clarke, Secretary of the Province of New
York, Philip Livingston and others for the
lands, and in the year following (1729) a deed
was given to, and received by the seven settlers ;
namely, John Peter Kneiskern, Godfrit Kneis-
kern, Philip Berg, Hendrick Houck, Hendrick
Strubrach, Johannes Merkle, and Lambert
Sternberger, (at present Sternbergh).
A map and description of the lots was drawn
in 1728, and signed by "Ed. Collins, Dept.
Sup."
The deed describes seven homestead or
building lots ranging from forty to fifty acres
each ; seven wood lots and an equal number of
" low land or meadow lots." Thus, each
homestead had a wood and meadow lot. The
whole extended from the original Sternbergh
farm (William Hallenbeck's) on the south,
down to and taking in a portion of the island
below the old Ferry, including the rich fiats and
some of the high land upon each side of the
river. If this land had been settled by those
purchasers at a previous date and a final settle-
ment had just been made, instead of the home-
stead lots being marked with numbers and
" Homestead " written, the names of those
living upon each lot would have been put upon
the map, as we have found it invariably to be
in other localities.
In 1753 an article was executed by each of
the seven settlers agreeing to " divide with and
release each other of their possessions."
Up to that date the whole was owned in
common, and as they made the division, each
one received a deed from the rest of that which
they occupied and designated the same by the
number upon the map and occupant, and as
" one-seventh of the Kneiskern dorf."
In 1759, in the presence of Johannes Lawyer
and John Newberger, an agreement was made
" to stand together and make satisfaction in
land, or otherwise, to him or her, that shall lose
any .part of their land by law/' — which gives us
the idea of their anticipating troubles in regard
to titles.
A farther history of this dorf and the de-
scendants of the first settlers, with incidents
connected, may be seen in Chapter XII.
The seven "dorfs" of which we have made
mention, were the first German settlements in
the present territory of the County. Addi-
tions were made from time to time by immi-
gration from Germany and other German
settlements in America.
In 1722, the third immigration of Palatines
was made to our shores, and from it were some
of the settlers of Stone Arabia, German Klats,
and Schoharie. Owing to some unknown cause,
for several years, they were not allowed to land
at New York City, and were obliged to sail to
Philadelphia, from whence many traveled to the
Camps, Schoharie and Mohawk valleys, on foot,
to seek friends and relatives who had preceded
them to the new world, and found a land of
plenty but much "droubble." Thus, in a few
years, various other settlements were made, and
from each an increase by births, as is very
common among the Dutch, both high and low,
and they "spread out" to rear homes for them-
selves, and ere many years we find that the
"woodman's axe" had made several inroads
upon the wilderness, principally along the
valleys. The southeastern part of the County
along the Schoharie river, was settled about
1750, while the valley of the Cobleskill and its
branch the Westkill, was first settled in 1752
and 1754. The higher lands each side of the
valleys were taken soon after ; but those in the
central part of the County not until after the
close of the Revolution.
During the land troubles from 1713 to 1722
but little was done to improve their possessions,
and after they were settled the Germans must
have labored hard, as at the commencement
of the Revolution the whole valley from above
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Breakabeen down to and below " Kneiskern's
dorf," beside a goodly portion along Fox's
creek and Cobleskill was cleared and dotted
here and there with large barns and com-
modious houses. Even the hills of Sharon,
Carlisle, and Blenheim teemed with luxuriant
growths of grain and grasses. A vast amount
of labor it required to make all of those im-
provements, and when we consider the difficul-
ties under which they labored for the want of
utensils and many common necessaries of life,
we must give them praise for possessing the
most indomitable wills and energies, such as
had but few equals.
When the poor Germans first came to Scho-
harie their milling was done at Schenectady, and
the grain carried upon their backs. It being a
wearisome task, they devised the Indian mode
of pounding the grain. A large stump was con-
caved to hold a peck or one-half bushel, into
which the corn was placed, and a large stone or
heavy wooden pestle fastened to the top of a
bent sapling, was churned up and down to crack
the kernels. The grain thus treated was mostly
Indian corn, for the production of which the
Schoharie valley cannot be excelled. It was the
Germans' chief article of food, and by drying it
thoroughly, this mode would pulverize it nearly
as fine as the grinding process of more modern
times. It is not to be supposed that they de-
sired to make it the fineness of our bolted meal,
for sugared Johnny-cakes and spiced puddings,
but simply to crack the kernel in three or four
pieces and boil until soft, as we do " samp."
Many of the "children" that commenced
house-keeping in Cobleskill, Sharon and Car-
lisle, did so with very limited means. One fam-
ily that we have in mind, built a log house, leav-
ing a large maple stump in the center for a table.
The top was made as smooth as possible with
an axe, and the sides hewn down so the base
would allow a near approach, and a large round
dish was cut out, similar to a butter- bowl, in the
center of it. There was but the man and wife,
and it was only necessary to make a similar dish
for each, only smaller, from which they ate their
food which consisted of Indian pudding in the
morning, potatoes at noon, and pudding and
potatoes for supper. In that case the individ-
ual dishes or cavities, in the course of time
and high Dutch dexterity numbered thirteen
forming a circle around the center dish, before
the rude table was dispensed with for a movable
one and a new house built. The improved
tables were usually round tops, having hinges
near the center upon the under side, attached
to a square box serving for a base. When not
in use, this piece of furniture was moved to the
side of the room and turned up upon the
hinges against the wall, thereby taking but lit-
tle room. The box base was used for table lin-
en, needle work, or odds and ends usually found
in a careful housekeeper's work-basket at the
present day. All cooking was done by a fire-
place, the dimensions of which were, in most
cases, large enough to use wood four feet in
length and deep enough to receive a large log and
one quarter of a cord of wood. The first bread
was baked in a "bake kettle" having a cover,
which was placed in the fire and covered with
ashes and coals. The bread thus baked far ex-
celled any of the modern baking, as all the
virtue of the material of which such food was
composed, was retained.
The " improvement " upon the mode of bak-
ing, was in building stone and mud ovens, in
which a fire was kept until a bed of coals was
made, upon which the "baking" was placed in
stone or iron dishes.
While the house-wife's ingenuity was taxed to
devise modes and means to do her work, and
add to the comfort of her laboring family, for
the want of proper culinary and other domestic
utensils, the husband also was embarrassed to
perform his work for the want of proper imple-
ments. Ease was a stranger to him, as every-
thing must be done by hard manual labor.
The writer has a plow that was used nearly
seventy years ago, and made as all were at and
before that time. A wooden block hewn smooth,
two feet in length and five inches in width, was
taken as a base, to form the point of mould-
board, attach a share and handle. One end of
the block was brought to a point and sharp edge
by cutting from the upper right hand edge, di-
agonally, and somewhat concaved. A hard
wood stick was flattened and fitted to the con-
cave, to form the mouldboard, and ran in line
with the diagonal cut, with a spread of ten inches
from the handle. A wrought-iron share with a
NEGRO SLAVERY IN SCHOHARIK.
steel point was fitted to the point of the block
with bolts. An " improvement " was made by
covering the arm or mouldboard also, with sheet
iron. Ten inches from the point, a standard,
fifteen inches in length, was placed to support
the beam, and six inches back of the standard,
a single handle was mortised into the block, and
run up four feet, to which the end of the beam
was attached, fifteen inches from the block. The
implement cannot do much better work than a
single cultivator tooth of the present day.
Many young married couples started in life
upon a heavy timbered farm, with nothing but
an axe, bake-kettle and bed, and whatever was
added to the stock in furniture or utensils, for
many years following, was such only as they
rudely manufactured themselves.
It may seem incredulous, but nevertheless it
is true, the Indian corn was planted by making
a hole in the ground that had been previously
burnt over, with an axe or sharp stick, in which
the kernels were dropped, or the wheat was
sown broadcast, and in the place of a harrow,
brush was drawn over the ground to bury the
grain. When the grains were to be harvested,
a sickle was used to cut them, a flail to thresh,
and winnowing was the only mode to separate the
grain from the chaff. Soon horses and cattle
were used to thresh, and fanning-mills manu-
factured to clean the grain. We saw one that
was used a short time after the Revolution,
which was in itself a curiosity, and was capable
of cleaning twenty bushels per day. The grain
cradle soon took the place of the sickle, and in
a few years, that will be laid aside to give place
to our life-like reapers, as the flail and horse
threshing have, to our modern threshers and
cleaners.
At an early day negro slavery was introduced
into the Schoharie settlements by the Vroman
family, and slaves were kept by the Low Dutch
for sometime before the Germans were able to
purchase them. While we are loth to admit that
the curse of slavery ever polluted our honored
soil, yet we rejoice that its stain was not deep-
ened by acts of brutality towards the enslaved, as
is usually represented, but quite to the contrary.
The negroes of both sexes were admitted into
the family to which they belonged, upon equal
footing with the white members. They were
chiefly the true African blood, — "black and
shiny," and appreciated the kindness shown to
them by their masters.
It was the custom of the farmers to send them
to market with grain, and away upon other bus-
iness, regardless of the amount of money en-
trusted to them.
When the act for the abolition of slavery was
passed by the legislature of New York in 1818,
many of the slaves refused to be freed, and were
kept by their masters, as long as they lived,
receiving the same treatment as the rest of the
"hoys and girls." The act liberated only the
children of slaves as they became of age, but in
1828, a final abolition act was passed, which
released all from bondage, and threw them upon
their own exertions for support, which proved
very meagre in most cases as they possessed a
natural dislike to labor. Many of the former
owners of the negroes, purchased lots and built
small houses for the aged, especially at and near
Schoharie, upon which their children may be
found to-day. We are unable to give the num-
ber of slaves in the County when the "institu-
tion" was in full "blast," but by the census of
1820, there were three hundred and two slaves,
and two hundred and sixty-four free blacks. At
present a greater number we believe of negroes
may be found in the towns of Schoharie and
Middleburgh than those figures show. To give
an idea of the value of a slave in early times,
we will copy a " bill of sale " now in the posses-
sion of Henry Cady : —
"Huntersfield, July the fifteent Day.one Thou-
sent, Seven hundred and Tharty sex. Then
Bouth of Storm Becker a negor man, and the said
Storm Becker Grant the Said negor unto Peter
Vroman for his one lawful saruant fore forty two
pount Corrant Lawful money of the provance
of new York. Wetness my hand and the pres-
ent of
STORM BECKER.
CORNELIUS VROMAN,
MARTINES VROMAN.
July IS. '736.
then Received of Peter Vroman the Just and
ful sum of twenty pounds one shilling, Corrant
Lawful money was received by me.
STORM BECKER."
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Each member of the family was allowed one
pair of shoes in a year, the leather of which was
usually tanned by the people themselves in a
large trough filled with pounded oak and hem-
lock bark with a sufficient quantity of water to
cover the hides. During the boy and girlhood
of many now living the process was practiced
and a clear recollection is had of being com-
pelled to soak their bruised and chapped feet
each night before retiring in the liquid thus
made, to heal and harden them. Upon attend-
ing church, old and young, male and female,
usually carried their shoes to within a short dis-
tance of the church or place of holding meet-
ings and then stop to put them on, regardless
we presume of the ankle showing a variety of
colors that the different kinds of dirt upon them
would give ; the daily wearing of stockings, to
use the word of an old patriot, being of " mod-
ern invention" among the Dutch and German
settlers, particularly the male portion. Cider,
butter and loppered milk were unsparingly used,
especially at logging and stone bees. A large
quantity of maple sugar was manufactured by
the farmers, and by grating or shaving it fine
and sprinkling it over the surface of loppered
milk, a desirable dish was produced which was
greedily devoured by three or four that would
surround the pan or wooden bowl with pewter
and wooden spoons and skim the sugar off with
such a quantity of thick milk as the taste de-
sired. When all of the sugar had disappeared
more was sprinkled on until the contents of the
dish were annihilated. Much sport was enjoyed
by the hardy settlers through the deprivations
which they were forced to endure, and it is
questionable whether we of to-day with all our
modern conveniences enjoy life any better than
did they. Many ludicrous incidents might be
repeated that actually occurred which shows
their simplicity and ignorance and which caused
a vast amount of amusement.
As we before stated the number of Indians
that were in the valley of Schoharie when the
Germans came is not known, but they were con-
sidered by the white settlers as being the true
owners of the soil and a brisk trade was kept
up between them and traders from Schenectady
and Albany. Blankets, trinkets and rum were
the chief articles of trade on the part of the
whites, and land, fur and roots on that of the
Indians.
The rum trade became very annoying to the
Provincial officials as well as to the head sachems
of the different tribes. Sir William Johnson's
attention was drawn to the subject at various
times by the Indians themselves and he referred
the matter to Lieutenant- Governor Delanceyin
June of 1755. He says:—
"Sir Seth the head sachem of the Indians
living near Shohary, and the leading sachems of
the upper and lower Mohock Castles have made
heavy complaints to me of the white people in
those parts selling Rum to the Indians, repre-
sented the ill consequences thereof, and prayed
that it may be prevented. Your honor I per-
suade myself is sensible, this Selling of Rum to
the Indians has been ever attended with fatal
consequences to the publick Interest with them,
and at this Juncture, must be more than com-
monly detrimental. If an act of the Legislature
cannot be obtained to prohibit this Sale of Rum
to the Indians without any Limitation of Time,
I do in the most earnest manner request your
Honor, that you will apply to the assembly to
form an act, with such Pains & penalties, against
this Sale of Rum to the Indians, during the
present situation of publick affairs, as may be
(so far as possible) effectual to prevent it. Un-
less such a law is made, and the observance of
it secured in the strongest manner, the General
Interest in my humble opinion, will infallibly
suffer, and those measures now in agitation for the
Honor of his Majesty's Crown, and the Security
& Welfare of his Subjects in these parts, be
greatly embarrassed.
" P. S. There should be a clause in the act to
prevent Peoples buying their Arms Amunition
Cloathing &c or Exchanging." *
" Those measures now in agitation " referred
to, were in gaining the Indians' consent to assist
in opposing the invasion of a French army that
was threatened upon the Mohawk. Ever since the
white man set his foot upon the American soil,
every advantage has been taken of the Indians by
them in trafficing worthless trash for such com-
modities as were peculiar to the race, and which
sold readily at high prices in the civilized world.
* Documentary History.
TRKATMI NT OF INDIANS.
33
When the Indian could not be pursuaded to
bargain with the tradesman, rum was freely
given him and while under its potent influence,
whatever lie possessed was easily obtained.
Many of the thv.st tracts of land upon the
Mohawk and Schoharie rivers were obtained
from the.n for a mere tritle in that way and by
the commencement of the Revolution, scarcely
sixty years after his acquaintance with the whites,
his hunting ground:-, and even the soil upon
which stood his wigwam were in possession of
the white man. The same treatment we find
meted to thjm to-day, throughout the West,
even under the knowledge of the government to
which they look upas their Father. When they
resist in their weakness, the encroachments upon
their promised rights, the glittering bayonets of
an army of annihilation, drive them to submit to
every imposition that traders and agents feel
disposed to intlict upon them. Allowing that the
majority of the Schoharie tribe were refugees
from the council fires of old tribes, it was no
excuse for taking undue advantage of them.
After the Mohawks learned a few of the white
man's tricks, they often proved themselves equal
to like emergencies and as often showed a dis-
position to do right. We found a petition in
the Secretary's office that was forwarded to Gov.
Hardy in September, 1755, to aright a transac-
tion in which they were interested as business
men, without the power to settle the matter
themselves. It is as follows : —
"To his Excellency The Honorable Sir Charles
Hardy Esq , Captain-General & Governor in
Chief in, and over his Majesties Province of
New York & Territories Thereunto belonging
Vice Admiral & Chancellor of the same.
"The Humble petition of the Mohawk In-
dians Living in Schohare his Majesties Loyal
Subjects & Soldiers Whose names are hereunto
subscribed most Submissively Sheweth That
your Honors ree Sold some pasture Land to
Johannes Lawyer of Schoharry That lay Con-
tigus to two farms he had, one of said farms
bounded with the land of Nickolas MaUice &
the pasture and wood land Joining to said Mat-
tice farm ye pet" Excepted out of the sale made
to Lawyer, 'having covenanted with Nickolus
Mattise for that part that lay convenient to him.
& .when said Lawyer brought the Surveyor-
General's Deputy to lay out the land ye Excel-
'l I 'ei" by noe means suffer the Surveyor
to lay out that land covenanted with Mattice,
for a song with Lawyer. Except for Mattice
use \- then agreed upon, it sin mid be for the
use of Matiice. The Land was laid out, under
one which made the coarse the easier for the
Surveyor to run, all this very well known to the
Surveyor and some of the principle men of
Scoharry who are men of credit & veracity.
" Now Lawyer have gott a patent by which,
he says takes all the land as well as Mattice as
what we sold him & if so it is by folse £ Injust
Insinuation to the Secretary. Lawyer absolute-
ly refuses to let Mattice have the land we re-
served to him Except he bot it at a Extravagant
prise, he also sent for us the other day to pay
for the land and desired we should give him a
Receit in full in order to have to Shew he had
a right for Mattice as well as his own in order
to cloak his Injust dealings, which we refused,
Either to take the money or give a receit, May
it therefore please your Excellency to Consider
the premises, with the many agrivating Cir-
cumstances & that your wonted Probity &
Justice may be herein manifested by Rectify-
ing the Injury done to y« Excell" pet8 & that
Nicholas Mattice have his part of the land ac-
cording to our Covenant & for yc Excellency
long life & prosperity yr Pet" as in duty
bound will Ever pray
LOWES CAREKE DUMTE
SETH CAREKE DUMTE
SETH CAREKE DUMTE Junior
HANS VRE CAREKE DUMTE
MARGRET CAREKE DUMTE
MARY CAREKE DUMTE
CATHREN CAREKE DUMTE"
The above were Mohawk Indians, and a
like exhibition of fairness in their dealings, was
made at Johnson Hall on the gth of April,
1767, as published in the Documentary History
of New York, in a speech by Abraham, one
of the Sachems, before Sir William Johnson.
He said : —
" Brother GORAH WARRAGHIIYAGEY
" We are come to acquaint you with a very
extraordinary affair which we were yesterday
made acquainted with by some of our Neigh-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
bore of Scoharee, and as it concerns us, We
would be glad to hear from you the reason of
such doings.
"It is concerning the Lands we sold when
the Governor was at your house last fall, for
the use of Hannis Lawyer & his associates,
from whom we then received the full considera-
tion for which we agreed, and now we under-
stand that Lawyer and his friends, are to have
but half of it — To us such doings appear strange,
and I believe You would think hard of us were
We to act so.
" We cannot therefore in Justice to these
people (who have been long about that Tract,
and at a good deal of expense beside the pur-
chase money) allow the Land to be Surveyed
for People with whom we are not ac-
quainted neither did we hear of the least inten-
tion they had in purchasing them Lands, and if
they had applied, we could not think of leting
them, or any other sett of People have the Land
which we had so long ago promised to the pur-
chasers, which you may remember Brother,
we declared to the Governor at the time the
Deed lay on your Table ready to be signed,
& gave our reason then for it, which together
with the carefull manner everything was then
done, we imagined there never could be any
the least squabble about it hereafter, but in
short Brother, we are sorry to see that the
While People (who have more sense than we)
will for the sake of getting land wrong one
another, since that is the case, what are we
Indians to expect from you.
" Brother, We have no more to say to the sub-
ject but to request you will let us know if you
can, the reason for such doings. If you cannot,
we would beg of you to Enquire of the Gov-
enor, who no doubt is acquainted with every
thing relative to the affair, as it was transacted
in his presence."
Writers variously estimate the number of In-
dians supposed to be residents of the valley from
time to time, ranging from three to six hundred,
but we do not think they ever numbered over
the former, if as many.
The " Memorial Concerning the Iriquois," by
the Rev. Chas. Inglis, written in 1770, and dic-
tated by Sir Wm. Johnson, says at that date,
" The Mohawks have three villages, Schoare,
Fort Hunter, and Canajoharie, they are all
within the English settlement and contain 420
souls." The Schoharie tribe being much the
smaller of the three, quite probably their num-
bers would not at that time number one hun-
dred. The settlers of Schoharie were chiefly
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Yet every able-
bodied male over eighteen and under forty-five,
was enrolled as a soldier. Sir Wm. Johnson was
in command over all regiments north of the
highlands, as Major-General.
Schoharie furnished a regiment that numbered,
as far as we can learn, nearly three hundred,
over which Jacob Sternbergh was colonel. Peter
B. Vroman and Jacob Hager, were captains of
companies several years, and did service under
the Crown at Oswego, Niagara and Fort George.
It appears that the former captain was a military
man, and did but little else than perform mili-
tary duty. Sir Wm. Johnson must have thought
highly of him, as when a vacancy of a major in
the regiment occurred in 1769. he repeatedly
insisted to Governor Golden, upon his promo-
tion to that position, and Vroman was honored
by the appointment in 1770.
Previous to March 12, 1772, the whole terri-
tory of Schoharie was in Albany county, and at
that date a line was established which gave the
western part of the present county to Tryon,
and the eastern to Albany.
A line was drawn from St. Regis upon the
St. Lawrence river, to a point upon the south
bank of the Mohawk, some distance west of
Schenectady, it being the northeast corner of a
lot of land granted to William Crosby, Jr., in 1735,
running from thence to the Indian stone heap
upon Bowen's tract, (near Sloansville,) and from
thence to a pine tree, now a stump, in the Bear
Swamp of Carlisle, which is the northeast cor-
ner of the " Dorlach " purchase, thence to Lake
Utsayantho, in the town of Jefferson, and from
thence following the Delaware river to the south
bounds of the Province. All west of this line
was Tryon county. The present towns of
Sharon, Seward, Richmondville, and a greater
portion of Summit and Jefferson, were in Tryon,
and continued so up to the year 1784, when
Tryon was changed to Montgomery, in honor
of the patriot who fell at Quebec.
Previous to 1765 all civil officers of authority
sciTOHARIK AT Till. COMMENCEMENT <>!• I'm REVOLUTION.
35
over the Srhoharie district were chosen from
Albany, and the supervisor was to lie chosen
from the corporation. The people had no re-
dress except by petition* which wen- frequently
indited to the Governor, for his influence in
their behalf. Who was the scribe we are unable
to say. Each writing denotes a fair scholar, and
nearly all seems to have been written by the
saiiu1 person.
The Lawyer family were business men, but
there was a resemblance in their hand-writing,
which was unlike the documents to which we
refer. The omission of words by wear and
fading of ink, renders all, with but one excep-
tion, useless to copy. After the year above
mentioned, the Supervisor and Justices were
chosen from Schoharie. Marcus Bellinger was
Supervisor for several years but who, if any,
officiated beside, we have been unable to learn.
CHAPTER III.
LOYALTY OF GERMANS TO BRITAIN — SACREDNESS
OF OATH— MOHAWKS AND TOMAHAWKS— INDE-
USION OF MANY— ROUSED TO ACTION— SECRET
MEETING AND RESOLUTION — FIRST COMMIT-
TEE OF SAFETY — MILITARY DISTRICT AND
OFFICERS — EVENTS OF 1777 — DIVISION OF
SCHOHARIE — MCDONALD'S INVASION — THE
HARPERS — ADAM CRYSLER — SKIRMISH AT
ORISKANY — BEMIS HEIGHTS — BUILDING OF
FORTS — BATTLE AT COBLESKILL — MORGAN'S
CORPS -CRYSLER AT TURLOCH AND AT VRO-
MANSI.AND — JOHNSON AND BRANT'S INVASION
AT MIDDLE FORT — LOWER FORT — INCIDENTS
— BRAVE WOMEN — COL.VROMAN'S MARCH TO
MOHAWK — SETH HENRY AT " TURLOCH " —
1)(K KS1ADER AT CURRYTOWN AND SHARON —
Wn LET — SETH HENRY AT Fox's CREEK —
CRYSLER AT VROMANSI.AND IN 1781 — CAPT.
HAGER'S FIGHT AT THE LAKE — CAMPBELL'S
AND SIMMS' LABORS — RETURNED TORIES
AND INDIANS — MUSTER ROLL OF 1777 —
Sc HOHAKIE Sri'l'I.IKS — Dl\ I--IIIV OK ALBANY
CorSI\ IM MiUI'lN <lK SUHIHAKIK RlYKK
K settlements of Schoharie, which in-
cluded those along the Schoharie Creek
and its tributaries and the sparse ones of Sew-
ard and Sharon, (old Dorlach) up to the com-
mencement of the Revolutionary struggle had
been quiet and progressive.
Occasional fears were aroused by the British
officers as to the imagined invasion of the
French and French Indians during hostilities
between the English and French Governments.
During all the wars from the time the Germans
came across the ocean up to the Revolution,
they and their descendants proved true to the
English Government.
Quite a number from this isolated section, as
before stated, took an active part in the contests
at Fort George, Oswego and Niagara, where
they did signal service. All of the companies
were equipped with guns and the necessary ac-
coutrements and drilled in a rude way, which
proved to be a schooling for them in the use of
arms when they needed such discipline in their
struggle for liberty.
It must be borne in mind that both classes of
Dutch, high and low, found in these settlements,
were very conscientious as a mass, in their duty
to God and to each other. One characteristic
was more prominently displayed perhaps than
any other ; that of the sacredness of their word,
especially an oath, and we find many who held
military positions and had taken the oath of al-
legiance as is required by all governments, at
the commencement of the war for Independence,
refused to desert the Crown and make a stand
against it on conscientious scruples, deeming
that the oath was life-long and not to be forfeited.
When friends and neighbors expostulated and
when the excitement became great and led to
threatenings, some removed to Canada and were
quiet hut ethers returned as invaders, while a
few remained here until they were compelled to
leave.
The descendants of those who remained loyal
and sought safety upon Canadian soil may still
be found living to the west of Niagara and near
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Toronto. Those going from the Mohawk and
Schoharie settlements and not taking an active
part were called "Mohawks," while those who
did return to murder and plunder were called
"Tomahawks."
As we find families divided upon political
questions to-day, so also many were divided
upon the great issue at stake at that day.
But very few families existed but that some
member or branch adhered to the Crown and
much to the detriment of the character of the
belligerents, the most heinous crimes were com-
mitted by such, especially upon their kinsmen.
We do not like to chronicle upon the whitened
page bloody deeds of more than demons, of
fathers and mothers falling beneath the toma-
hawk of disguised sons, and brothers bathing
their hands in fraternal blood. Oh no, we wish
to pass them by, their stain is hard to erase, but
such as chill the blood without creating a spirit
of devotion to country and pride of brotherhood,
should be cast out of the emerald pages which
the American Revolution caused to be written.
It should be enough for us to know of the dan-
gers, hardships and privations our noble fore-
fathers experienced in the attainment of our
liberties, to animate us to a just appreciation
of them, and enough to give birth in us to a
just pride in those patriots and homage to their
spirit and principle by observing their unyield-
ing devotion to country and unflinching patriotic
endurance, under the most withering circum-
stances.
Many upon the extreme frontier, conceiving
their numbers so few, and those of England and
her Indian allies so great, thought it a
foolish and ignorant step to undertake to cope
with them. They were placed far from help,
surrounded by Indians and enthusiastic loyal-
ists, whom they believed would exterminate
them if they chose the Colonial cause, and con-
sequently were led to countenance British rule
and aggression, when within their hearts a
burning hatred existed. When the tide of
events began to roll the almost wrecked ship of
Independence nearer and nearer to the harbor
of success, they began to feel a thrill of patriotic
joy, and ere peace was proclaimed proved
themselves active and staunch adherents to the
new order of things.
Each one as now had a right to a choice, and
we cannot condemn those whose sympathies
were with the mother country, only in the
manner in which the majority of them espoused
the cause and mode of warfare. We cannot
but give homage to one that stands up man-
fully and defends oppression, dictated by a
true sense of its being just and right, as well as
to him who does the same in what we consider
a more just cause. But the one that clothes
himself in the garb of deceit and sneakingly
defends his cause and employs the most coward-
ly means to attain the end, and ruthlessly de-
stroys the innocent and helpless, should be, and
is condemned by all.
There were many such during the war, and
their acts were heartless crimes that would
make demons blush and we wish we might be
privileged to pass them by.
While actual hostilities were going on in
other sections of the country, the enemy to
political rights did not pollute Schoharie soil
with martial tread until the year 1777. But
the people were not inactive. When the mes-
senger traversed the winding road from Lexing-
ton to Concord, making the old granite hills of
Massachusetts echo to the clarion notes of the
bugle, "To arms!" and the noble few that
faced the British regulars upon Lexington com-
mons, poured their hearts-blood upon the altar
of Liberty and Independence these yeoman
were not spectators to the scene. But as the
notes of the bugle and groans of the dying
patriots sent their echo from hill to hill, through
valley and over plain, it aroused the sturdy
ones to active and more determined purposes.
Though weak in numbers and distant from the
field of action, a deep anxiety pervaded every
heart and each weighed the matter well. Citi-
zens gathered here and there to discuss affairs
and it cannot be supposed it was long before
each knew of the others decision. It was at
this auspicious moment that the patriots of
Schoharie chose two delegates to attend a
meeting to be held in Albany, to determine
upon the actions of the future.
The meeting was secret and held at the house
of Richard Cartwright, "inn holder," on the
24th of January, 1775, with Abraham Yates in
the chair, and Daniel Budd and Peter Becker
SECRKT MKKTING AND K I.S( iLUTION.
37
as delegates from Schoharie. They drew up the
following resolution : —
" Persuaded that the Salvation of the
rights and liberties of America depends under
God on the firm union of its 'inhabitants, in a
vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary
for its safety, & convinced of the necessity of
Preventing the anarchy and confusion which
annul a dissolution of the Powers of Govern
ment, We the Freemen, Freeholders & In-
habitants of the city and county of Albany
being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of
the Ministry to raise a revenue in America &
shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the
Massachusetts Bay, Do in the most solemn
manner Resolve mirr to become slaves & do
associate under all the ties of Religion, Honor
\- Love to our country, to adopt & endeavor
to carry into execution whatever measures may
be recommended by the Continental Congress,
or Resolved upon by our Provincial Convention
for the purpose of Preserving our constitution
& opposing the Execution of the several ar-
bitrary and oppressive acts of the British Par-
liament until a reconciliation between Great
Britain & America on Constitutional Principles
[which we most ardently desire] can be obtained
& that we will in all things follow the advise of
our General Committee respecting the purposes
aforesaid, the Preservation of Peace & Good
Order & the safety of Individuals and Private
property."
The foregoing was drawn by a committee
and signed by sixty-eight, among whom were
the delegates from Schoharie. The afternoon
meeting of that day was attended by Adam
Vnmian, in addition as delegate of Schoharie.
Frequent meetings of committees and del-
egates were held at the same place and called
the "Committee of Correspondence." They
communicated with each other on the state of
feeling with the provincial assembly, and Con-
tinental Congress, and on the 2ist of March fol-
lowing, ordered donations of wheat, corn, etc.,
for the distressed citizens of Boston. A messen-
ger was dispatched on horseback to that city to
inform the patriots of Albany county's Resolves,
and encourage them to remain staunch in oppo-
sition to British aggression.
On the 29th of April a " Committee of Safety"
was appointed in each district who reported in
person on the loth of May, which was the first
Committee of Safety in the county, and gave to
the association formed on the Z4th of January.
the name of "Committee of Correspondence
and Committee of Safety of Albany City and
County." The same extended their powers and
duties and were called in addition "Committee
of Protection." Those first appointed in Scho-
harie were, Peter Vroman, Jacob /immer,
Daniel Budd. Peter W. Zeilie, Thomas Krker-
son and Johannes Ball. The latter was chosen
chairman and filled the position to the close of
the war. The second board was appointed on
the 7th of November, 1775, and consisted of
William Dietz, Lawrence Schoolcraft, Jost
Borst, Peter W. Zeilie, Peter Becker, Peter Vro-
man and Johannes Ball. Associated with them
from time to time, to the close of hostilities,
were Samuel Vroman, Joseph Becker, Joseph
Zimmer, Nicholas Sternbergh, George Warner
and Peter Swart.
Deputations from Committees also from Con-
gress and the Crown, besieged the Mohawk and
Oneida camps to take decisive steps, and when
it became known that the greater share of the
Indian tribes, to whom the wilds of Schoharie
were familiar haunts, espoused the royal cause,
many hearts quailed, but there were men and
women whose patriotism fainted not and who
at once took decisive steps.
The duty of the Board was to gather all the
information they could of the movements of the
enemy, to prepare for the defense of the settle-
ments and obtain supplies. Their meetings
were held in secret and it is unfortunate that
their proceedings were not kept. The counties
of the province were divided into districts from
which a regiment or more was expected, but the
population of the frontier districts being very
small and many clinging to the Crown, some of
the regiments comprised but a few companies.
Schoharie was attached to Duanesburgh to form
a military district and by the records in the Adju-
tant-General's office at Albany, we find that the
fifteenth regiment of militia was formed by order
of General Schuyler, and consisted, upon the
date of the commissions, of only three compa-
nies. The commissions bear date of October
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
20, 1775, and were given to the following per-
sons : —
Peter Vroman, Colonel.
Peter W. Zeilie, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Thomas Eckerson, Jun., ist Major.
Jacob Becker, 21! Major.
Lawrence Schoolcraft, Adjutant.
Peter Ball, Quarter-Master.
Co. i. Geo. Mann, Captain ; Christian Stru-
bach, ist Lieutenant ; John Dominick, 2d Lieu-
tenant ; Jacob Snyder, Ensign.
Co. 2. Jacob Hager, Captain ; Martinus Van-
Slyck, ist Lieutenant ; Johannes W. Bouck, zd
Lieutenant; Johannes Lawyer, Ensign.
Co. 3. Geo. Richtmeyer, Captain ; Johannes
I. Lawyer, ist Lieutenant; Martinus W. Zeilie,
zd Lieutenant ; Johannes Lawyer Bellenger,
Ensign.
The first company was organized at the lower
part of the valley, at and near the present village
of Schoharie. The Captain, George Mann,
proved disloyal by aiding in organizing a loyal
company. He was captured and incarcerated
as a prisoner of war until the close of the con-
test, when he was released and not proving a
very bitter adversary, his property was not con-
fiscated. His command was filled by Lieu-
tenant Strubach, who was promoted to a Major
at the close of the war.
The second company was from the upper
part of Vromansland, and the third, at and near
Middleburgh. Another company was after-
wards formed in Vromansland, at whose head
was Tunis Vroman. After Vroman's massacre,
Peter Snyder, living near the lower fort received
the command.
At Cobleskill, also, a company was formed in
1777, with Christian Brown as captain, and
Jacob Borst of the same place as lieutenant.
The northwestern part of the County was in
Tryon county until the year 1784, and a com-
pany was formed in 1778, at Rhinebeck, as
"Tryon County Militia," of which John Ma-
thias Brown, afterwards Judge of the county, was
captain. But their number being few and sur-
rounded by Tories, the company was disbanded
and its members acted as scouts from the mid-
dle and lower forts, watching the movements of
the enemy and taking disaffected ones to secure
places.
Captain Brown, late judge, was lame in one
knee, and was employed at the forts in doing
general business for which his qualifications were
well fitted.
During the years 1775 and '76, and the fore-
part of '77, these companies were employed at
Fort Edward, Johnstown, and along the Mo-
hawk, but did not leave the Schoharie valley
without protection, as invasions were expected.
In the fall of 1776, an invasion was expected
upon the Mohawk, from Oswego, and measures
were at once taken to oppose it by the Commit-
tee of Safety. On the gth of October of that
year, the colonial committee convened at Fish-
kill, and appointed a committee "to co-operate
with General Schuyler on devising and carrying
into execution all such measures as they shall
deem most effectual for repelling the invasion
of the enemy's army on the northern and west-
ern frontier." The committee met at Albany
on the 27th of the same month, " and had in-
formation of an invasion, and resolved to detach
troops for the defense of the western frontier."*
Captain Jacob Hager was at Albany with a de-
tachment of fifty-five Schoharie militia, and on
the 29th, the committee resolved that they
" should return to Schoharry and hold them-
selves in readiness at a moment's warning, to
march to the defense of the western frontier,
whenever they shall receive orders from Col.
Van Schaick, that they may contribute with the
rest of their fellow subjects, who are now in
arms, to the utmost of their power, in defense
of the Rights and Liberty's of their Country."
The company was called to Fort Stanwix, but
not being employed, returned to Schoharie,
where we are led to believe they remained dur-
ing the winter, excepting at such times as they
were acting as scouts and arresting disaffected
ones, or those imbued with Tory sentiments.
During 1776, the British were encouraged by
the success of their arms upon Long Island —
New York City— Fort Washington, and Lee, and
to break the chain of defense upon the northern
frontier, would embarrass the colonists, and have
a tendency to stop hostilities. A grand move-
ment, therefore, was conceived and to be made
in August of 1777, from various points. Gen.
Burgoyne was to march at the head of the best
* Records Committee of Safety.
MKASl RKS FOR PROTECTION AND DKFIASI
39
drilled and equipped army upon the continent,
down Lake Clnmplain, while St. Leger was to
devastate the Mohawk, from Oswvgo, at the
head of a motley crew of Indians and Tories,
whose knives and tomahawks were whetted for
the most atrocious crimes, and whose ambition
was tired by the royalty upon scalps that the
British officers promised.
The movement was well calculated to dis-
courage the stoutest hearts, and unless the
greatest wisdom and prudence, besides patriot-
ism had engineered the northern department, it
would have proved a success. With these pros-
]><•( is before them, the Schoharie militia were
divided. Some were to be sent to Gate's re-
lief, others were expected to join Gansevoort or
Herkimer.
The valley had been in a measure put under
a state of defense and watch, by dividing it into
sections and appointing men to oversee the ar-
rangements. An order to that effect was made
by the Committee of Safety as follows : —
"Schoharie July 7th, 1777, in committee
chamber first resolved that all the persons be-
tween the ages of sixteen and fifty years, from
the dwelling house of Christian Shaffer to north-
ward in Schoharie are to bring their arms and
accoutrements when they come to the meeting
at either of the two churches in Fountain town
to Fox's town on Sunday or any other day when
kept, and if any of them shall neglect in bring-
ing their arms and accoutrements to either of
the churches, shall forfeit and pay the sum of
thrcf shillings New York currency into the
hands of Johannes Ball, for the use of paying
the cost for the district of Schoharie, or if any
person shall not pay the said sum aforesaid, it
shall be lawful for Mr. Johannes Ball to give a
warrant directed to a sergeant or corporal, and
levy the same on the offender's goods and chat-
tels, and also the cost thereof.
"And all the persons inhabiting from the dwell-
ing of Baltus Krysler to the said Christian Shaf-
fer are to bring their arms etc , to the church at
Weiscr's town, as they are ordered to in Fox's
town and if neglected to pay the same to Jo-
hannes Becker and be put in execution by him
as ordered by Mr. Ball aforesaid.
"And any person southward from Baltus
Krysler's are to be armed when they come to any
meeting that may be kept in I: M and
if neglected, to pay the fines to Mr \Vm. Zim-
mer, and to be put by him in execution as be-
fore mentioned, and for the use as aforesaid.
"N. B. Their resolve in Fountain Town
Church is to be paid t > Mr. Johannes Lawyer,
and to be p'it by him in execution as within
mentioned, and for the use as aforesaid, and
George Warn* r is appointed to see that the in-
habitants of Cobleskill bring their arms when
they come to meeting there, and put their resolve
in execution as within mentioned, and for the
use aforesaid.
" Secondly Resolved that four watchers are to
be kept in Schoharie every night from this time
constant, the first to be kept at the dwelling
house of Capt. George Mann, and under his
command, and in his absence the next in com-
mand, the inhabitants from Christian Shaffer's
dwelling house, and to northward are to be un-
der Capt. Mann's command for the watch to
consist of eight men. The second is to be
kept at the dwelling house of Mr. Hendrick I'.
Becker, and under the command of Capt. George
Richtmeyer, and in his absence the next officer
in command. The inhabit ints from Hendrick
Jansen's house and so northward to Christian
Schaffer's are under the command of this second
watch, and to consist of six men. The third is
to be kept at the dwelling house of Mr. Johannes
Peak, and under the command of Lieutenant
Martymus VanSlyck, and in his absence the
next officer in command. The inhabitants from
Baltus Krysler's dwelling house and so north-
ward to Hendrick Jansen's are under the com-
mand of this third watch and to consist of six
men. And the fourth is be kept by the inhabi-
tants from Baltus Krysler's and so southward to
the dwelling house of Hendrick Hager, under
the command of Capt. Jacob Hager, in his ab-
sence the next officer in commtnd at this watch
is to consist of six men. Every person or per-
sons neglecting to serve on such or either of
such watches aforementioned, shall for every
neglect pay and forfeit the sum of twelve shil-
lings for the use of the district of Schohar'e."
All arrangements were known and understood
on the part of the colonists, and a few had left
to join Gates, when the valley was aroused by
the knowledge of an army of invaders, but a
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
few miles up the valley, bent on sweeping down
with fire and blade to meet with Burgoyne, St.
Leger and Clinton, at the Whig city of Albany,
to bask in the sunshine of success at the grand
union of human vultures.
The invasion was a surprise, and in the great
excitement the enemy's numbers were greatly
exaggerated.
The Schoharie militia could not be recalled,
and efforts were made to procure aid from
Albany. Colonel Peter Vroman, says Simms, dis-
patched two messengers on foot on the nth,
and fearing they would be captured, Captain
Hager and Henry Becker were sent the next
morning on the same mission. Colonel John Har-
per* arrived the same day in the valley, and being
fearful of the messenger's ability to procure as-
sistance, at once set out on horse, but proceed-
ed only to the present village of Schoharie, and
*The following is extracted from Campbell's "Annals
of Tryon County :" —
" In f/6S, William, John, Alexander and Joseph
Harper, with eighteen other individuals, obtained a
patent for twenty-two thousand acres of land lying in
the now county of Delaware. The Harpers removed
from Cherry valley soon after.and made a settlement there
which was called Harpersfield. This settlement began
to flourish at the commencement of the war. Col. John
Harper had the command of the forts at Schoharie, in
1777 and '78. The following account of a successful
enterprise of CoI.John Harper, was furnished by the Rev.
Mr. Fcnn, who received the information from him : —
" He informed me that in the year 1777, he had the
command of the fort in Schoharie, and of all the frontier
stations in this region. He left the fort in Schoharie,
and came out through the woods to Harpersfield, in the
time of sugar making, and from thence laid his course
to Cherry Valley, to investigate the state of things there,
and as he was pursuing a blind kind of Indian trail, and
was ascending what are now called Decatur Hills, he
cast his eye forward and saw a company of men coming
directly towards him, who had the appearance of Indi-
ans. He knew that if he attempted to flee from them,
they would shoot him down ; he resolved to advance
right up to them, and make the best shift for himself
that he could. As soon as he came near enough to
discern the white of their eyes, he knew the head man
and several others; the head man's name was I'eter, an
Indian with whom Colonel Harper had often traded at
Ociuago, before the Revolution began. The Colonel had
his great coat on, so that his regimentals were concealed,
and he was not recognized; the first word of address of
Col. Harper's was, • How do you do, brothers?' The
reply was, ' Well— how do you do, brother? Which
way arc you bound, brother ?' 'On a secret expedi-
-aid I larper. • Which way are you bound, broth-
' I >mi n the Susqtiehannah to cut off the [ohns-
tc.ii settlement,' they answered. (1'arson Johnston and a
number of Scotch families had settled down the Susque-
hannali. at what is now called Si.lney Plains, and these
whom they were abottl to destrov)
"lonel, 'Where do you lodge to-night?' 'At
the month of Schema u.-. creek,' was 'the n-ply. Then
shaking hands with them, he bid them good sju-,-d, an,l
"ii his journey.
remained over night. The Tories in the neigh-
borhood, especially at and around Fox's creek,
were jubilant over the prospect of affairs, and
made an attempt to arrest the Colonel at his
lodgings. Being a brave and resolute man,
their cowardly spirits quailed before his stern
address, and retired. As day dawned, he con-
tinued his journey, but was followed for several
miles by two Indians, whose courage proved too
weak for an attack upon him. He arrived at
Albany in safety, and procured a company of
cavalry, under the command of Major Wyn-
koop, and arrived in Schoharie on the next day
(i 4th).
Stopping at Captain Mann's residence, they de-
manded his presence, but being on the alert, he
was not to be found. Taking with them an In-
dian as prisoner from Mann's, who in attempt-
ing to escape was killed, the company proceeded
"lie had gone but a little way from them, before he
took a circuit through the woods, a distance of eight or
ten miles, on to the head of Charlotte river, where were
a number of men making sugar; ordered them to take
their arms, two day's provisions, a canteen of rum, and
a rope, and meet him down the Charlotte at a small
clearing called Evan's place, at a certain hour that after-
noon; then rode with all speed through the woods to
Harpersfield, collected all the men who were there, and
being armed and victualled, each man with his rope laid
his course for Charlotte; when he arrived at Evan's
place, he found the Charlotte men there in good spirits,
and when he mustered his men, there were Fifteen, in-
cluding himself, exactly the number as there were of the
enemy. Then the Colonel made his men acquainted
with his enterprise. They marched down the river a lit-
tle distance, and then bent their course across the hill to
the mouth of Schenevus creek. When they arrived at
the brow of the hill where they could look over the val-
ley, they cast their eyes down upon the flat, and discov-
ered the fire around which the enemy lay encamped.
' There they are,' said Colonel Harper. They descended
with great stillness, forded the creek, which was breast
high to a man. After advancing a few hundred yards,
they took some refreshments, and then prepared for the
contest — daylight was just appearing in the East. When
they came to the enemy, they lay in a circle with their
feet towards the fire, in a deep sleep. Their arms and
all their implements of death, were all stacked up ac-
cording to the Indian custom when they lay themselves
down for the night. These the Colonel secured by car-
rying them off a distance, and laying them down, then
each man taking a rope in his hand, placed himself by
his fellow. The Colonel rapped his man softly anil
said, ' Come it is time for men of business to be on their
way,' and then each one sprang on his man, and after a
most severe struggle, they secured the whole of the en-
emy. After they were ail safely bound ami the morning
had so far advanced that they could discover objects dis-
tinctly, says the Indian Peter, 'Ha! Colonel Harper,
BOW I Know tlu-e ; why did I not know thee yesterday ?'
' Some policy in war, Peter!' ' A me find em so now.'
The Colonel marched the men to Albany, deliver.-. 1
them up to the commanding officer, and by his bold and
well executed feat of valor, he saved the 'whole Scotch
settlement from a wanton destruction."
ADAM CRYSLKK.
up the valley and met the Schoharie militia at
the stone dwelling of John Becker, which they
had barricaded with rails and timber, for a for-
tress. Here we will leave the first troops that
visited the valley, expecting them to be admired
by the uncouth yeomanry, as well as to be re-
galed by a few social mugs of " reviving spirits,"
such as the hospitality of every household, in
those days presented, while we will reconnoi-
tre the enemy's position, aim and strength. At
the i;pper part of Vroman's land lived one,
Adam Crysler, upon the farm now occupied by
Mrs. John S. Lawyer. He was a farmer who
owned a large tract of land, and was a shrewd
business man. He was commissioned Ensign
on the I4thday of October, 1768, in a company
of militia of which Isaac Vroman was cap-
tain.
In the year 1781 he made an official report
to the British Government, which has lain in
obscurity among his descendants in Canada,
until quite recently, which we here copy in part
as far as regards the invasion upon which we
are dwelling. The report says : —
" I thought it my duty to get as many men
and Indians for government as laid in my
power, which will be seen as follows, and my
proceedings.
"In March [1777] I had to maintain all the
Indians which were at Schoharie in number 25,
until the loth of August. In the meanwhile I
recruited all the men for Government that laid
in rny power being in number 70. In June I
received a letter from Brant who desired me to
remain at Schoharie in readiness until he came
to me. On the gth of August, Captain Mc-
Donald joined us with 28 men from Charlotte
creek & I found them all in Provision for one
day and night & from thence we went down the
river about 4 miles to the lower end of Vro-
man's land where we remained one day & night
& where we were informed the rebels had got a
reinforcement and we thought it proper to re-
treat, until we saw a convenient place to make
a stand, which was at my house ; from whence
I detached 35 men to intercept the Rebels at
Breakabeen if they should take that route. In
the meanwhile the Rebels advanced until they
came to the place where we laid in ambush
waiting for them, when we gave them a
voUey, killed and wounded three men and nine
of their light horse. At the same time we were
informed they were 400 strong and we retreated
back in the woods which was on the I4th of
August, where we held a consultation and con-
cluded, that with the small number of men we
had, it would be needless to attack their in-
creasing numbers which was already four to one,
but collect all together and proceed to Oswego
to the army, for which purpose Mr. David
Brass (now Lieutenant in Corps of Rangers)
went in search of the 35 men which were de-
tached to Breakabeen, on his return he in-
formed me they were all dispersed."
It will be seen by Crysler's report that his
and McDonald's force numbered but one hun-
dred and twenty-eight if he had the whole force
of recruits and Indians, but the patriots accord-
ing to tradition estimated it to be between four
and five hundred. The cavalry and militia
having rested and having become acquainted
with each other and the manner of attack,
proceeded to give battle to the invaders. Not
having any authentic account of the skirmish
except the one already copied, we cannot give
any plainer facts. As the Colonists over-
estimated the strength of the invaders, so also
did the invaders over-estimate that of the
Colonists, as it could not have been in numbers
to exceed one hundred. The stand made by
Crysler was upon the rise of ground near the
house, and lasted but a few moments. After
the volley was given by Crysler's party the
cavalry made a grand rush upon them and
scattered their forces, which were not collected
to renew an attack.
According to Simms, whose informants were
in the fight, the patriots' loss was "David Wirt,
a lieutenant of cavalry, and two privates
wounded, — one Rose, mortally, — who died three
days after." Farther on, the excellent author
says truly " David Wirt was the first man that
fell in Schoharie defending the principles of
free government." The small and weary force
returned to the rude fortress having the key of
the gate to the valley safely in their grasp. The
Tories that were so jubilant in the morning
were silent, and those who through trembling,
nervous fear, were led to join McDonald's
and Crysler's clan, repented of their choice
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
as the patriots placed an iron heel upon them,
and forced them to do duty. Col. Vroman
proceeded in the track of the invaders a few
days after and found many that were returning
to their homes, stating they were forced to
follow them. While the Schoharie settlements
were in the greatest consternation upon the
Mohawk, St. Leger had found his progress im-
peded by as brave patriots as the world has
ever known.
Brave Gansevoort held Fort Schuyler, while
determined Herkimer at Oriskany, with gallant
Willet's timely aid, and Arnold's cunning
message, put to flight the barbarous clan.
Many of the " bravest of the brave " fell
upon that historical day. They
" Fought eye to eye and hand to hand,
Alas ! 'twas hut to die ;
In vain the rifle's deadly flash
Scorched eagle plume and wampum sash,
The hatchet hiss'd on high,
And down they fell in crimson heaps
Like the ripe corn the sickle reaps."
The Mohawk valley was saved and another
army less to exult at the anticipated junction.
Burgoyne laid down his arms upon the i;th
and joy reigned supreme in the American
camp.
The gloom that pervaded every patriotic
heart but a few days before, was now dispelled,
and all felt gratitude to the God of battles.
All honor to the brave Herkimer, Gansevoort,
and Willet. All glory to Arnold and Schuyler,
whose laurels were plucked by Gates, and all
reverence to the sturdy ones that stood before
the exultant, well-fed foe— like the oak before
the blast — unyielding, unflinching.
" O few and weak their numbers were
A handful of brave men,
But to their God they gave their prayers,
And rushed to battle then.
They left the plowshare in the mold,
Their flocks and herds without the fold,
The sickle in the unshorn grain,
The corn half garnered on the plain.
And muster'd in their simple dress,
For wrongs, to seek a stern redress.
To right those wrongs, come weal, come woe,
To perish or o'ercome the foe."
The reverses with which the British arms met
at Oriskany, Breakabeen, Bemis Heights and
down the Hudson, at once satisfied the most
intelligent and far-seeing of the loyalists, that it
was useless to continue the struggle by force of
arms to conquer the patriots in the Northern
Department, and that it could only be done, if
done at all, by cutting off supplies from the
already poorly clad and fed army, and carry
hostilities upon Southern fields. Therefore it
was conceived by those in command to make
invasions and devastate those sections from
which large supplies were procured.
The fact was known by all the Tories, and
boasts were made by them that nothing should
be allowed to grow or be gathered, and their
vigilant eyes were turned to the productive
vales of the Mohawk, Schoharie, Susquehanna
and even to the Wyoming. The patriots know-
ing their intentions, kept on the alert at every
avenue leading to those sections.
The Schoharie valley being open, without
any place but the forest for the people to flee for
protection, Colonel Samuel Campbell of Cherry
Valley, personally appeared before General La
Fayette while at Johnstown attending an Indian
Council, and petitioned for the building of
three forts in the valley, each to be manned
with a company of regular soldiers and a field
piece. Accordingly engineers were sent out to
locate and superintend their structure in the
month of November, 1777.
The stone house already barricaded was sur-
rounded by a moat and enclosed by pickets,
and was called the " middle fort." About
four miles above at the upper end of " Vro-
man's land," upon the west side of the river,
another house was barricaded and a block-
house erected, which was called the "upper fort."
The stone church near Schoharie village was
enclosed, two block-houses built, at diagonal
corners, the same as the upper and middle
forts. These three were nearly an equal dis-
tance apart and were well arranged for the
people of the surrounding settlements to remove
their valuables for safety and to find protection
from the prowling enemies. Each was furnished
with two small cannon and with such facilities
as to warrant safety and comfort, yet would
prove very inadequate at the present day to
withstand the projectiles that would be brought
to bear upon them by our well-disciplined and
equipped soldiers. Within the pickets of each
SCENES AND INCIDENTS Dl'RIN<; THE WINTER AND SI'RINC OF 1777-78. 43
fort the citizens built rude huts to which they
resorted for safety each night from many miles
around, deeming it hazardous to rUk thrir lives
upon their own hearthstones, as the prowling
demons were at all times upon the watch to
capt ure or kill the patriots after the battle of
Breakabeen down to the (lose of the struggle.
Nothing more of importance (aside from the
building of the forts) of a warlike nature oc-
curred in the valley during the year 1777. It
is well known by every one that the winter of
1777 was indeed a trying time to the provincial
army. Washington lay at Valley Forge with
his nearly starved and fro/en army and the army
of < iates at Bemis Heights, with meagre supplies.
The citizens of Schoharie furnished them
with grains from their well filled granaries and
assisted in transporting cannon, powder, and all
other army necessaries for the campaign of
i77cS. In the latter part of May of that year,
when the earth began to teem with luxuriant
grains and grasses such as are peculiar to the
Schoharie valleys, the enemy was found lurking
in the vicinity of Cobleskill. Captain Christian
Brown knowing his force was too weak to cope
with any considerable numbers, dispatched a
messenger to the lower fort for assistance.
Captain Patrick, with a company of forty regu-
lars responded, and upon the first day of June
he marched them together with the Cobleskill
militia, only seventeen in number, about two
miles and one half to the west of the present
village of Cobleskill, to the " George Warner
house." While tarrying for a few moments and
enjoying the hospitality of that "committee-
man," a few Indians made their appearance a
short distance to the west. The small force
pressed forward and was drawn into an ambus-
cade planned by the sagacious Brant.
The battle raged furiously for but a few mo-
ments as it was discerned that the Indians were
surrounding them with untold numbers. Cap-
tain Brown ordered a retreat as it was found that
Patrick had fallen, mortally wounded. In their
flight, they passed the Warner house — in which
a few noble ones sought shelter to retard the
advance of the blood-thirsty foe.
After burning the house and inmates the inva-
ders passed down the valley, leaving houses,
barns, and stacks of hay in ashes, and such stock
as they found they either killed or drove along.
Wu:nen and children sought safety in the forest
and wandered to the Schoharie or lower fort.
The patriots' loss was twenty-two killed and two
made prisoners from their force of fifty-seven.
The enemy's strength according to official ac-
counts was about two hundred. Their In
not known. This invasion cast a deep gloom
over the Cobleskill settlement and caused the
inhabitants to seek and remain at the Lower
fort. The men cautiously returned each morn-
ing to do their work some time after, and walked
the distance of ten miles back in the evening.
I >nring the year rumors were afloat many times,
of the Indians' appearance to devastate, and the
military officers at Albany were repeatedly
called upon to send a force to Schoharie. We
have the pay roll of a company under Captain
Marselus of Colonel Lansing's regiment of militia
that was sent in August, and was at the lower
fort from the isth to the 3ist. They num-
bered, officers and men, forty- four. Others
were here from time to time, beside the home
guards and militia belonging to the district,
which gave the inhabitants an assurance of pro-
tection, and which undoubtedly restrained the
Tories and Indians from making another unholy
visit. It was in July of that year the terrible
massacre was made at Wyoming which chills
the heart blood and which presented scenes
that devils incarnate should be ashamed to own.
It may be interesting to know the fiend in hu-
man form whose report we copied in relation to
the invasion of McDonald, was present upon that
occasion. We did not intend to diverge from
the County's history, but being fortunate to ob-
tain a copy of so valuable a document as the re-
port" of Adam Crysler, which has loomed up as
a guilty conscience — to acknowledge deeds that
had been placed against others and not being
before published, we will repeat for history's
sake what he acknowledges in regard to the
affair : —
"In May, 1778, I received [Crysler was at
UnadillaJ orders from Colonel Butler to come
to Canatasago, accordingly I did and brought
nineteen men with me (who are with Colonel
Butler's rangers now) at which time he made me
a Lieutenant — and from there I went under the
command of Colonel Butler to Wayomen where
44
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
we had an engagement and killed about 460 of
the enemy and from there we went to Aughqua-
gy." Also we find he was at the destruction of
Cherry Valley, and says : —
" In November I went under the command
of Captain Butler (Walter Butler) to Cherry
Valley and destroyed that whole settlement and
returned to Niagara in December."
Hearing of such invasions and massacres it is
not to be wondered that the people of Scho-
harie felt fearful and insisted upon the presence
of soldiers.
Through the year 1779, also, the three forts
were well supplied with soldiers, while the militia
belonging to the settlements were busy scouting
and foraging for the subsistence of the garri-
sons. During that season several despicable
Tories were captured or killed by them, among
whom was one Service, living upon the Char-
lotte who was in the engagement at Cobleskill
and who furnished the invaders with provision.
[See Summit.] It was in August of that year
that Lieutenant-Colonel William Butler of a
Pennsylvania regiment and a company of rifle-
men from Morgan's corps came to the valley and
took command of the middle fort. Among the
riflemen were the brave Tim Murphy and David
Elerson whose strategy and courage won the ad-
miration of the people, and who permanently set-
tled in the County. Other equally as brave
men came with them but did not either have
an opportunity of displaying that characteristic,
or had not the tact to impress it upon the mind
of the people as forcibly. They were Thomas
Boyd (who was ruthlessly butchered while on
the Invasion of the Indian country under Sulli-
van in 1779, and whose ashes lie in Mt. Hope
Cemetery, Rochester, as one of " liberty's mar-
tyrs,") William Leek.Wm. Lloyd, John Wilber,
Frederick Ullman, (who afterwards joined Wil-
let's force at Fort Plain,) Elijah Hendricks,
Philip Hoever, Richard Tufts, Derrick Haga-
dorn, Joseph Evans and others whose names
have been lost. It is supposed all of the regu-
lars that were stationed in the valley in 1778
and '79 joined Clinton's force to form a junc-
tion with Sullivan at Tioga for the destruction
of the Indian towns to the west and north-west
of that place. The Indians hung upon the rear
of the army and among them were Captain Mc-
Donald and Lieutenant Crysler. The report of
the latter says: —
"Went to Shernung where we faced the whole
army of the Rebels and was forced to retreat to
Oyenyange (now Elmira,) where we attacked
them again and from whence we retreated again
to Niagara."
At the close of the campaign, Colonel Wm.
Butler, with his followers, returned to Schoharie,
where they remained during the winter, and
which no doubt they appreciated as they were
in a section, in which plenty and hospitality
abounded.
Winter passed away with all its pleasures and
hostile quietude, and the spring of 1780 came.
The farmers planted and sowed bountifully
as their countrymen in arms were to be fed and
clothed, and were looking to their spacious fields
for a share of their subsistence. Already had
large amounts been furnished by the unselfish
patriots for such uses, without recompense, ex-
cept the worthless currency that the distressed
government had in good faith issued, and the
slow but sure success of the cause of Inde-
pendence. Liberty was the object, and their
products, labors, privations and endurances the
beaconage.
Burning under the chastisement Sullivan gave
to them the summer previous, and acting under
the command to devastate all points that gave
the Colonial armies supplies, the Indians
and Tories under their inhuman comman-
ders, made several advances. The first upon
Schoharie, was in July, under Adam Crysler,
who appeared in Turloch (New Dorlach, now
Seward,) and took nine prisoners, [see Sew-
ard,j besides horses and household goods.
Crysler's report says : — ^/
"On the 25th of May, 1780, I received
Colonel Johnson's instructions to proceed to the
Indian country, and collect all the Indians that
laid in my power, and to join Captain Mc-
Donald, with a party of Rangers, to go to Scho-
harie. We proceeded as far as Oneida, where
we had a consultation with the Oneidas, and
brought of the Oneidas as far as Canas-
sarago (Canajoharie,) where I turned back with
seven Indians, and proceeded to Turlough,
where I took nine prisoners, and returned to
Niagara."
INVASION OF SCHOHARIK BY JOHNSON AND \',\<\\\
45
What caused the force to divide and not come
in full, we are unable ti< tell. Crysler had a
brother living near the scene (if the "Turlodi"
transaction, who was a true "congenial spirit"
in the unholy cause, and near him lived a
staunch patriot, Sebastian France, whose cap-
ture was designed, but not being at home, they
took the Hynds family instead. Had France
been at home, undoubtedly what few colonists
tlu ie were in the neighborhood would have
been taken or killed, and their property de-
stroyed. But they left this time, without doing
so, to return in the future.
In August, of the same year, when the peo-
ple of Schoharie Valley were busy upon their
lands, and but few men were in the forts, there
appeared a band of Indians, supposed to have
been led by Brant, in the central part of Vro-
man's land, and fell upon the Vroman neigh-
borhood, without notice, and killed five men,
women and children, among whom were Capt.
Tunis Vroman and wife.
We do not think Brant was in this invasion,
as Crysler would have so mentioned, had he
been. We find, when a superior officer was in
company with him, Crysler invariably makes
mention of it. He says, in his report referring
to this massacre : —
"June 7, 1780, Rec'd' Colonel Johnson's in-
structions to proceed with a party of Aughqua-
gas. tvc., to Schoharie, where I had a skirmish
with the Rebels, took five scalps, two prisoners,
and burnt some houses and barns, lost one man
and one wounded, from thence returned to Ni-
agara."
Instead of only two prisoners being taken
Simms says the number was about thirty. The
old report of Crysler's was in a very bad state,
dim and much torn, and a mistake might have
been made in copying. It would be supposed
that Crysler would make out as many as con-
sistent that he might receive the pat of his su-
periors and the encouraging words " well done
thou good and faithful servant." For further
information in regard to this invasion the reader
is referred to Fulton.
Scarcely had the embers ceased to glow where
stood the prosperous Vroman settlement and
the abundant harvest been safely secured from
inclement weather in barns, barracks and stacks,
than the shadow of destruction w.is drawn
the valley and happy hearthstones destro)ed.
Colonel John Johnson and Brant, the much
vaunted Nb.hauk chief, entered the valley in
the early part o! < h tuber following the invasion
referred to, at the head of nearly one thousand
British Regulars, Tories and Indians, bent on
the despoilation of the valley.
It was very fortunate for the patriots' cause in
the Schoharie valley that this invasion was not
made at the beginning of the struggle, when so
many were undecided which cause to advocate.
Nearly all really were in favor of free government,
yet they truly believed it was an impossibility
to establish one owing to the superior strength
of the mother government, and in rebelling they
would forfeit their property and citizenship. The
victory over Burgoyne, St. Leger and McDon-
ald was the most fortunate affair of the whole
war. It encouraged the firm, strengthened the
weak and determined the majority of the unde-
cided. It is a fact not to be denied that then,
as ever before and since, and for all time to
come, the majority of the people have, and will
have, an especial eye to the security of their
personal effects, above their political privileges,
unless they are bound down to excessive bond-
age. There are exceptions it is true and es-
pecially during the Revolution. That of Han-
cock of Boston who urged the burning of the
city and his entire property, if it would advan-
tage the cause of Independence. Also of Mrs.
Rebecca Motte of South Carolina, of Adams,
Franklin, Washington, and others of less note.
But we are speaking of the majority elsewhere
as well as here in the valley, where dwelt
a few whose patriotism could not be excelled.
The enemy encamped above the upper fort and
appeared opposite of it after daylight on the i7th
of October. The garrison was commanded by
Captain Jacob Hager, whose bravery upon all oc-
casions was truly meritorious. The fort contained
only about one hundred citizen soldiers, militia
and regulars. Had Johnson known that it was
so feebly defended he would undoubtedly have
besieged it, but supposing it to be well strength-
ened and knowing its stubborn commander, be-
sides it being the most impregnable against an
armed force of either fort in the valley, they
passed on to the middle fort, as they supposed,
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
without being noticed. Their rear was discov-
ered and an alarm given from the fort by firing
the cannon, which was heard at the middle fort
and its occupants began to make ready to re-
ceive them. The middle fort's construction
was the weakest of the three and Johnson there-
fore made an attack upon it, thinking that if
either could be taken his chances were better on
that, besides Colonel Vroman, the superior offi-
cer was within it, and if he surrendered the
other two would be easily compelled to. It is
very doubtful whether either Captain Hager or
Major Becker would have done so if such had
been the case, as they were men of pluck and
energy, with the same characters to assist them.
The supply of powder at the middle fort was
very limited, and perhaps the enemy was ap-
prised of the fact through some pretended
friends of the patriots. The garrison to which
Jolmson bent his steps consisted of two hun-
dred Continental troops and about one hundred
and fifty militia. The fortress was commanded
by a Continental Major by the name of Wool-
sey, but he was either a coward or traitor, as he
insisted upon giving admittance to the flag of
truce, upon which Col. Vroman took command
and made a bold and determined defense.
As soon as the signal was heard from the
gun at the upper fort, that of the middle re-
sponded, and soon the echo of the ever-ready
"grass-hopper," as Johnson called it, came from
the lower fort as if to answer "aye !" to the roll-
call. Those sounds, too, were the signals for
destruction to the yeoman's well-filled barns,
stacks and hearth-stones. As soon as they
knew they were discovered they applied the
torch, and the flames soon began to lap the
precious fruits of faithful labor, as if jubilant to
assist in the devastation. A scout was sent
from the middle fort to learn the cause of alarm
and met the foe near the present village of Mid-
dleburgh. A few shots were exchanged by the
daring party and they returned to the fort with
quick step to receive their visitor "outside the
gate." The force passed the fort to the east
and made a stand upon an eminence to the
northeast. The Indians carried on the work
of burning and plundering along the flats while
Johnson's regulars made preparation for a bom-
bardment. In relation to the siege, we will
copy from "Simms" Border Wars," as that au-
thor was fortunate in being personally acquaint-
ed with several of the actors in the conflict : —
" Col, Johnson had with him a small mortar
and a field piece — -the latter a brass six-pounder.
The carriage for the cannon was carried in parts
and required screwing together. They were
made ready to fire at the stand he had chosen
at Becker's Orchard, and a cannonading and
bombardment commenced, while a constant
firing was kept up with small arms, but gener-
ally at too great a distance for the latter to
lake effect. Three shells were well thrown
from this position by the enemy at the fort, and
many cannon-shot were fired but with less pre-
cision, the most of them passing entirely over the
destined object. The first shell fired, sung in the
air like a pigeon, and exploded directly over the
house, and as its fragments fell upon the roof,
Mrs. Richtmyer, an old lady, then in an upper
room, who had been an invalid and unable to
rise alone from her bed for a long time, was so
frightened that she sprang from it and went be-
low, surviving the effect but a short time. The
second shell fell within the pickets near the
well, and while the fuse was burning off and the
ball dancing in a mud hole, every person ex-
posed to its explosion had ample time to gain a
respectful distance, and it scattered its frag-
ments without injuring anyone. The third shell
fell through the roof of the main building, and
lodging on a pile of feather beds in the cham-
ber, which were deposited upon several chests
of bedding. It exploded tearing the beds in
pieces, doing little other mischief, except that
of frightening Christian Rickard, an old bach-
elor, who chanced to be in the room, almost to
death. The explosion completely filled the
room with feathers, and groping his way down
stairs, Rickard made his appearance below,
where many of the women and children were,
covered with feathers, and spitting down from
his mouth, which sudden fear had caused him to
open too widely for such an atmosphere. When
asked what had happened, he replied in Low
Dutch: ' I think the Devil is in the chamber, for
the feathers fly around so I cannot see.' The
beds were set on fire but were easily extinguish-
ed, as water had been provided for such an
emergency.
BATTLE AT THE "MIDDLE FORT."
47
" After the firing had been continued for
some time by the enemy and several shells
thrown, it suddenly ceased, and a white flag was
seen to leave the British ranks and advance to-
ward the fort. The (lag-bearer was accom-
panied on his right by an officer in green uni-
form, and on his left by a fifer playing Yankee
Doodle. When the (lag was discovered ap-
proaching. Major Woolsey gave orders to have
it admitted, but not another officer in the fort,
to their credit be it said, was in favor of its
admission ; and Murphy and Elerson, who
conjectured what their fate might be should the
enemy learn the actual strength of the garrison
and succeed in its capture, determined, so the
latter informed the author, that before the flag
should enter the fort one or the other of them.
would shoot Woolsey himself. * * * *
" When Murphy fired on the flag Major
Woolsey was not present, having visited his
quarters to prepare himself to enforce submission
to his commands, for soon after he returned
pistol in hand and demanded who had dared to
disobey his orders ? ' I fired on the flag,' said
Murphy. Major Woolsey then threatened the
brave soldier with instant death if he repeated
the act ; and the latter, who believed the will-
ingness of the commandant to admit the flag
proceeded from cowardice alone, retorted with
warmth : ' Sooner than see that flag enter the
fort will I send a bullet through your heart.'
Seeing an evident disposition in all the officers
present to sustain Murphy, for they rallied
round him to a man, the Major walked towards
the house. In this time the flag attended as
before, had again advanced, and Major Woolsey
had not proceeded two rods when Murphy again
fired, and its bearer faced about and retired.
" During this parley the firing on both sides
had ceased with the exception stated, and was
not resumed until after Colonel Johnson from
his great desire to get a flag into the fort, dis-
patched it by the same party a third time. It
is possible that from his position he had, with a
spy-glass, observed the movement of Major
Woolsey. They had proceeded as far as at first
however, when a third bullet from Murphy's rifle
passed over their heads, sayipg in eftect, 'thus
far, but no farther,' and they returned to the
ranks. The firing was then renewed."
While death stared the little band of patriots
in the face and would have been a certainty to
every one of them if the British force had been
commanded by a brave and ingenious officer,
that heroism was displayed by men and women
that has been the admiration of the world for
ages. Our own national orators and poets
fondly, too fondly look back beyond our borders
and far beyond our time to find commendable
patriots. The history of Sparta and Athens is
scoured to find examples to please the fastidious
and radical minds, while among the common
yeomanry of our country may be found ex-
amples that have not been excelled by any
countryman, and which would have long since
been enshrined upon public memorials if supe-
rior positions had been their lot. During the
siege at the middle fort was displayed unflinch-
ing patriotism and bravery by the weaker sex
that deserved mention and which add lustre to
that memorable day. Angelica and Susannah
Vroman's names may well be classed among
the pure heroines of our country, whose chastity
linked with their fidelity and activity in the
cause of freedom, were as diamonds placed
with sapphires in the crown of their characters-
During the siege they moulded the bullets
that kept at bay the blood-thirsty enemy, and
bravely stood by the side of their patriotic
brothers, to repel an attack, and by voice and
example encouraged them in their firmness.
Another one, on that day, at the upper fort,
when preparations were being made to repel the
invaders if they returned from the middle fort,
stood boldly before the captain who command-
ed the women to seek safety in the cellar, and
declared, "/ shall not go into that cellar!
Should the enemy come, I will take a spear,
which lean use as well as any man, and help de-
fend t/ie fort !" Mary Hagadorn took a spear
and stood at the pickets until it was known that
the enemy had marched on to the lower fort,
and danger had passed.
When Woolsey was so boldly overruled by the
riflemen, he sought freedom from the jeers of the
women, as the same author says elsewhere : —
" The cellar under the kitchen part of the
dwelling, was occupied as a magazine, and
Colonel Vroman, to conceal the deficiency of
powder, brought it himself, when wanted. As
48
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
powder was needed, the Colonel laid down his
gun and sword, and went to get it. Near the
cellar door he encountered Major Woolsey, who
had just left the presence of the women, as may
be supposed, in not very good humor. ' Major
Woolsey, is this your place, who are placed
here to defend the fort ? ' interrogated the brave
Colonel. He replied, half dead through fear :
' Colonel Vroman, the men will not obey me,
and I give up the command to you.' "
The bombardment continued only for a short
time, and the litlle garrison answered only at
intervals, as their stock of powder was very
limited.
About three o'clock the enemy resumed their
march down the valley to attack the lower fort,
burning everything along the route, excepting two
houses and the church and parsonage at Foun-
taintown, of which a more definite account
may be seen in the chapter upon " Schoharie."
During the presence of the enemy in the
orchard, several scouts went out from the fort,
to defend buildings and other property, but
were only successful in returning. The patriots
were very fortunate through the day, as but two
were mortally, and one slightly wounded.
Those that were known to be at the middle
fort, were Major Woolsey,Colonel Peter Vroman,
Mattice Ball, Peter Becker, Timothy Murphy,
David Elerson, Christian Rickard, Samuel
Reynolds, of New Jersey, (mortally wounded,)
Jeremiah Loucks, (slightly wounded,) Doctor
John King, (surgeon,) Nicholas Lough ter, Lieu-
tenant Martinus Zeilie, John Wilbur, Jacob Win-
ne, (commissary), Samuel VanVechten, Douw
Fonda, Captain Miller, of a company of Clave-
rack militia, Major Ecker, Sergeant Lloyd,
Richard Hanson, Peter VanSlyck, Martin Zei-
lie, Joachim Folluck, Adam Shell, Philip
Hoever, Tufts and Leek. A short time previous
to the appearance of the enemy before the mid-
dle fort, Major Becker's messenger from the lower
fort arrived with a bag of powder, which was
opportune, and perhaps enabled the besieged to
impress the ability to cope with upon the in-
vaders. With the force that Colonel Johnson
had under his command, he could have sur-
rounded the garrison and forced a capitulation,
or an entrance within the pickets, and why he
did not is another one of the unexplained mili-
tary acts of that feather example of royal pom-
posity.
The main force kept near the river through
Fountaintown, while small parties of Indians
and Tories applied the torch to the dwellings,
until they reached the present Schoharie Rail-
road station, when they divided 'to pass to the
east and west of the stone fort, undoubtedly to
burn the few dwellings that stood near. Upon
their arrival opposite that fortress, they were re-
ceived with that warmth which such braves as
Major Becker are capable of exhibiting when
required. Having only two small cannon, they
were brought into service, especially the one
upon the northwest block house. Trusty rifle-
men were placed in the belfry, and work began
in earnest. The day before, this garrison re-
ceived a supply of powder from Albany, from
which a bag-full was sent to the middle fort.
A few shots with small arms were exchanged,
when Johnson's Regulars drew in view an object
which the yeomen thought was a " peeled log,"
as a feint, but which, when arranged, proved to be
a brass cannon. Shot after shot was made, but
with what effect upon the enemy is not known,
but upon the patriots the most pleasing. " The
peeled log " lodged one ball partly in the plate,
and partly in a rafter that rested upon the plate
of the building. The hole may yet be seen,
and is the only mark left commemorative of the
invasion.
Major Joseph Becker, Captain Peter Snyder,
Captain Christian Strubach, Ensign Jacob Law-
yer, Jacob VanDyck, John Ingold, Senior and
Junior, Jacob H. Shafer, Hendricus Schaeffer,
Wilhelmus Entis, Anthony Broutner, Barney
Cadugney, George Snyder, John Hutt, Jacob
Becker, John Van Wart, Jacob Enders, John
Kneiskern, John Rickard, George Merenes,
Christopher France, John Merckley and Wm.
Kniskern, were in the lower fort upon that day,
besides a company of Normanskill militia and
Valley Associate Exempts, making a force of
about one hundred and seventy men.
There were several women from the neighbor-
hood, who sought safety in the fort, and whose
courage was undaunted,— here as at the other,
two, — among whom was the wife of Captain
Snyder, whose assistance and encouragement
were worthy to receive homage from the de-
/
MASS. \Ckl-. OK MICH \l,l. MK.KCKI \\
49
scendants of that noble band that none can re-
flect upon but with patriotic admiration.
Although the invasion we have noticed was
tt rrible in the extreme in destruction of prop-
erty, laying the labors of years in ashes, yet the
loss of life was small. Owing to the numbers
engaged, a more modern military observer would
think but little of the transaction, but when we
consider the position in which the patriots were
placed and the circumstances attending their
position, their discouraging supplies, weakness
in force, future prospects, etc., we cannot but
think that, on their part, a stability of purpose,
undaunted endurance, and determined patriot-
ism, was exhibited that made the day memor-
able, their names immortal, and the occasion
important.
The enemy encamped near Sloansville for the
night, having laid over three hundred buildings
in ashes, besides an innumerable number of
stacks of both hay and grain. The Indians
were guided by the famous Brant, and regard-
less of the eloquent defense of his character by
his historian, the people of Schoharie, for this
and other heartless crimes, hold his name in
contempt. The very people that had extended
to him brotherly hospitality, he robbed of their
homes, and silently consented to deprive
of their scalps. Blood, torture, devastation and
ruin marked his course, if not at Wyoming,
truly in the vale of the Mohawk, Schoharie and
Cobleskill. At the latter place, especially,
knowing that the aroused passions of his fol-
lowers could be calmed by his orders, as a ven
crated chief, when such cruelties as those
practiced upon the body of the gallant patriot,
whose bowels were opened, and entrails wound
around a tree, had he possessed a heart less
hardened than a demon, he would have ignored
such an act and forbidden it.
The following day Colonel Vroman collected
all the troops that dared to be spared from the
forts, and followed the enemy to the Mohawk.
Upon arriving there they were united with the
force of Robert VanRensselaer, whose dis-
loyalty or cowardice restrained his army from
gaining complete victory over the invaders near
Stone Arabia, where the brave Colonel Brown
fell. VanRensselaer's conduct upon that mission
was, and should have been a subject of censure,
as by his dilatory maneuvers, the murderous
clan was privileijed to pass off to their rendez-
vous to gloat over their deeds and enjoy their
spoils, and be encouraged to again invade the
happy and prosperous homes of struggling
patri<
On the day following the invasion of the
Schoharie valley — while the soldiers were skir-
mishing with the rear of Johnson' , uty
of Indians and Tories led by Seth's Henry, a
Schoharie Indian, and Philip Crysler, a brother
•i Adam, a i-ired along the West-kill, in the
present town of Seward, and after bathing their
hands in the blood of Michael Merckley, his
niece Catharine, besides two boys, they burned
several buildings and led in captivity several
inoffensive persons and passed off to follow
the Charlotte trail to Niagara. A more
minute account of this act may be seen in the
events chronicled in the chapter upon the
town of Seward, and which was but another
lesson of the perfidy of the unprincipled de-
mons that continually lurked around the pa
triots' homes through the days that truly " tried
men's souls."
While we have poorly delineated the cause of
the distress and anguish experienced, we cannot
but feel our blood boil for revenge, and willingly
excuse the hatred felt by the old veterans to-
wards their tormentors. These trials whisper
to our better judgments to prize more highly
our political privileges, as well as our domestic
safety and happiness.
The personal anguish cannot be told. The
hearts that were pierced by those tragical acts
only could tell in their painful beatings. Yet
they are transcribed upon the "book of life"
by the finger of the true God, which the pen of
man cannot erase or excuse, and for which,
trembling souls of tyrants must answer before
the bar of the knowing Judge.
Not content, another demon in human form
emerged from the Mohawk valley, like a vul-
ture, with a horde of nearly five hundred In-
dians and Tories and pounced upon the settle-
ment of Currytown, in Montgomery County on
the lothof July, 1781, underCaptain John Dock-
stader. After their usual depredations of murder-
| ing, burning and plundering, they resumed their
I march and encamped for the night near Sharon
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Centre. The gallant Willet of Oriskany fame
becoming apprised by scouts of the enemy's
presence at once set out with a much smaller
force and gained a position at their front, with-
out their knowledge.
Arousing the Indian camp.early in the morn-
ing of the i.ith, by sending a scout to intimidate
them, they were led into an ingenious trap and
from all sides received a volley that told upon
their numbers. The superior military skill of
Willet over Dockstader, and the unequalled
bravery of his men, after a fight of two hours.
put the enemy to flight.
Willet and his men, thoroughly aroused, fol-
lowed them a distance of three miles with con-
tinued firing and caused many of them to make
sudden departures to the spirit land. His own
loss was but five killed, that of the enemy over
sixty. Unfortunate would it have been for
Johnson and Brant the year before, if Willet had
VanRensselaer's command.
Beside the invasions already alluded to, small
bands of Indians usually led by Tories, from
time to time appeared here and there, and took
many prisoners. George Warner Jun., son of
the " committee man," of Cobleskill, was taken
in July, 1782, by Crysler, and his father and
brother Nicholas, in December following by
Seth's Henry and several Indians. Also the day
before the capture of George Warner, Jun., the
same band appeared upon Fox's creek, in the
present town of Wright, and burned the resi-
dence and other buildings of Jacob Zimmer,
killed his son Jacob, and one Hoever, beside
taking John Snyder, and Henry Becker pris-
oners.
Early in the year 1 7 8 1 , the inhabitants of Scho-
harie and Cobleskill that were living some dis-
tance from either of the three forts— for their bet-
ter protection erected three block-houses, where
they might resort each night for safety, with-
out traveling several miles and being exposed to
murder or capture. The first was built a short
distance east of Cobleskill, the second at Kneis-
kern's dorf, and the third at Hartman's, equal
distances from the middle and lower forts. Each
was enclosed by pickets, within which huts
were built by private families, as at the main
forts. The one at Cobleskill was built under
the instruction of Colonel Deboise, a regular,
in command at the lower fort, and was named
after him.
In November, 1781, a, party came to the
valley of Schoharie by the Southern route, and
was supposed to be led by Brant, for the pur-
pose of assisting the family of Adam Crysler to
remove to Canada. But we are satisfied that
it was not the intention of the invaders and
that they were not commanded by Brant. Crys-
ler made his report in December, 1781, and
this invasion is the last one of which he speaks.
It says : —
" Sep. 28 received Col. Johnson's instructions
to proceed with a party of Aughquagas &c con-
sisting of 28 men to Schohaire on the loth of
November when we came to Schohary we killed
one man near the fort and drove off 50 head
horned cattle a number of horses and burnt two
houses. On our retreat the Rebels turned out
with a party consisting of 30 men in pursuit of
us. They overtook us about four miles from
the fort and began to fire on us, upon which
we returned the fire and killed one of their men
on which they retreated and I went on with the
cattle. The next morning the Rebels turned
out the second time with isomenand overtook
us about twenty-three miles from the fort, upon
which we had another skirmish and killed four
of their men and some wounded, they retreated
at the same time. We lost all the cattle, up-
on which I had a consultation with the In-
dians and they concluded not to pursue the
Rebels since we were all safe and they too
strong for us but make the best of our way to
Niagara where we arrived on the nth Decem-
ber and have since that time done the -duties
ordered me with satisfaction and spirit."
The object of the invasion, by the foregoing
would seem to be for supplies to subsist the
army upon. At all other invasions, the cattle
were not driven away, but a few killed and a
portion of their meat taken. The report agrees
with the author Simms" account of the invasion
as far as regards the skirmishes. The man that
was killed near the fort was Isaac Vroman,
father of Peter.
Seth's Henry was also in this party, and as
Simms says, "dispatched his victim with a
war-club, cut his throat, and with the bloody
knife added another notch on the club, to the
INVASION OF 1781.
5'
record of the many scalps he had taken in the
war, after which he laid it on the body of the
murdered man and left him." " This Schoharie
chief" continues the same author, "left a war
club in the same neighborhood some time be-
fore, which recorded a most startling account
of his prowess and cruelty."
The first skirmish was upon Bouck's Island
and Richard Haggidorn was mortally wounded,
and one of the Tories also was found near a
few days after, supposed to have been killed at
that time. The pursuing party returned to the
fort and " Col. Vroman dispatched Cap. Ha-
ger " says Simms, "with fifteen or twenty Scho-
harie rangers, and a company of eastern troops,
numbering about Sixty men under Capt. Hale.
The command of the Americans was given to
Capt. Hager, who, taking two or three days
provisions moved up the river. The enemy as
was afterwards ascertained, numbered between
Sixty and Seventy, Indians and lories, under
the command of Brant and Crysler."
The enemy was pursued to and found at or
near the lake in the town of Jefferson, and as
the same author says " on arriving at the lake,
the road which was little more than an Indian
footpath, ran along its margin. A ridge of land
extended nearly to the lake where the Ameri-
cans were approaching, and as they were rising
the eminence, the enemy who were concealed
near its summit, discharged upon them a volley
of balls. The instant they fired, Capt. Hager
commanded Hale who was marching in the rear
to ' Flank to the right and march on! Hager
intended to bring the enemy between his com-
mand and the lake, but Hale instead of obey-
ing the order, faced to the right about, and fol-
lowed by his men with but one noble exception
retreated in double quick time.
" Brant and his destructives seeing the cow-
ardly retreat of Hale and his men advanced to
meet Hager, who was left with less than twenty
men to resist a force more than triple his own.
The little band had taken to trees and were be-
ginning to return the enemy's fire at the time
Hale retreated, but seeing that they must soon
be entirely surrounded if they attempted to
maintain their position, their brave leader or-
dered a retreat. On leaving the ground they
were necessarily exposed to the fire of the ene-
my and Sackt-t nian (the exception to
Hale's men) sealed his bravery with liis Mood,
as did Joachim VanValkenburgh, one of Capt.
Hager's followers. Joseph, a brother of Cap.
Hager was also wounded severely in the right
shoulder, but the ball was extracted and he
subsequently recovered.
" Capt. Hager with Murphy still at his side
then ran to overtake the cowardly Hale, and
after a chase of about five hundred yards over-
took him ; as both of them gained his front they
placed the muzzles of their rifles at his breast
and the Captain in a voice of thunder exclaimed
' 'Attempt ti> run anotiu-r step ami you are a dead
man.' •••'••
" Having restored order and infused a share
of his own fearless spirit in his ranks Capt. Hager
was about to renew the pursuit as Col. Vro-
man arrived upon the ground with forty men
drawn from the lower fort. After a short con-
sultation the chase was continued, but still in
ignorance as to the enemy's numbers. After
proceeding about two miles and losing all trace
of their footsteps, they having left the usual
path for some unknown route, the pursuit was
abandoned and the troops returned to Schoha-
rie."
Various scouts were sent out from time to
time and other small invasions made, but to
speak of them here would but draw the interest
from individual town history. The main incur-
sions affecting the greatest numbers, casting a
gloom over the greatest extent of territory we
have drawn from Crysler's report and our local
historian — Simms' "Border Wars." It was that
author's fortune to communicate with many of
the actors of the Revolution, themselves and
the country's fortune that he embraced those
opportunities of learning facts relating to that
struggle that would have been lost forever.
One regret we harbor however, that the au-
thor was not equally a master of the pencil as well
as of the pen, to sketch the portraits of those
sturdy ones ere they passed away and crumbled
to dust.
They would have been precious mementoes to
hand down to future generations, as well as to
embellish their history's pages. But we will not
complain. Their patriotism we have recorded, for
which all futurity is indebted to that author's
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
foresight. With a few individual encounters
within the County, hostilities closed and peace
uas proclaimed in 1783.
Many of the Tories and Indians returned to
their former homes, but the patriots' ire was
aroused at the sight of them, and many mys-
teriously disappeared, especially Indians. Seth's
Henry, the most venomous of the race, whose
tomahawk and knife had done greater service
in their unholy work, than any other, it was
thought, felt the stinging power of an unerring
bullet, while others were quietly wafted away
by more unexplained accidental causes. Many
of the Tories, whose bloody trail could be dis-
cerned, were victims of abuses in the form of
whippings and other feeling rebuffs.
The property of that class was confiscated,
which comprised whole neighborhoods in a few
instances. Many sought Canada again, while a
few remained to receive the jeerings of the peo-
ple, and lived to be shunned by all.
We were fortunate to find in the possession
of Henry Cady, (a descendant of Colonel Peter
Vroman,)the well preserved muster-roll, bearing
the date of 1782, which we here copy.
Many of those whose names are upon it, were
active loyalists through the war, and why they
were retained upon the list, we are unable to tell.
It includes all that were liable to military duty in
the whole Schoharie settlement, and will give an
idea of the sparse population of the territory.
It will be observed that the name of Becker
is spelled differently in the roll, as Becker and
Baeker. The former were of High, and the lat-
ter of Low Dutch ancestry, although we believe
a mistake was made in giving more Backers
than there were in the valley. Quite probably
the writer was Low Dutch, and spelled the name
as he pronounced it. In regard to the Low
Dutch branch, the reader is referred more par-
ticularly to the chapter upon events of " Middle-
burgh," as they located in that town, while the
High Dutch settled in the present town of Wright.
No. i.— Mathice Schults, Lieutenant, Jacob
Schultes, William Schultes, Mathice Schultes,
Jun., Stophel Warner, Stophel Warner, Jun.,
Mathice Warner, Jun., Jost Scheffer, Rudolph
Cassman, Richard Schelmedien, Christian Buck-
en, Jury Pestshals, Peter Engel, Jacob Engel,
Jacob Post, Phillip Steinbergh.
No. 2.— William Zimmer, Peter Witeman,
William Witeman, Jacob Witeman, Jun., Adem
Witeman, Isaac Larrawey, Jacob Larrawey,
Hendrick Dalle, Peter Zimmer, William Ball,
William Snyder, Hendrick Ball, Jury Schribner,
Christian Sant, Johannis Delrig, John Low.
No. 3. — Jacobus Deitz, Adem Deitz, Adem
Deitz, Jun., Hendryck Deitz, Jury Ball, Hen-
drick Crosspile, Counrate Swarts, William Be-
craft, Jun., Francis Becraft, Johannis Eker,
Nicolas Eker, Johannis Cher, Jun., Peter Sny-
der, John Tomson, Charles Heflig, Jacob Heflig.
No. 4. — -Jacob Heger, Captain, Hendrick He-
ger, Jun., Johannis Heger, Peter Heger, Dre-
drick Becker, William Bouck, Christian W.
Bouck, William W. Bouck, Hendrick Bouck,
Michel Brown, Pieter J. Vroman, Adem J. Vro-
man, Harmanus Barnhart, Phillip Barnhart,
Johannis I. Bouck.
No. 5. — Cornelius Feak, Lieutenant, Jacob
Peak, Nicolas Feak. Johannes Feak. Peter
Peek, Timothe Murphy, Hendrick Hagedorn,
Barthelmeus Hagedorn, Johannis Hagedorn,
Samuel Hagedorn, Adem Hagedorn, Abrahem J.
Becker, Adem Brown, Jacob I. Becraft, Coun-
rate Mathice, Hendrick Mathice.
No. 6. — Peter Swart. Ensign, Martines Van
Slyck, Lawrance Swart, John Whiliber, William
Bouck, Jr., Nicelas Bouck, Lawrance Bouck,
Frederick Mathice, Nicelas I. Mattice, George
Mathice, Johannis Lawyer, Johannis Mathice,
Adem Mathice, Peter A. Vroman, Johannis
Tingmier.
No. 7. — Christian Stubrach, Captain, John
Grenadier, Johannis Richter, Jacob Merkel,
Nickelos Merkel, Jost Falk, Jost Sidney, Hen-
drick Sidney, Peter Sidney, Harmanus Sidney,
Hendrick Stubrach, Barent Stubrach, Jacob Hil-
singer, Jacob Granedier.
No. 8. — Johannis Dietz, Lieutenant, William
Dietz, John Jost Dietz, Nicelas Sternbergh,
Lambert Sternbergh, Jun., Davit Sternbergh.
Abrahem Sternbergh, Jacob Sternbergh, Lode-
wick Breemer, George Phillip Snyder, William
Ecker, Thomas J. Eckerson, John Kniskern,
Jacob Kniskern, John Russway.
No. 9. — Peter Ball, Quarter-master, Johannis
Ball, Mathice Ball, Harek Braymen, Hendriek
Houck, Jun., Hendrick Houck, George Bien-
hart, Hendrick Merkel, Johannis Merkel, Jacob
SCHOHAR1K COUNTY MUSTER Roi.l
F,n<lers, Peler Enders, Johannis Knders, Hen-
drick Werth, Jacob \'an Dyck, Jolin H<-ss.
No. 10. — John Enders, Ensign, Jacol) Endi-rs.
William Knders. Jim., Major Jost Becker, Jo-
hannis Ilutt, George Schelman, Johannis
Becker, Jacob Becker, William Becker, Jacob
/immer, Jacob Schoolcraft, George Becker,
Adem /immer, Hendrick Hitsman, Johannis
Hitsman.
\t>. ii. — Peter Snyder, Jim., Lieutenant,
Lambert Stern bergh, Jury Snyder, Michel Hil-
singer. Johannis Hilsinger, Michel Hilsinger,
Jun., William Lnders, Peter Knders, Johannis
Finck, Peter Finck, William Finck, Peter Hil-
singer, Peter Mann, William Mann, John Dom-
inick.
No. 12. — Jacob Snyder, Lieutenant, Phillip
Bergh, Abrahem Bergh, Phillip Bergh, Jun.,
Adem Vroman, Peter Vroman, Jun., Johannis
Kckessen, Cornelius J. Eckerson, Joseph Van-
Ingen, Jury Ecker, Jost Kniskern, Phillip
Schkyler, John Schyler, Simeon Schuyler, Col-
onel Peter Vroman.
No. 13. — Laurance Schoolcraft, A. D., Peter
Schoolcraft, Tennis Swart, Jacob Money, Phil-
lip Van Alen, John Jacob Werth, Johannes
Worth, Peter Snyder, Johan-nis Snyder, Hen-
drick Scheneman, George Hills, Stophel Hills,
fohannis Rickerd, Marcus Rickerd.
No. 14. — Johannis J. Lawyer, Lieutenant,
Johannis Lawyer, Jacob Lawyer, Jun., Abra-
hem Lawyer, Peter Lawyer, Lambert Lawyer,
C'asper Storet, Johannes Lawyer, Jun., Jacob
F. Lawyer, Jacob Lawyer, Nicholas Lawyer,
Davit Lawyer, Hendrick Hanes, Jacob Hanes,
Hendrick Hanes, Jr.
No. 15 — George Ric.htmier, Captain, Coun-
rau- Brown, Stophel Redich, Davit Lee, Sto-
phel Warner, Johannis Enpolt, Tennis Scheffer,
Johannes T. Scheffer, Marcus Scheffer, Philip
Borst, Nicholas Rickerd, Jury Rickerd, Thomas
Booth, Jost Schell, Christian Schell, Henry
Counrate, Jan., Hendricus Scheffer.
No. 16. — Johannis L. Belleger, Ensign, Jost
Lee, Antony Brentner, Jacob Jacobse, Johan-
nis Borst, Marlines Borst, William Loucks,
Jurimy Loucks. Andries Loucks, Johannes
Bouck, Thomas Bouck, Davit Bouck, Nicelas
Bouck, Cornelius Bouck, Jost Ecker, Counrate
Counrate.
\('. 17. — Marlines N. X.ielle, Lieutenant,
uas F.ckessen, (Cornelius !•'.( kevsen. Major
Thomas Kckcsson, Jr., Teunis Erkessen, Jr.,
John F.ckessen, Jun , Tennis F.ckessen. John T.
Krkensrii. Joseph Bann-r, William Lake, Col.
I'eter N. Xielle. I'eter VanSlyke. Barrent Vro-
man, Johannis Janekson, Hendrich Janekson.
No. 18. — Albertus Becker, Jun., Johannis S.
Becker, Harmanuus Becker, Abraham Becker.
Johannis A. Becker, Slorm Berker, Jun., Cor-
nelius Van Dyck, John Van Dyck, Johannis
Borst, Jun., Marlines Pick, Peler I', /ielle,
Jun., Peler V. P. Zielle, Peter Becker, Johan-
nis I). Becker, Hendrick Courale.
Vi>. 19. — Marlines Vroman, Lieutenant, Al-
burtus Becker, Johannes Alb Becker, Johan-
nis Becker, Johannis J. Becker, Davil Becker,
Jr., Jacob Borst, Jun., Marcus Belleger, Johan-
nis M. Belinger, Lawrance Lawyer, Abrahem
Lawyer, Conrate Ingmier, Hendrick Borst, Jo-
hannis Bellinger, Marcus Bellinger, Jun.
No. 20. — Nicelas Warner, Ensign, Christian
Brown, Captain, Peter Scheffer, Lendert Chur-
sigh, Jacob Scheffer, William Brown, Johannis
Bouck, Jr., Jacob Bouck, Peter Bouck, Josl
Scheffer, Davatt Scheffer, Adem Scheffer, Hen-
drick Scheffer, Jun., Michel Huningh. Stophel
Huningh, Johannis Huningh.
No. 21. — Hendrick Borst, Lieutenant, Baltus
Borst, Jost Borst, Johannis Borst, Hendrick
Scheffer, Lawrance Lawyer, Jr., Peter Scheffer,
Jr., Lambert Schefter, Johannis Scheffer, Michel
Borst, Jacob Fosler, Adem Scheffer, William
Snyder, Michel Frymier, Davet Frymier. Phillip
Lergher.
No. 22. — John Myers, Lieutenant, Daniel
McColme, John Couch, Ellexander McColme,
Michel Richter, Nicelas Richter, Hendryck
Richter, Lodenick Snyder. Phillip Snyder, Hen-
dryck Snyder, Davil Carsson, John Humphry,
Benjamen Humphrey, Peler Kniskern, Barenl
Kniskern, Alexander McDayle, Relph Wertley.
No. 23. — John Casade, Sergeant, George Hat-
sel, Johannis Backer, Abraham Brewer, Peler
Brewer, James Morran, James Humphrey, Peter
Young, Andrew Young, Phillip Sneyder, Jr.,
William McCatrick, Michel Hittser, Charles
Werhley, Daniel- Vanathwerp, John Vanantwen.
Andrew Young, Jr., Peter Vanantwerp. William
Rickel.
54
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIK COUNTY.
As we have made mention, large quantities
of grain, chiefly wheat, were sent from the Scho-
harie settlements to the army for its subsistence.
The Committee of Safety superintended its
transportation, which was accomplished with
wagons and sleighs.
Several teams would be sent to Albany at a
time and if other means were not at hand to
send the produce on to different points where
needed, the same teams were employed to carry
it on, and it was not uncommon for them to
draw produce to Fort George, Fort Edward,
Fishkill and Newburgh. Washington once
wrote after Johnson's invasion, "The settle-
ments of Schoharie which alone was able to fur-
nish Eighty thousand bushels of grain for public
use," which seems incredible considering the
small part of the territory that was under culti-
vation.
The fact became well known throughout the
army and the Eastern States, of the adaptability
of the soil to wheat growing and led many of
the veterans and others to settle within the ter-
ritory immediately after peace was proclaimed.
The greatest influx was from 1781 to 1800,
principally from Connecticut, Massachusetts and
New Jersey, who turned their labors and inge-
nuity to establish homes for themselves.
When the dark, pall-like cloud that had hung
over the country so long was removed, the exul-
tation of the people in these frontier settlements
must have been great. No longer were they
compelled to guard each step with the expecta-
tion that the coming hour or moment would
find them mangled corpses or tortured prisoners,
or fearful of witnessing their homes fall by the
torch of the maddened enemy. Peace must
have been a sweet angel to them as she spread
her pinions over the land. Prosperity followed
in her train, making the very hills and valleys
resound with her exultant shouts. Forests once
more began to fall before the sturdy and deter-
mined strokes of the pioneers. Order and con-
tentment reigned where confusion and fear had
damped the progress of every thing.
The present territory of Schoharie County
from 1772 to 1791 was include*] in Albany and
Tryon or Montgomery counties, but upon
the formation of Otsego in the latter year that
portion which belonged to Montgomery was
added to it. Those counties being large it be-
came necessary to subdivide them and the
Eighteenth Legislature while setting in the city
of New York formed the present Schoharie
County.
Many blood-curdling tales have been told
and written of incidents that occurred during
the Revolution, that we are led to believe were
fabrications. That acts were committed by
the blood-thirsty Tories too heinous to be
charged to human beings we have ample proof,
but many such were highly overdrawn by differ-
ent chroniclers, and even by the Tories them-
selves, after the war closed. The majority of
that class were intemperate, and in their drunk-
en sprees often boasted of infernal acts, but
not without public castigations from the vic-
torious patriots whose anger and hatred were
instantly aroused at their recital. One story
was often repeated by various ones, intimating
that they themselves were the actors in the
fiendish drama.
A party of Indians and one Tory entered a
house and murdered the husband and father,
and an Indian approached the cradle in which
lay an infant, for the purpose of killing it, but
the babe saw the glistening tomahawk and smiled,
which so softened the Indian's heart that he
relented and left it unhurt. The Tory saw the
Indian's timidity and stepped up to the cradle,
and with his bayonet picked it up as if the
little body were an inanimate mass. With an
exulting laugh he held the little form — strug-
gling in its death throes — before its mother's
eyes, and exclaimed to his companions, as she
cried out in anguish, " See the old cow bellow
for its calf !" This story was often repeated by
William Monk and by the Caselman family of
the Mohawk valley, and various other ones,
each claiming the honor(?) of being the fiend.
We have traced each family's story and find
they are fabrications. The story is an old one,
repeated during and after the old French war.
Several years ago we found an old print, nearly
ruined, in which was a picture representing the
cruel deed of the Tory, with a long, harrowing
article following, which began by stating it oc-
curred " during the French war." Various
other tales of like character have been sent
afloat as Revolutionary reminiscences without
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
55
any more foundation than the one noticed, and
we can but love to think they are untrue, and
would that none such stained our history with
innocent blood drawn by incarnate fiends, much
less that such acts stand against our race.
When the upper fort was being built and
made secure to hold prisoners, Marlines Vro-
man and Lawrence Mattice, both boys, asked
the privilege of Captain Hager, to bring one
of the Cryslers as the first prisoner to the fort.
Hager was fearful they would prove too weak
to be successful and proffered aid, but they de-
clined and reached the Crysler house about an
hour before day. Creeping slyly within a few
rods of the door they waited patiently for some
member of the family to make their appearance.
Soon Mrs. Crysler walked out and looked around
as if to prophesy the weather, and was about
to close the kitchen door, when the scouts
rushed in with muskets cocked and demanded
Baltus Crysler to surrender or they would shoot
him. Seeing they were determined, he com-
plied and was taken to the upper fort as the
first prisoner incarcerated there. He was after-
wards taken to Albany with several of his neigh-
bors who gave " aid and comfort to the ene-
my.»— [>4. L. J/.]
When Bartholomew Vroman and brother Jo-
sias were taken prisoners from Vromanslan J,
the former was but twelve years of age and the
latter six. When they arrived upon the Dela-
\\uie, the prisoners and Tories who left the val-
ley, numbered about sixty and until there had
marched together, without order, but mixed up
promiscuously. They were then separated, by
requiring the Tories to sit upon a fallen tree
together, and the patriots to stand opposite.
Bartholomew whispered to his brother and told
him they had better go and sit upon the log as
Tories, and perhaps they would be passed over,
as such, and escape ill treatment. They did so
and undoubtedly began to feel secure, when one
of their neighbors in whom the patriots had re-
posed confidence as a brother in the cause,
came behind them and pushed them off exclaim-
ing, " What are you doing here you damned
Rebels ?" They were rudely handled and sent
into the patriots' row. — \Ephriam Ji. />v/«#«.]
The secret doings of the committee of safety
and protection alluded to in the fore part of
this chapter were occasionally whispered to the
enemy, a strict watch was kept by the true
patriots to find the source from which it < MNH-.
but they failed in so doing. Kadi member was
then sworn (17/7) and required tn tnturce •
resident of their district to swear allegiance to
the Continental Congress or quit the territory.
In case either order was not obeyed, they were
arrested as "enemies to their country" and in-
carcerated as prisoners of war. What eatables
they had were also taken for their and the
patriots support.* In the Schoharie valley the
order was enforced immediately after McDon-
ald's retreat. The iron heel was placed upon
the faltering ones and they were forced to sub-
mit to Colonial orders through the stern address
of Captain Hager. One of his near neighbors,
with whom he had lived many years in friend-
ship, showed the "white feather" in some
trivial affair, and the fact being made known to
the Captain, he sent an order for him to appear
at the fort. Instead of so doing he secreted
himself upon the opposite side of the creek.
Hager kept a close watch upon the family
movements and found that the Tory returned
to his residence early in the morning, and upon
a given signal he was admitted by the family.
Hager was passing from his house to the fort
one morning before day, and concluded to give
his neighbor an opportunity to redeem his
character. He approached the door yard cau-
tiously and gave a whistle with the thumb and
forefinger, imitating the Tory. The wife im-
mediately came out and Hager asked where her
husband was. She replied he was not at home
and would not be for a long time. The Cap-
tain then said he knew of his whereabouts and
would give him six hours to appear at the fort.
" If he did do so, a hair of his head should not
be harmed, but if he did not, they would pro-
claim him a Tory, hunt him down and hang
him to the first tree." The Tory appeared and
was kept under watch at the fort and maJe to
perform the duty of a patriot. — [Z>. W. Hager.'}
After the flight of McDonald and his force,
Captain Hager with a few of the militia that
chanced to be at home, immediately joined
Gates' army and was in the battle of Bemis
Heights. John Merckley was a private under
* CummitU-c'-
HISTORY OF SCHOHAR1E COUNTY.
the Captain, and when Arnold was ordered to
relieve Gansevoort. he was drawn to serve
under him. When passing over the Oriskany
battle-ground the dead in their mangled con-
dition presented a sickening sight, and so ap-
palled the soldiers that not a word was spoken
by them, but they marched carefully over them,
each deep in solemn thought. — [/''. J/.]
CHAPTKR IV.
FORMATION 01 Coim rv — THE NAMK OK SCHO-
HARIE — POPULATION — BOUNDARIES — SUR-
FACE— THE SCHOHARIE AND Tallin ARIES- —
INUNDATIONS — LAKES -- FORMATION OF
TOWNS — FIRST COUNTY OFFICERS — FIRST
COURT HOUSE — POORHOUSE — PAUPERS —
COI-VTY'S PROGRESS — WAR OF 1812 — DELE-
GATES TO STATE CONVENTION — POLITICAL —
SCHOHARIE DEMOCRATIC — Gov. BOUCK'S
MESSAGE — SOURKROUT MESSAGE — ANTI-
RENT WAR — RAILROADS— PLANK ROADS-
SEMINARY MANIA - - SUSO.UEHANNA RAIL-
ROAD— SCHOHARIE VALLEY— SHARON AND
CHERRY VALLEY — HOWE'S CAVE ENTER-
PRISES — MINERAL SPRINGS — EDUCATION
RELIGION— TEMPERANCE— SABBATH SCHOOL
SOCIETIES— BIBLE SOCIETY— MASONIC LODGES
—AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL SOCIETIES
TELEPHONE LINES — NEWSPAPERS— CRIMINAL
LIST— SUMMARY OF FACTS— POPULATION BY
CENSUS OF 1880.
O CHOHARIE County was formed on the
O 6th of April 1795 from Albany and Otsego
counties, and named Schoharie after the princi-
pal stream that runs through the territory of
which it is comprised. Schoharie is an Indian
name, and signifies, Flocd Wood, according to
the late Judge John M. Brown, who was the
author of "A brief sketch of the first Settlement
of Schoharie County," and to whom we are in-
debted for transmitting to us much that would
otherwise have been lost.
We find the word Schoharie, written in vari-
ous ways, viz : Skochalie, Schorie, Shore, (proba-
bly pronounced Sho-ree,) Schohare, Schoharry,
Scorie and Schohary, and called by the Dutch,
Shuck-ha-ry.
The Act of the Legislature in forming the
County, gave to it the present orthoepy — Scho-
har-ie, which we must adopt as the name of the
County, a town and village — whose associa-
tions are historical from the first tread of the
white man upon the virgin soil, down to the
present time, and with which are mingled the
most glorious examples of patriotic devotion
and endurance that adorn the annals of any
history.
By an act passed April 3, 1801, to divide the
State into counties, the boundaries of Schoharie
were thus defined : —
"The county of Schoharie to contain all
that part of the State bounded easterly by
the county of Albany, northerly by part of
the south bounds of the county of Montgomery,
as hereafter described, westerly by a line
beginning at the southwest corner of a tract of
land formerly granted to John Lyne, and run-
ning thence the following courses and distances
as marked by order of the Surveyor General,
south twenty-one degrees and forty-eight minutes
west, two hundred and nineteen chains to the
place where Joshua Tucker formerly resided,
thence south seven degrees and forty-eight
minutes west one hundred and ninety-three
chains to the easterruost line of a tract of land
known by the name of Belvidere Patent, thence
south nine degrees east, six hundred and ninety-
five chains to a certain hill, known by the name
of Grover's hill, thence with a direct line from
the most northwesterly corner of Stroughburgh
Patent, thence with a direct line to the most
northerly corner of Harpersfield, on the Char-
lotte or Adegatangie branch of the Susquehan-
nah river, thence southeastly along the north
bounds of Harpersfield to the said lake Utsa-
yantho and southerly by a line formerly run
from the head of Kaater's creek, where the same
issues out of the southerly side or end of a cer-
tain lake or pond lying in the Blue Mountains
to the said lake Utsayantho, and by part of the
north bounds of the county of Greene."
»In 1836 a portion of Greene county was an-
<;i •:< (LOGICAL FORM ATM INS.
57
nexed and at the present time the County con-
sists of three hundred and seventy-five thousand,
three hundred and thirty-five acres of land, and
containing, according to the census of 1880,
thirty-two thousand, nine hundred and thirty-
nine inhabitants. The surface is an upland,
broken by a northerly branch of the Catskills
in the southern, and by hills of lime rock for-
mation chiefly, in the central and northern parts.
The rocks are those which belong to the Hud-
son River, Clinton, Hamilton, Chemung, Onon-
<lai;a and Catskill groups and the Helleberg se-
ries. Among them are found many caverns in
which mineralogists find interesting specimens,
such as sulphate and carbonate of strontia, car
bonates of iron and arragonite, calcite, satin
spar, stalactites— translucent and solid, sulphate
of barytes, black oxide of manganese, calstron-
baryte, agaric, mineral and bog ore, besides an
endless variety of fossils peculiar to the forma-
tions.
The Schoharie river flows a little to the east
of the center of the County and empties in the
Mohawk at Fort Hunter. Its tributaries are
Fox's creek, Stony brook, Little Schoharie,
Keyser's creek, Platner's and Manor Kill from
the east, and Cripplebush, Cobleskill, Lime,
Panther, West and Mine Kill from the west.
The Cobleskill is the largest and rises in the
town of Worcester, Otsego county. The pond
from which it flows is on the height of land be-
tween the Hudson and Susquehanna rivers,
which is fourteen hundred and seventy-five feet
above tide. The Schenevus. a tributary of the
Susquehanna, also flows from the same source
to the west, thereby joining the valleys of the
two great rivers by a grade of which the genius
of enterprise has taken advantage and laid the
"iron rails" along the waters' paths and opened
a line of transportation, long desired by the ag-
riculturists of western Schoharie, southern Otse-
go, Delaware and Chenango counties, besides
giving the products of the coal fields of Penn-
sylvania another and more direct outlet to the
Eastern States, northern New York and the
lower provinces of Canada.
The Schoharie river makes a somewhat cir-
cuitous course. It flows from a small pond in
the town of Hunter, Greene county, about
twelve miles west of the Hudson, and taking a
western course enters the northeastern corner of
Delaware county and turns to the northwest,
where it finds an opening between the hills of
Gilboa, and runs nearly north through Blen-
heim, Fulton and Middleburgh. Passing on
through Schoharie in an east-northeast direc-
tion, it takes a sudden turn to the north and
enters the town of Esperance where it again
turns to the east-northeast and breaks through
the southern watershed of the Mohawk and
bears to the north to unite with the waters of
that stream about nine miles from the county
line, making a circuit of over one hundred miles,
to swell the waters of the Hudson. From many
elevations along its course the stream presents
a picturesque appearance. Coming down from
the lofty Catskills with rapid pace, winding around
the base of giant mountains, gorging deep
ravines in the sides of rocky hills and plunging
over shelving rocks to deeper paths it appears
at last in the broad openings of Schoharie
County. Then again its serpentine trail may
be traced among the evergreen hills that many
times seem to be placed as barriers to its on-
ward course, but finding a winding path it pushes
on to emerge again in broad intervals, whose
beauty and productiveness are rarely equaled.
The river and tributaries have many times
overflowed the flats along their courses and done
a vast amount of damage in the destruction of
crops, land and buildings. The first of which
we have any definite knowledge was in the
spring of 1784, the year following the Revolu-
tion. The damage was so great the people pe-
titioned to the Legislature to be exempt from
taxation. The petition says : —
" The heavy rains caused the river to be stop-
ped up with cakes of ice to the top of the banks
which caused the river to flow over the flats and
spoiled whole farms thereon."
Farther on it continues: —
" If you Don't believe us that we have suffered
we pray your Honorable houses to send men
who you may perhaps place confidence in, than
in us, to take a View of our situation."
To make the petition more effective they re-
fer to their losses in the war as follows : —
"Your petitioners have long endured the
burden of a distressed war and are of the great-
est sufferers in the State of New York. By
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
reason of living in the very frontier of the State,
open to the Dayly incursions of a cruel enemy,
& are destroyed to the utmost degree. The
most of us not left with a building to go in to
keep them and families dry from weather, and
no money to erect buildings again. The In-
habitants of Tryon county are exempted from
paying taxes. We think it Right. But at the
same time We claim an Equal right with them
and Rather more."
The next great overflow was in the spring of
1858, when houses and hay stacks were carried
away, and broad flats cut up by the strong cur-
rent. In the fall of 1869 another overflow did
a great amount of damage, but was followed in
the spring of 1870 by one of greater proportions,
that did an immense damage in the destruction
of farms, especially in the towns of Fulton and
Blenheim. Other lesser floods have occurred
which in individual cases proved disastrous, but
those through which the valleys suffered the
worst, as a whole, were in the years given.
Perched upon the hills of Summit, is a placid
sheet of water, covering nearly one hundred
acres, at an altitude of two thousand feet above
tide. A similar pond that can hardly bear the
name of lake, lies upon the southern bounds of
the County, bearing the Aboriginal appellation
of'Utsayantha."
Near the former, the Charlotte creek, a tri-
butary of the Susquehanna rises, while from
the latter, the west or main branch of the Dela-
ware river takes its rise.
Throughout the lime rock districts, subter-
raneous streams are numerous, which appear at
the surface, and after running a short distance,
disappear to emerge again at some distant
point.
Upon the formation of the County it was
divided into six towns, namely : Schoharie, Mid-
dletown, Bristol, Blenheim, Cobleskill and i
Sharon. In 1801 Middletown was changed to
Middleburgh, and in 1808, Bristol to Broome, in j
honor of Lieutenant-Governor Broome. There
are at present, sixteen towns in the County,
the names of which, with the date of their
formation, together with the towns from which ;
each was taken are as follows : —
Schoharie, formed March 17, 1797, from
Schoharie, Albany county.
Broome as Bristol, formed March 17, 1797,
from Schoharie.
Middleburgh. formed March 17, 1797, from
Schoharie.
Blenheim, formed March 17, 1767, from
Schoharie.
Cobleskill, formed March 17, 1797, from
Schoharie.
Sharon, formed March 17, 1797, from Dor-
loch, Otsego county.
Jefferson, formed February 12, 1803, from
Blenheim.
Carlisle, formed March 31, 1807, from Sharon
and Cobleskill.
Summit, formed April 13, 1819, from Jeffer-
son and Cobleskill.
Fulton, formed April 15, 1828, from Mid-
dleburgh.
Conesville, formed March 3, 1836, from
Broome and Durham, Greene county.
Seward, formed February n, 1840, from
Sharon.
Wright, formed April 4, 1846, from Scho-
harie.
Esperance, formed April 4, 1846, from Scho-
harie.
Richmondville, formed April n, 1849, from
Cobleskill and Seward.
The council of appointment, by whom nearly
all officers were appointed, convened upon the
sixth day of June, 1795, and appointed the fol-
lowing as county officers : —
Joachim G. Staats, Clerk.
Jacob Lawyer, Jim., Sheriff.
Stephen A. Becker, Surrogate.
William Beekman, First Judge.
Adam B. Vroman, ]
John M. Brown, ^ Assistant Judges.
David Sternburgn, j
Jonathan Danforth, J
Being established as a separate county, and
not having any public buildings, according to
the records, the first Court of General Sessions
" was held at the house of Johannes Ingold, inn
keeper" upon the3istdayof May, 1796. Upon
the opening of the same, thirty-two rules were
adopted and afterwards printed, which may be
found in the County Library. The following
presided upon their adoption : —
His Honor Wm. Beekman, First Judge.
FIRST COURT OF OYKR AN'l) I KRMIM k.
59
Adam B. Vronian, 1
Jonathan Danforth, Assistant Judges.
Peter Swart,
Marcus Bellinger,
John Bauch, ]
John Ries, Assistant Justices.
Peter Snyder, J
Upon the opening of the court the following
Assistant Justices were added and an adjourn-
ment made : —
Joseph Borst, Jun., George Richtmyer, Ja-
cob Mann, Josias Swart and Storm A. Becker.
The first Court of Oyer and Terminer was
held at the same place, the proceedings of which
we will copy verbatim from the records: —
" Court of Oyer and Terminer held in the
house of Johannes Ingold Inn holder on the
26th day of June 1796 Present His Honor
Mr. Justice Lansing.
"Adam B. Vroman ]
Jonathan Danforth
Peter Swart [• Judges
John M. Brown
Marcus Bellinger
"John Rie 1
Peter Snyder > Ass't Justices
Marlines Zielie J
"10 ock A. M. Proclamation made and
court opened. Proclamation made for the
Sheriff to return, &c. Returns Precept to sum-
mons Jurors. Gran Jurors summoned and
sworn, viz :
"Josias Swart Foreman, George Warner,
Peter Shafer, Lambert Lawyer, Henry Weaver,
Jr., Wardwell Green, Abraham Becker, Ichabod
Griffin, Henry S. Haper, Peter Bouck, Silas
Grey, Geo. Richtmyer, Walter Briggs, Nicholas
Lawyer, David Bauch, Wm. Simmons, Abra-
ham Lawyer, Jr. Grand Jury charged by his
honor Judge Lansing.
" Proclamation made and constables called —
Constables, Justices and defaulters excused by
court from any fines at this time for their non-
attendance.
" Proclamation made and Coroner called,
appeared John Ingold, Jun., one of the Cor
oners. Returns an Inquisition dated zyth June
1 796 by which it is found that Henry Parsons
was found dead and came to his death by mis-
chance />y the act of God.
" The grand Jury returned into court and
presented the following bill of Indictment to
wit : —
"The People
Indicted for
James a negro man slave f Grand Larceny
" Prisoner arraigned. Pleads to the Indict-
ment not guilty. On motion of Mr. Joseph C.
Yates on behalf of Mr. Van Veghten assistant
attorney general, Ordered that the Sheriff re-
turn the precept. The Sheriff returned the
precept with a pannel annexed and the follow-
ing Pettit jurors appeared and were sworn to
wit: —
"John I. Lawyer Foreman, Jacob Becker,
John Schafer, George Hiltz, Jacob Lawyer, Wm.
Mann, Jeremiah Brown, George Snyder, Peter
P. N. Zeilie, Hendrick Schaeffer, Abraham
Bergh, and Henry Bellinger.
" Witnesses for the people
Jacob Lawyer Jun.
Josias Clark.
" The prosecutors fail in proof of the fact.
Jury charged to find the prisoner Not Guilty.
They withdraw, and return and say, ' That the
prisoner at the bar is not guilty of the felony,
whereof he stands indicted.' "
In December of 1796, the Judges and Super-
visors held a meeting to consider the building
and location of a court-house and jail, but no
legalized steps were taken until the Legislature
by an act passed the 4th of April, 1798,
authorized the Supervisors of the several towns
•' to raise by tax on the Freeholders and In-
habitants of the said county the sum of two
th ousand dollars for the purpose of building a
court house and Gaol in said county with the
additional sum of four cents in the dollar for
collecting the same."
It was also further enacted —
"That Jacob Lawyer Jun. Jost Borst Jun.
Peter Snyder, John H. Shafer and Wm. Thrall
shall be commissioned to superintend the build-
ing the court house and gaol."
Something of a controversy arose as to the
location of the buildings, many chose the present
site, while others were anxious to have them
placed nearly two miles up the valley. The
Legislature appointed Abraham A. Post of On-
tario, Alex. H. Buell of Herkimer, and William
Duer of Oswego, as committee to locate and
6o
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
who were influenced to decide upon the present
site.
The appropriation not being sufficient to
carry out the designs of the commissioners and
Supervisors, an act of April 4, 1800, author-
ized the latter to raise the sum of one thousand,
five hundred dollars to complete the work. The
same act required that —
" It shall be the duty of the Sheriff of the
County of Albany to deliver over to the Sheriff
ol the said County of Schoharie, all prisoners
in his custody belonging to said County of Scho-
harie, whenever it shall be certified by the ma-
jor part of the Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas of the County of Schoharie, that the gaol
is in a fit condition for their confinement."
The fall of 1800 found the building occupied,
but not completed, and an act was passed on
the 2ist of March, 1801, authorizing the further
sum of one thousand, five hundred dollars to be
raised for " completing the court house and
gaol," making the total cost of the structure
five thousand dollars.
In 1845 the building was burned by George
Burton, a prisoner, and was replaced by a more
commodious structure the year following, which
was also burned in the month of January, 1870.
The present building was erected the same
year, and is calculated to be fire-proof. It is
constructed of blue limestone, having galvanized
cornices and pinacles, and a more neat and sub-
stantial court-house, but few interior counties
can pride themselves upon possessing. The jail
is in the rear and was built in the fall of 1846,
and escaped the conflagration of 1870.
In addition to the public buildings already
mentioned, is the Poor House, a brick and stone
structure, located nearly six miles to the south,
upon the west side of the Schoharie river. In
1 830 a farm of one hundred acres was purchased,
and the building then standing upon it, though
inferior, was used as the " Poor House." The
present edifice was built in 1838, under the su-
perintendence of the building committee, Cyrus
Smith and Peter I. Borst.
Soon after the purchase of this farm, a por-
tion of it was sold, and the proceeds of the sale
invested in a wood lot, which leaves but a trifle
over sixty acres of tillable land, which greatly
assists in the subsistence of the inmates.
The first keeper was Joseph Beck, under the
dictation of three superintendents, appointed
yearly by the Board of Supervisors. At the
present time it is under the management of but
one Superintendent, elected by the people trien-
nial ly.
The average number of paupers, for the last
five years, has been sixty-two, many of whom
were once energetic business men with ample
means, and well bred and affable women by
whom fate has dealt harshly. While the ma-
jority of the remainder are those who belong to
a class, to use the parlance of the people, known
as " Sloughters," whose morality was lost long
years ago, and not inheriting any principle, they
have failed to find it, and instead, are content
to eke out a miserable existence in licentious
habits, until the winter returns, or their physical
condition is such as to make them objects of
care.
The country having dearly felt the bitter of
contention truly enjoyed the sweets of peace
and made an onward progression which far ex-
ceeded the expectation of the people of our own
as well as those of foreign lands. Large acces-
sions were made from Eastern States and Euro-
pean countries and each gladly united to ad-
vance and uphold the pleasing political and
religious privileges they could here enjoy. The
tide of immigration caused the borders to re-
cede and far back in the wilderness and upon
the broad prairies of the West the curling smoke
of the enterprising pioneers' firesides shot up-
ward as signals to lead others on to homes of
peace, plenty and happiness. Within the limits
of Schoharie County the same progression char-
acterized every neighborhood in the beginning
of the present century. Jealous cf their free-
dom, every male inhabitant between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five was considered a soldier
of the country and was required to meet his re-
spective military officers at such times and places
as designated by them to drill in the use of
arms and military tactics, that in case of war
the country would be in readiness.
Perhaps a people could not be found that
bore a greater, or as great a hatred to England,
as the people of the Schoharie settlements, as a
mass. The price set upon their scalps by the
officers of that government forever alienated
SCHOHARIK PATRIOTS IN THK WAR OF 1812.
them from recognizing a single redeeming qual-
ity in the nation, and when she dared to 0
haul our vessels upon free waters in 1811 and
'12 and beneath the stars and stripes that hud
been bathed in the sweat and blood of their
fathers for an existence, and take our citizens
and force them to vindicate the British banner
upon foreign shores, it but rekindled their hatred
and each act against the supremacy of the Gov-
ernment was taken as an insult upon them as
individuals.
When the call was made to resist the Knglish
forces upon our Northern borders, Colonel Ef-
ner's regiment was summoned to report at
Schoharie and upon reading the proclamation
of the President quite a controversy arose as to
who would go, and when the roll was called and
draft made from it, many that were not included
stepped forward to take the places of those that
were drafted. The record or muster-roll is very
inaccurate, as it does not give the additions that
were afterwards made to the regiment by enlist-
ing as hostilities progressed.
Lieutenant William Elmandorf, as will be
more definitely mentioned in Cobleskill, en-
listed a company of artillery from Sharon,
Cobleskill and Carlisle under Captain Josias
Kellogg, and united with companies from Mont-
gomery county, under Colonel Forsyth. They
were at Oswego, Sackett's Harbor and Ogdens-
burgh, and remained in service until the close
of the war, returning with nearly all their num-
ber, but bearing many wounds. They assisted
in the destruction of British stores at Ganano-
que in Canada, and repulsed the British forces
at Ogdensburgh on the 2d of October, 1812,
being in numbers only four hundred against a
force of one thousand disciplined troops. Be-
sides this engagement, Lieutenant Elmandorf's
biographer mentions others in number ten as
above referred.
The company's enrollment is lost, but as far
as we have been able to glean, the following
were the volunteers: — Josias Kellogg, Captain,
Win. Elmandorf, Lieutenant, Jacob L. Lawyer,
Corporal, David Lawyer, Marcus Warner, John
Mickel, William Young, John Hyney. Joshua
Ward, David Fraats, John Fox, Daniel Brown,
Elias and Aaron Malick, Charles Gordon, Ma-
thias Young.
In the season of 1813 Deidrick VanVeghtcn.
editor of the Sdwhitrit //rr;//</, being clothed
with a captain's commission, recruited :i coin
pany at Schoharie village, and during the winter
of that year was stationed at Schenectady to
guard army supplies that were there stored. In
the following spring, he joined Gen. Vank'
selaer's regiment and was promoted to Major.
In an engagement upon the border he was sent
forward with his company, by the General, to
make an attack upon the enemy with the assur-
ance of relief. But after a bloody fight the
Major and force were taken prisoners without
any effort upon the part of VanRensselaer to
send relief. He and his men were incarcerated
at Chambly in a stone building, whose windows
were too high to be reached by the men, and
after lying there a few months an escape was
effected. VanVeghten being a tall man, or-
dered each of his men to climb upon his shoul-
ders and escape through the window. They
did so leaving only himself in prison.
Many of the soldiers from Schoharie died by
the epidemic that prevailed in 1813 and 1814,
especially while in camp at Plattsburgh and
Sackett's Harbor. At one time the ranks of
Efner's regiment were nearly broken by sickness
and had it not been for the vigor of the men,
the disease would have made a most lamentable
havoc in their numbers. But few were killed, al-
though they participated in several engagements.
When peace was proclaimed, quiet was
restored and the people settled down to labor
and enterprise, knowing that their strength
made them invincible from any source their
enemies might direct against them. Experi-
ence soon taught them of many defects, which
;' their good, honest judgments led them to aright.
j The Constitution of the State made and adopt -
. ed in 1777, proved to be defective, and on the
28th of August, 1821, the " Second Constitu-
tional Convention " met in Albany and framed
a new instrument, known as the " Second
Constitution." Judge Olney Briggs of Esper-
ance, Jacob Sutherland of Blenheim, and Asa
Starkweather of Broome, were chosen by the
people of the County as delegates. They were
three men of marked abilities, as their debates
before the convention show, and who performed
their duties with honesty and faithfulness.
62
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
A free government, giving each an equal
opportunity to aspire to prominent positions
and allowing free thought and expression upon
all subjects and occasions, naturally leads the
ambition of many to mingle in the political
arena, from which are brought official honors
that are extremely tempting to the majority of
the people. Contrary opinions are entertained
by different individuals as to the manner certain
results may be brought about. Each opinion
becomes a " Platform " so called, with numer-
ous advocates according to its practicability or
the shrewdness and ingenuity of the leaders and
thus forming "parties." While the American
heart is upon the perpetuity of our political
institutions, there are opposite ideas in regard
to the means of so doing.
When the question of the disfranchisement
of the Tory element which was so firmly and
persistently advocated by George Clinton, who
had safely engineered the province of New
York through the Revolutionary struggle, be-
came the leading topic in political circles and
passed the Assembly in 1784, the people (or
a majority of them) of Schoharie were Clinton's
staunch adherents, and they in their excitement
and hatred of the Tories, accused those who
advocated their cause, of being such. Even
Hamilton, whose magnanimity in Freedom's
cause was inferior to none, had the epithet cast
upon him beside others, whose course through
the war condemned such charges. The dis-
franchisement act was repealed in 1787 through
the indefatigable labors of Hamilton and Schuy-
ler, and we believe after a more careful reflec-
tion upon the privileges our government in-
tended to accord to her citizens, Clinton with-
drew his objection to it.
But still, the people of Schoharie branded
many of the advocates of franchisement that
had been unswerving patriots as Tories, and
the odium is occasionally breathed afresh and
kept in circulation, without the slightest degree
of truth to substantiate it. Such is one of the
evils our existing political periods fan into life
to bring disgrace and defeat to political op-
ponents, without weighing, by calm reflection,
their untruthfulness, or considering the im-
practical theory the sentiment is likely to trans-
mit to posterity, and in fostering a hatred that
is detrimental to our political happiness as a
people.
Being supporters of Clinton when the County
was formed, her people adhered to the party,
and Schoharie became a Democratic * County
giving only an occasional opposite majority in
individual cases.
When Andrew Jackson stepped upon the po-
litical stage, and with his unflinching ambition
caused the political firmament to rumble with
his thunderings, Wm. C. Bouck and Colonel
Wm. Dietz, were the leaders of the Democrats
in the County. They were two men that pos-
sessed the unbounded confidence of the people,
as in all positions in which they had been placed,
(and they were many,) they proved themselves
honest and true. Politics ran to fever heat dur-
ing the years of the twenties and thirties in the
the County, and culminated in the election of
Wm. C. Bouck, as Governor, in the fall of
1842. Two years before he was nominated
against Wm. H. Seward, but was defeated. At
the time of Bouck's election, there were three
candidates in the field, Seward and Alvan Stew-
art, over whom was obtained a majority of 14,-
718. In justice to our only Gubernatorial offi-
cial, and also to recall an article that created
considerable political gossip and curiosity, we here
insert the chief points of the Governor's first
message, hoping it may be pleasing to his old
friends and admirers, as well as exhibit the acme
of progression that the " Empire State " had
reached thirty-eight years ago :—
"To the Legislature of ihe State of New York:—
"FELLOW CITIZENS: The Constitution makes
it the duty of the Governor to communicate by
message to the legislature, at every session, the
condition of the State, and recommend such
matter as he shall judge expedient, and take
care that the laws are faithfully executed.
" I have entered upon the discharge of the
responsible duties of the Executive department
of the government, with a proper regard, as I
trust, for the important obligations imposed up-
on me.
" For the first time since the organization of
* After peace, in 1783, the political parties were
Republicans and Federalists, later Democrats and
Whigs ; at present Democrats and Republicans — the
Democrats of to-day being the Republicans of 1800.
GOVERNOR BOUCK'S MESSACK.
the government, the chief magistrate has been
selected from the agricultural portion of the
community.
" Whatever distrust I may feel in taking up-
on myself an untried station of so much im-
portance and difficulty, I repose with confidence
on the guidance of the Almighty ! on the co-
operation of every department of the govern-
ment, and on the indulgence of a generous peo-
ple, who are always ready to overlook uninten-
tional errors.
"To you as the immediate representatives of
the people, belongs the duty of making ample
provision to enforce a strict compliance with the
constitution and laws ; to simplify, expedite,
and cheapen all the proceedings of the courts
of law and equity ; to place every department
of the Government under a rigid accountability
upon principles of economy; to see that the
public faith is sacredly maintained, and the
credit of the State kept unimpaired ; to lessen
as far as practicable the burdens of taxation in
all its ramifications ; to give the greatest possi
ble efficiency to our system of internal improve-
ments, having reference to principles of public
utility, and a careful regard for the interest of
every portion of the State ; to facilitate the use
of the roads and canals already constructed ; to
see that our penitentiary system answers the
great ends of preventing crimes and punishing
and reclaiming offenders, against the laws, upon
principles of humanity; to see that all our
charitable and benevolent institutions of a public
character, are made to accomplish the object
for which they were designed ; to see that the
banking institutions are placed upon a basis
that will enable them with an honest adminis-
tration of their affairs to command public con-
fidence and subserve the legitimate objects of
their creation ; to give the utmost efficiency to
the several departments of education; to pro-
tect and promote the interest of the agricultural,
mechanical and laboring portion of the com-
munity ; to restrain corporate bodies from all
abuses of power ; to take care of the public
health, and to maintain the elective franchise
in its purity.
» * « * *
'•' Were it not for the great excesses previous
to 1837 when agriculture was neglected, when
extravagance and an inordinate desire for wealth
prevailed, and the whole nation was deluded by
a fictitious prosperity, the people would now be
comparatively happy in the lull enjoyment of
ease and plenty.
"Although the country is in possession of an
uncommon surplus of the products of labor, yet
business is depressed and the people are em-
barrassed in all their munied transactions.
"This should doubtless be charged to the
fact that fictitious prices and an inordinate de-
sire for wealth have led to the contracting of
debts which the products of the country at the
present low prices do not furnish the means of
paying.
"But 1 am confident that this state of things
is gradually undergoing a salutary change. The
people doubtless see the necessity of more
economy in all their affairs and the evil con-
sequences of a system of credit altogether too
much extended, I am also confident that
they will not again be so easily misled by the
fallacy of artificial means to make them
prosperous, and that they have become con-
vinced that substantial wealth can only be
derived from productive labor.
"There is no nation so highly favored as the
people of the United States; and if they pro-
perly improve the advantages they possess, time
will show that in point of greatness they are, as
yet, in their infancy.
"There have been repeated instances in the
history of the administration of the Federal
government when powers of legislation have
been assumed derogatory to State rights.
•' While the States should yield a ready obe-
dience to the rightful authority of the Federal
government, they cannot be too watchful of
their sovereignty, and no encroachment should
be permitted to pass unnoticed.
•• Within the last two years, there have, in
my judgment, been several unwarrantable as-
sumptions of power on the part of the Federal
government. The right to collect money from
the people in any form, for the purpose of dis-
tributing the same among the States, has not
been delegated to the General Government.
" So long as the whole revenue of the United
States is required for the purpose of carrying on
the operations of the Government, it matters
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
not what particular monies are taken from the
Treasury for the purpose of distribution.
•• Whether it be the proceeds of the sale of
the public lands, or the same amount of money
collected from imports or by direct taxation, it
is nothing less than collecting money from the
people for the purpose of returning a portion of
it to them in another form. And as it must
come back diminished in amount by the ex-
penses and losses incident to the collection and
redistribution, the project is highly objectiona-
ble when viewed as a mere question of finance.
"But as an assumption of power which the
States have not delegated to the General Gov-
ernment, it is of dangerous tendency, and like
all other encroachments of power ought to be
promptly met and tirmly resisted.
"The Union can only be maintained and our
free institutions transmitted unimpaired to pos-
terity, by upholding the sovereignty of the
States in all the Rights which they have not
yielded to the Federal Government.
" Under a power to 'make or alter' regula-
tions in relation to the times, places and manner
of holding elections for representatives in Con-
gress, the present Congress has passed a law
which in effect requires the several states to
legislate in a particular manner in relation to
the choice of representatives.
" However unlimited may be the power of the
National Legislature to ' alter ' the existing reg-
ulations of the States, or to 'make' those which
are entirely new, it is impossible upon any fair
construction to maintain that the power to
'make or alter' includes the power to act upon
the State Legislatures and compel them to make
any particular law on the subject.
" As a question of mere expediency this ques-
tion was not called for. No State has ever
omitted to make the necessary regulations for
the choice of representatives in Congress. But
as an unauthorized exercise of power it was,
like all other encroachments by the General
Government highly dangerous to the stability of
the Union.
* * » » ' «
" It cannot be denied that there has always
been a class of men in the United States who
have been disposed to give to the Government
a strong tendency towards consolidation.
" While I would not impugn their motives, I
cannot withhold the expression of my deliberate
opinion that they labor under a great and dan-
gerous error.
" Nothing can be gained to the Federal Gov-
ernment by exercising powers which have not
been plainly delegated to it. On the contrary,
I am firmly persuaded that nothing short of the
complete sovereignty of the States in all matters
where they have not clearly surrendered their
rights to the General Government can give
strength and stability to the Union and secure
in perpetuity the blessings which we so richly
enjoy, and as I love the Union, I would firmly
resist every usurpation of power on the part of
the National Government.
" While we are thus careful to watch and de-
fend our own rights, we are bound honestly and
faithfully to discharge our obligations to the
General Government and to the several States
with whom we are associated. By the compact
under which the Union exists, the States have
made themselves a name among the nations of
the earth ! they have reared a bulwark for the
defense of free institutions and secured to the
people advantages of the highest value, which
could not have been maintained by separate,
and perhaps rival States.
" As we cherish the Union, we ought care-
fully to abstain from all encroachments upon
the legitimate powers of the Federal Govern-
ment, and scrupulously fulfill our obligations to
the other States. So long as we remain in and
reap the advantages of the Union, we are bound
by every consideration of honor and good faith
to yield to others what we demand for our-
selves, an honest fulfillment of the compact by
which for many purposes we are made one
people.
* * * * * * *
" I will not discuss the question of Slavery.
The abstract right to hold any man in bondage
is a question upon which, in this State, there is
no diversity of opinion.
" We have happily relieved ourselves from
the evil of Slavery. But we have no right to
interfere with that institution as it exists in
other Stales. We have virtually agreed that it
shall not be done, and until we are prepared to
break up the national compact, and take the
GOVERNOR BOUCK'S MESSAGE.
hazard of a civil war, our obligations to the
other States should be faithfully discharged.
» * » * * • •
" A public debt is under all t ircumstances
objectionable and should never be incurred
except upon the most weighty considerations.
And in every instance where a debt is author-
ized, adequate means and resources should be
provided to pay the interest, and the power to
liquidate the debt should be placed beyond the
reach of contingency. As long as the rule is
observed, the credit of the State will be pre-
served, and the public faith maintained. Ex-
penditures for roads and canals should not be
based on revenue to be derived from indis-
criminate taxation. Such a system I regard as
liable to very serious objections.
" Few if any public works can now be under-
taken and constructed, that are not local in
their advantages. A tax imposed directly upon
the people for such an object, would operate
unequally and be contrary to the genius of our
government, which recognizes no such principle.
In all our legislation we cannot too frequently
recur to those first principles which lie at the
foundation of our institutions, the adherence to
which constitutes our surest hope for their
stability. The State has constructed and put
in operation about seven hundred miles of canal,
and have in progress the enlargement of the
Erie ; the construction of the Black river and
Genesee Valley canal ; the improvement of the
Oneida river, and has purchased the Oneida
Lake canal.
" In addition to this, the State has loaned its
credit to the following incorporated companies :
Delaware & Hudson Canal Co $ 800,000
New York & Erie Railroad Co 3,000,000
Ithaca & Oswego Railroad Co. .. 315,700
Catskill & Canajoharie Railroad Co. 200,000
Auburn & Syracuse Railroad Co. . . 200,000
Auburn & Rochester Railroad Co... 200,000
Hudson & Berkshire Railroad Co... 150,000
Tonawanda Railroad Co IOO,OQO
Long Island Railroad Co 100,000
Schenectady Railroad Co 100,000
TiogaCoal& Iron Mining and Manu-
facturing Co 70,000
Total $5,235,700
"The New York & Erie, the Ithaca & Os-
, and the Catskill & Canajoharie Railroad
Companies have failed to pay the interest on
their loans from the State, and the two latter
roads have been sold at auction, and the sale
of the former is postponed until the first Tues-
day in May next.
;' The New York & Erie Railroad Company
has completed forty-five miles of its road from
the Hudson river to Goshen in Orange county.
Between this point and Binghamton there has
comparatively but little work been done.
" From the latter place to Lake Erie, almost
the entire line of the road is under contract, and
it is understood that upon portions of it a large
amount of labor has been expended.
• » » * * • •
" It is, I think, very much to be regretted
that the company did not confine its expendi-
tures to sections of the road and between points
promising the largest accommodations by its use.
* * • * • * *
" It is hoped that the friends of this improve-
ment will see in the exhibit of our financial con-
dition, that there are no means that would
justify new engagements on the part of the
State.
" I recommend a further sale of this road and
the enactment of a law yielding the prior lien
of the State mortgage to such encumbrance as
may hereafter be created by the company for
the purpose of completing the roads or sections
of it. The lien of the State mortgage should
not be discharged until the Canal Board shall
certify that the entire road, or such parts of it as
may be designated in the act be completed. To
enable the canal board to act understandingly,
they should be authorized to appoint an agent at
the expense of the company to examine the
work as it progresses.
"The Catskill & Canajoharie Railroad Com-
pany have in operation twenty-six miles and a
half of road. If about eleven miles were added
to this distance, which it is estimated can be
constructed for about the sum of $i 10,000, the
road would be* extended to the Vly Summit, a
few miles from the rich valley of the Schoharie
creek. I cannot but hope that this entire road,
from Catskill to Canajoharie, will eventually be
completed.
66
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
" In granting acts of Incorporation for the
construction of roads or other purposes, the Leg-
islature should reserve such control over the
operation of the company, as will ensure to the
public the benefit proposed to be realized.
* • » » » » *
•' The work under contract for the enlarge-
ment and improvement of the Erie canal, in-
cluding that which has been completed as esti-
mated at contract price amounts to
$13,026,919.92
The work under contract for
the construction of the Gene-
see Valley canal including
that which has been complet-
ed as estimated at contract
price is 4,223,305.68
Work completed and under
contract etc., upon the Black
River canal amounts to 1,760,046.12
On Oneida River 70,122.56
* * » * « * «
" The policy of arresting large expenditures
and providing for the prompt payment of the
interest, and a gradual diminution of the State
debt, has exerted a salutary influence in reviv-
ing our credit. * * * * *
" On the first day of July last there were in
this State 10,785 school districts; and the num-
ber of children taught the past year was 598,901.
The number of volumes in the district libraries
on the first of January, 1842, was 811,461,
and at this time probably exceeds 1,000,000.
"The amount of disbursements for common
schools during the last year is as follows :—
To teachers from the public
money $588,466.54
To teachers from contributions
on rate bills 468,727.27
Payment for libraries 98,226.09
Total $i,iS5,4t9.9o
" The subject of education in all its depart-
ments merits your most attentive consideration.
It is in my opinion quite proper that in relation
to a subject of so much importance, the Legis-
lature should annually satisfy themselves that
the common school and literature funds are
safely invested, and rendered as productive as
practicable.
"The embarrassed state of the treasury and
the severity of the times, demand that every
department of the public service should be
placed on the most rigid principle of economy.
No expenditure should now be incurred that is
not called for by the public necessity and good
economy in reference to existing engagements.
" Every species of labor is depressed, the
prices of all the agricultural productions are un-
commonly low, and the necessaries of life cheap.
Under such circumstances it is proper that there
should be a corresponding reduction in the ex-
penses of the Government. An effort should
be made to encourage a return to the indus-
trious and frugal habits of our forefathers. It
would be quite appropriate that the Legislature
should, by a prompt application to business, and
a short session, set an example of public
economy.
» * » * #
"There have been 1,417 convictions for crimi-
nal offences by the courts of record, since the
first of January last, returned to the office of
Secretary of State by the clerks of such courts ;
of which 544 were convictions for felonies, in-
cluding five cases of murder, to- wit : two in New
York, one in Niagara, one in Sullivan and one
in Tompkins. It is estimated that if the num-
ber of convictions by courts of records, from
which returns have not been received, are the
same as last year, it would swell the aggregate
to 1,585 ; of this number 602 were for felonies.
The number of convictions by courts of Special
Sessions is 2,278 which added to the number al-
ready stated will make 3,695, as the whole num-
ber of convictions returned to the Secretary's
office. Our fellow citizens who are engaged in
i various mechanical pursuits, have on several
occasions presented to the consideration of the
Legislature, alleged grievances in consequence
of State prison competition. The act of 1842
will, probably, in its operation, lessen to some
' extent, the cause of complaint. It is proper to
encourage the industry and enterprise of the
citizen mechanic, so as to direct the labor of con-
victs as not to come in competition with them.
But humanity requires that these unfortunate
beings should be engaged in some exercise con-
ducive to health, and it is also essential that the
labor should be rendered productive. * *
THK "SOCK KkOlT" M I-SS A( IK.
"The hanking institutions should at all times
be subject to tin- control of the Legislature, who
cannot well be too watchful in checking their
natural tendency to partiality and inflated issues.
Every institution that diverts its means from
the legitimate purposes of banking should be
promptly deprived of its charter. Every institu-
tion that faithfully fulfills its duties to the public,
should be sustained and protected.
• »*»*»»
"The repudiation of a public debt is a heresy
that I trust is no where seriously entertained.
I am confident that the people of every State in
the I'nion would reject the idea of such dis-
honor and that they possess a partisan and pub-
lic spirit that would induce them to submit to
any burden rather than incur the approbation
of such foul disgrace. * *
"I indulge the cheerful hope that the time is
not far distant when most if not all the States
will find means to resuscitate their credit and
finish their public works. The State of New
York should cherish the hope that such expec-
tations will be realized.
•' Her natural position in reference to inland
commerce, enables her to furnish the channels
of communication for a trade that, in no very
distant period of time, will be unsurpassed in
magnitude.
* ***###
" A concurrent resolution was adopted at the
last session of the Legislature, requesting our
Senators and Representatives in Congress to
make use of their best efforts to procure the
passage of a law refunding from the public
Treasury the fine inflicted upon, and paid by
('•cneral Jackson.
"Since that time the President of the United
States has in a just and magnanimous spirit,
commended the subject to the attention of
Congress.
" Although the sentiment of the people of
the State was expressed through your predeces-
sors, yet it will be highly proper that it should
again be heard through you, until mingling with
the voices of the people of the whole Union,
the National Legislature shall feel constrained
to consummate this act of Justice.
WM. C. BOUCK."
Jan. 3d, 1843.
(ireat excitement prevailed during the two
elections of 1840 and '42, and many humorous
songs were composed and sung and many epi-
thets rast upon each side. Those against Ciov-
ernor Bouck were the " I hitrh Governor,"
" K. rout Eater," "Cabbage head," etc. A hu-
morous article appeared in the All<<in\ Mum-
scope, a. paper in the interest of the Whig party,
called the Sour Krout Message, which created
no little merriment and was the best adapted to
the occasion of any article that had appeared.
We notice the author in Chapter XX, and will
here insert a portion of his second effort, the
first one being lost. It must be remembered
that it is written in low Dutch brogue, and the
English "e" whether long or short, should be
pronounced as English " a."
"Alpany Chanuary du Segond 18 tousant,
100, 4&44
"Veller Shitizens
De yahr has coom rount acain, and you haf
meet in gounsel in dis capital of de lant of de
coot olt Derrick Knickerbacker, for to settle de
pisiness of de unifarce. Op dish auspicious og-
gasion I dake mil Measure du jance for shpeak
in your eairs mine gint wishes for your gesoudeit
and your fokes, and to wish you all habby new
years and blenty of oley cookies.
" I shall pye and pye shake hants mil you all
ofera thousant ells of leverworcht, and a bot ash
Kettle full of hot schnapps, py the site of zwei
hay stags of prown pretzels. We have vrighten
all man kint into beace mil us, du zeason hasd
pe very vrnitful, die hucleperries hash brotuce
by tousants, and die Krout wash nefer more
apuntant. Gommerse hash vlourish poundival-
ly, maar it ish mit pidder crief dat I lament dat
your honoraple poty tit not bass de dariff pill,
vor de prodegtion of the many Dutche mens
engaged in dee manufacture of worsht, roelstjes
and Sour Krout, ash I recgommentet in mine
lasht animal messitch op your honoraple poty
lasht winder. Maar it ish no wonter, if, ash I
have, mine Sour Krout messicht was only red in
der firsd house. I regomment thot a special
choint gommittee be appointed py bote pranges
of die shtate lechislature, to inguire into des
tirdy pisness, mit bower to side bersons and ba-
bers, ant teal out blixen to der gilty. Your
axacutif pardly in hees lumper waccon, ant
68
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
pardly up his pedder half, du olt gray horse, has
fisid mouch of der state der bast zeason, ant
many goundies haf pe well recoort vor de tim-
mygradic dicket * * * *
" I wool fudder regornment dat in orter to
brefent anoder sech scrabe, dere pe none but
Deutschen officers appint py der shtate brisons,
ant none freed Deutschers electit brisoners, so
dat dey can one anoder vershty when dey talks
Deutsch, oder Yankee. Your axacutif has
pecure for to mofe in dis madder, py abbinting
one vrint to an office of Sing Sing, wat put hees
name on a ferry coot deutsch electioneering
ledder a yahr aco lasht vail.
" We pe in beace mit all mangint. We receife
bromishes of coot will and brotection vrom all
de ground hets in de work. We haf hope of a
fisit from fader Mattewanddat vine old chendle-
man der bope of Room.
" Veller shitizens, I vas elactit pegaus I vas
ein Deutschman. Ise pe shtill ein Deutschman.
Dish ish ein strong glaim of die tear peebles,
Ein Deutscher moost, py coorse, make a coot
cooferner.
"Maar ash dat, I wash elactet pegause I was
auch ien varmer. An I pe shoost zo mooch ein
varmer now ash I usht to was. I haf blow, und
trag und sow, a'nd mow choost so mooch since
I haf pin coofener ash pefore, and choost so
mooch winder ash zummer, (pedween you ant
me ant die old woman on top of Shtate house,)
Dish ish anoder shtrong glaime of dee beeples.
Oh, dee beeples ! dee tear beeples ! der coot,
wise und safferin beeples.
"More ash all dish, I was elactit pegause I
tit nefer shteal any of der beeble's money.* It
ish drue, die sazzy wicks tid tenie all dis. Maar,
we zoon vount out a way to zilence de minority,
dey goud nelting brofe, ant any mon ish always
innozend dill broof Gildy. I pe soclat tat I pe
noch innozend, vor 1 dere py shtant a nople
* The author says, " This claim was never seriously
disputed. It was only a decided claim for a negative
virtue. And it is no insignificant commentary on the
subsequent progress of political morality, to ask which
of the actors on the public stage since, can claim as
much ? Let the authentic history of the past few years
answer the question. It is but too often true, that the
outs are impatiently laboring to oust the ins, that they
may retrench and reform after the pattern of Reho-
boam. See II Chron. x, 10,"
jance for a re-election ternext vail. Dish glaime
pe choost so coot est efer, and of dis crount
any one of you dat out lifs me and mine poys,
gans run for cofernor, if he nefer shtole any of
der beeples money.
«#**###
"I haf long aco, mein Schoharie vrients,bromish
dat iv elactet, I would to sometings vor die rail
roat, so vor at leasht as de Vly Zurnmit, ant py
way of vulvilling dat bromish, I woult here zay
dat next to vurnishing blendy of offishes vor
mein vamily, nothing lie so near mein pelly to,
ash der Vly Zummit."
*»#*»**
Amid the political excitement of 1840 to
1845, the sheriff of the County was frequently
resisted in collecting executions that were ob-
tained by due process of law, for rents upon
lands owned in the southern part of the County
by the Livingstons.
Large tracts were owned by those heirs,
which were divided into small farms and leased
for a stated term of years or an uncertain
period, during the life of one or more of the
family of the lessee at a yearly rental. Those
yearly rentals the tenants refused to pay for
their supposed illegality, and wherever leased
land existed, more particularly in Greene and
Delaware counties, a resistance was made to
the officials in their attempts to collect, and
every neighborhood was thrown into the great-
est excitement over the prospect of an anti-
rent war.
Greene, Delaware, Rensselaer, Albany, Mont-
gomery and Schoharie counties were the seats
of expected hostilities, but such extremes were
not resorted to, only in Delaware, Albany and
Schoharie. Osmer N. Steele, a deputy sheriff of
Delaware, while acting in his official capacity,
was killed, and the brightest prospects of blood-
shed existed in Schoharie. John S. Brown was
sheriff, and being so stubbornly resisted in the
enforcement of the law and duty ; threatened
with death, tar and feathers, and every con-
ceivable and inconceivable torture, he called
upon the State for arms and ammunition and
enlisted one hundred men to enforce order and
obedience to law. The force was raised in the
month of March, 1845. and was marched
through Middleburgh, Fulton, Blenheim and
THE ANTI-RENT TROl i;i I -
69.
Broome to Gilboa, making, no doubt, the very
hills tremble iiy their martial tread, and the
Anti's quail before the glittering bayonets. Judg-
ments in the hands of the sheriff were collected,
and peace began to loom up over the ragged
precipice of despair, while the tax-payers' grum-
bling disturbed the political waters and threat-
ened to upset the seemingly safe causes in which
many were sailing up the stream of distinction
and healthy emoluments. While the force lay
at Gilboa with " victory " depicted upon each
countenance, the sheriff and his deputy, Tobias
Bouck, started from Schoharie to join them.
While stopping at " Fink's Tavern " in Noilh
Blenheim, they were surprised to find them-
selves surrounded by nearly three hundred anti-
renters, many of them in full costumes of Indian
warriors, and one of modern experience may
imagine army contractors, sutlers and carpet-
baggers. The belligerents were armed, and
like Knickerbocker's company of Dutch, were
"brimful of wrath and cabbage." An escape
was impossible, and after much parleying and
threatening the officials were taken to "Bald-
win Heights" for the purpose of being present-
ed with a respectable coat of tar and feathers.
The fact of their capturing the officials spread
throughout the neighborhood, and a few living
at some distance mounted horses and hastened
to witness the " presentation." There was a
heavy crust upon the snow, and as the horses
made considerable noise, especially in galloping
over a bridge not far distant, the Anti's not
being able to discern the cause of it by "occu-
lar demonstration," listened to the whisperings
of cautious imagination and fled precipitately,
with the belief that the sheriff's posse of one
hundred men was upon their heels.
Brown and Bouck stood " alone in their
glory," " sole monarchs of all they surveyed."
without receiving the belligerents' testimonials
of their contempt. Soon the dark clouds of
war passed away, quiet was restored and the posse
disbanded, with the happy thought " nobody
hurt."
Over three thousand dollars were expended
to collect in the neighborhood of three hundred.
Brown was censured by many, for taking the
steps he did but he was an official, and was resist-
ed in the execution of his duties. If force is used
to resist, force must be used to obey. The law
must be obeyed regardless of the expenditure
to enforce it; that should be secondary it
sidered at all. It was believed by those who
were acquainted with the state of affairs at that
time, that if the sheriff had not taken the steps
he did in the beginning of the troubles, the
affair would have proved serious. Those that
were implicated in the matter, now living, look
back upon the " Anti- Rent war " with a smile,
as upon amusing incidents of younger days,
with " malice towards none " as true patriots
will do after an exciting campaign.
During the political and rental excitements
that agitated the people, which we have
noticed, progressive minds were active in bring-
ing the County up to the height of improve-
ments that characterized a few of the adjoining
counties. The Catskill & Canajoharie Railroad
Company was chartered on the iQth of April,
1830, the capital stock was subscribed, and the
road, as will be seen by Governor Bouck's
message, built within a few miles of the Scho-
harie creek. The business men of Albany city
saw the project would be detrimental to their
interest, purchased the stock and let the enter-
prise fail.
Another railroad was contemplated, and an
act passed on the Qth of May, 1836, to incor-
porate the same as the Unadilla & Schoharie
Railroad Company. The road was to be con-
structed from a "point in the county of Otsego,
near the mouth of the Unadilla river, and
thence extending up the valleys of the Susque-
hanna river and the Schenevus creek and down
the Cobleskill valley to a point near the Scho-
harie creek, with leave also to extend the said
railroad from the southern termination above
mentioned to the New York & Erie Railroad."
John P. Bellinger, Isaac Hayes, Thaddeus R.
Austin, Wm. Angle, Peter Collier, Jesse Rose,
Schuyler Crippen, Arvine Clark and Peter W.
Snyder were commissioned to "open books to
receive subscriptions to the capital stock."
The project was abandoned and the parties
that were interested living in the County be-
came attached to the Catskill road, and bent
their energies to a speedy completion of it. An
act also was passed on the 2$th of April, 1832,
to incorporate the Schoharie & Otsego Rail-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
road Company. Peter Collier, Kliakim R. Ford,
Jesse Rose, Leonard Caryl, Thomas B. Van
Alstyne, John Westover, Peter W. Snyder,
Abraham L. Lawyer, Peter Shafer, Jr., and
Philip Mann, were the "body corporate and
politic." The capital stock was $300,000,
divided into shares of $50 each. The sub-
scription committee were Eben K. Morehouse,
Peter Collier, Jared Goodyear, Jr., Harvey W.
Babcock. Schuyler Crippen, Jesse Rose, Thomas
Lawyer, John P. Bellinger, Henry Hamilton,
Wm. Mann and Freeman Stanton. This enter-
prise also was dropped.
Sharon made several attempts to connect the
Spa with the New York Central Railroad but
all proved failures. The first was in 1838 when
the Canajoharie & Catskill R. R. was being
built. An act was passed by the Legislature on
the 1 8th of April of that year " To provide for the
construction of the Sharon & Root Railroad."
It was to connect with the Catskill Road at
some point in the town of Root, Montgomery
county. The capital stock was fifty thousand
dollars with the privilege of increasing the same
to a sum not to exceed seventy thousand, which
should be divided into shares of fifty dollars
each. John Hyney, John Beakly, Adam Empie,
George F. Fox, Aaron Malick, John Crounse,
Jun., A. Smith Knight and Joseph H. Ramsey
were the subscription committee.
The next object that absorbed the public
mind throughout the County, as in other sec-
tions of the State, was the building of plank
roads. It was not supposed possible to
connect Schoharie with the outside world by
" iron ties " after so many efforts had proved
failures, and the next best improvement was
plank roads, in which large amounts of hard
earned dollars were invested, to be trampled
upon and slivered up without returning very
flattering dividends.
One was built from Middleburgh, through
Schoharie and Gallupville, to intersect the
Western Turnpike nine miles from Albany, and
one also from Schoharie to Richmondville,
through Mineral Springs and Warnerville, also
from Richmondville to Summit and Charlotte-
ville. The road leading from Central Bridge to
Schoharie was planked to intersect the Albany
road at Fox's Creek. These roads were of the
best when newly laid, but upon becoming worn
were rough and uneven, making it wearisome
for teams.
Not being very durable, replacing the plank
and other natural expenditures made a continual
expense, which the low tolls were insufficient to
meet and which caused their abandonment in a
few years. Covering the worn planks with
pounded stone and gravel made excellent roads
until the frost raised the planks to the surface,
but the expense of keeping them in order satis-
fied capitalists of their inability to obtain paying
dividends.
About the same time (1850 and after) that
plank roads excited capitalists, another financial
enterprise loomed up, in which many engaged
to the detriment of their monetary prosperity,
and which we can only style as the Seminary
Mania.
The first was built at Charlotteville, costing
about thirty thousand dollars. By careful finan-
ciering on imaginary results the enterprise fig-
ured a large dividend, which was so exhorbitant
that the envy of capitalists was excited and
other institutions of the kind were organized at
different places with increased facilities and ex-
pense. The citizens of the pleasant Cobleskill
valley formed a stock company and built the
Richmondville Collegiate Seminary in the sum-
mer of 1852, at an expense of thirty-two thous-
and dollars, having accommodations for three
hundred pupils. The school opened with very
flattering success, which was keenly watched by
the ambition of people of other sections, and
before its existence proved either a success or
failure, a company consisting principally of far-
mers, organized and built the Carlisle Seminary
at Carlisle village. The fall of 1853 found' the
building, at a cost of thirty-three thousand dol-
lars, ready to accommodate three hundred
scholars.
Scarcely was the school commenced before
the deluded farmers of Warnerville were at-
tacked with the mania to such an extent that
twenty-five thousand of their hard earned dollars
were exhausted in a similar structure called the
Warnerville Collegiate Institute. It is the only
building left standing and has been unoccupied
for many years. Incendiary fires and the im-
practicable method adopted in their management
SEMINARIES — RAILROADS.
7'
made serious failures, as they proved ruinous to
those of moderate means, who were induced to
invest, and many happy homes were sacrificed
by the losses which were incurred. These schools
were for the education of both male and female,
with all the necessary conveniences for board-
ing within the buildings, together with the teach-
ers and required help. They gave a thorough
course in all branches.
The rates of tuition were low, also board,
which made it an object for those seeking an
education, with limited means. Good board,
including furnished rooms, washing and iron-
ing, three meals each day, with all the privileges
accorded to a member of a well regulated fam-
ily, were obtained for the low price of three
dollars per week, which any one of practical ob-
servance will plainly see, was far less than could
be afforded.
For several years an idea was entertained by
enterprising business men of Albany City,
Cobleskill, Schenevus and Susquehanna valleys,
of building a railroad to connect the Hudson at
Albany, with the Erie road at Binghamton, but
did not receive any direct action until the year
1854. A company was formed, and Civil En-
gineer Chas. W. Wentz was employed to sur-
vey the route, which was found practicable, and
renewed efforts were made by issuing stock cer-
tificates and obtaining the right of way along
the line, besides inviting towns through which it
passed, to issue bonds to aid in its construction.
Passing through the County from east to west,
and opening a rapid transit to the best markets
in the world, to those who were from thirty to
sixty miles distant, the people took a lively in-
terest in the enterprise, regardless of their losses
in former projects. Joseph H. Ramsey, of Law-
yersville, turned his energies in behalf of the
road, and was sent to the Assembly in the year
1855, for the purpose of advocating " State aid."
In all of the improvements made in other
sections of the State, in which State aid was
granted, Schoharie County had borne her share
of the burden of taxation, and had not received
any aid for herself, and had been but little, if
any, benefitted by such projects. In fact, nearly
the whole territory through which the road
passed, had been exempt from receiving any as-
sistance in internal improvements.
Mr. Ramsey was sent to the Senate the two
following years, but was unsuccessful.
A bill was passed in 1858, giving aid to the
road, in the sum of one million dollars, after the
road was completed to Schoharie creek. Ed-
win I). Morgan was then governor, and upon
some technicality he withheld his signature.
Again, the bill obtained by Mr. Ramsey, in the
Senate, of 1860, was placed before that official
after his second election, but it received his
second veto. The year 1862 placed Horatio
Seymour in the Gubernatorial chair, and found
Mr. Ramsey in the Senate, and Wm. C. La-
mont in the Assembly. Strenuous efforts were
made by those gentlemen for the passage of the
third bill. It began to roll through, breaking
down every barrier, and at last culminated in its
passage and received the signature of the gov-
ernor. Renewed efforts were made in the build-
ing of the road and in the year 1863 it was
completed to the Schoharie creek, and in 1865,
the cars passed through the County. On the
24th of February, 1870, the road was leased for
the term of ninety-nine years, to the Delaware
and Hudson Canal Company. Like all other
successful enterprises, this one gave birth and
vigor to others.
The Schoharie Valley Railroad was built in
1867, at a cost of one hundred thousand dol-
lars, to connect with the Susquehanna, east of
Central Bridge station. Middleburgh also, desir-
ing to be connected with the rest of the world by
"iron ties," built a road from the ancient
" dorf," to intersect the Schoharie Valley Road,
at the village of Schoharie, in the year 1868, at
a cost of one hundred and five thousand dollars.
The two roads make a continuous line of 10.13
miles and are managed by two separate boards of
directors. ^See Schoharie and Middleburgh.]
For years the business portion of Cherry
Valley, and especially Sharon Spa, felt the
need of a railroad, as they were respectively
twelve and ten miles from the New York Cen-
tral. Sharon, being a summer resort, was
forced to struggle against other watering places,
under the disadvantage of being distant from
public thoroughfares, since the greatest number
resort to such places for pleasure instead of the
effects of the medicinal properties found in the
water.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
When the Susquehanna road was completed
a project was started to connect the two places
with it at Cobleskill. Mr. Bates, of Cherry
Valley, was at the head of the enterprise and
induced the towns along the line to issue bonds
for its construction. The road was opened on
the i6th of June, 1870, at a total cost of six
hundred thousand dollars, being 20.91 miles in
length. The " Delaware & Hudson Canal
Company," in the year 1871, leased the Sus-
quehanna road and this branch for the term of
ninety-nine years.
The transaction was a wise one. as the lessor
company is a heavy coal mining association,
possessing inexhaustible mines and will make
these roads the arteries through which their
products will flow with a certainty for the term
of their lease, at least.
Upon the building of the railroad through Cob-
leskill another enterprise received its birth, at
Howe's Cave, which each returning season proves
to be of more marked proportions. The road runs
nearly one hundred feet from the bed of the
creek at this point, upon the side of the lime
rock hill, in which Nature has placed treasures
which the genius of man requires to aid in the
construction of his enterprises, as well as to in-
struct that ambitious spirit of the wisdom and
power of the divine Godhead. From the sur-
face of this hill is obtained limestone which
produces lime of a superior quality, to the depth
of forty feet, beneath which lies a strata of
cement to the depth of ten feet, which proves
equal to any, as is testified by railroad, canal
and public building officials. The cement
strata lies upon a limestone of a harder forma-
tion which is used for building and is capable
of receiving a very fine polish equal to any
black marble. The " marble " stratum is about
twenty feet in thickness and is underlaid by one
of gypsum to the depth of ten feet, The whole
lies upon a very hard blue limestone similar to
the stratum between the cement and gypsum.
Two companies were formed upon the comple-
tion of the railroad at this place for the purpose
of manufacturing lime, cement and plaster,
which are now in progress, and considering the
dullness of the times for the last few years,
have increased their facilities and business be-
yond expectations.
Howe's Care Association is a stock company,
and under the management of the treasurer
Joseph H. Ramsey. During the stagnant busi-
ness year of 1878 the sales of cement were over
13,000 barrels, and that of lime 19,000 bushels,
besides a large quantity of plaster, building,
rough and dressed stone, the amount of
which we are unable to give. This company
has one draw kiln for lime, and three pits for
the burning of cement, with a mill, driven by
steam for the grinding of the same.
Another firm company, of which Hon. John
VVestover, of Richmondville, is president, under
the name of Howe's Cave Lime &> Cement Co.,
with a capital of $100,000, possesses nearly the
same facilities for the production of stone pro-
ducts. The business of the company is con-
ducted by Eli Rose, its treasurer, and the sales
for the same year (1878) were 10,000 barrels
of cement, 20,000 bushels of prime lime and
several thousand of a second class article,
beside a large quantity of rough and dressed
stone. It is a few feet above the cement
stratum, in that of the lime rock proper, that
the world-famed Howe's Cave is found, of which
particular mention is made in Chapter X of this
work.
The quarries of the County are the finest of
the State for building purposes, monuments,
bases, curbs and every other purpose for which
solid and easily wrought stone is used.
A gray sandstone is found near Warnerville,
that bids fair to be of great value in the build-
ing of monuments and fronting residences,
owing to its beauty of color and solidity. The
stone works of Middleburgh are producing su-
perior flagging, which is being shipped to all
parts of the country. It is a fact that the quar-
ries of the County are inexhaustible, and in
them lies untold wealth, waiting for the strong
arm of capital and labor to develop them.
Throughout the lime rock sections mineral
springs issue from the fissures of the rock,
which are justly celebrated for their curative
properties in rheumatic and cutaneous diseases,
of which Sharon Springs is the chief, and where
many thousand resort for relief and pleasure. A
sulphur spring issues from a rocky bank, of such
strength as to impregnate the atmosphere at
some distance with sulphuretted hydrogen and
MINERAL SPRINOS.
incrustate the bed of the brook in which it flows.
A short distance from the sulphur is the attrac-
tive water, and called the Magnesia Spring as it
contains a greater amount of magnesium and
lime and but little sulphur, which makes itmore
palatable than the former. The analysis of this
water may be found in the chapter on Sharon,
together with a history of the village. A
chalybeate vein appears a short distance above
but during dry seasons it fails to perform its
office to supply, and but little dependence can
be placed upon it.
Nearly five miles east of Sharon, at Moak's
Hollow, other sulphurous waters flow from the
side of a hill, which many, that have expe-
rience in their effects, think excels Sharon, but
which are little known, as efforts have never
been taken to bring them to the notice of the
public.
Upon the south side of the Cobleskill creek
at a small hamlet known for many years as
France's Corners and Cobleskill Centre, a sul-
phurous spring rises from the rocks that is
nearly of the composition of the Moak's Hollow
spring. Efforts were made from time to time
to bring the attention of the public to their
curative properties, but were met with but little
encouragement. Several other mineral springs,
chiefly sulphur, appear in different sections of
the County, of less virtue, to which it is un-
necessary to refer.
A few mild salt springs also appear, from which
the Indians of long ago and the early settlers
manufactured salt, and around which many relics
of their day and use have been found. The early
settlers, especially the late Judge Brown, were
induced to think that coal abounded in many
of the hills from the fact that a substance
resembling anthracite was frequently found near
their base. Not being instructed in the geologi-
cal formation of the earth, they believed that at
a considerable depth it would be found inferior
to none and in great abundance, and a spas-
modic coal fever would occasionally attack some
strong believers and lead them to expend a few
dollars in opening the treasure boxes.
While industry has wrought a great change in
the surface of Schoharie and swelled the volume
of production, the people have not been un-
mindful of the importance of educational in- I
terests. As each neighborhood was settled,
schools were established, and as each genera-
tion "returneth," a more advanced improve-
ment has been noticed in the interest taken by
the construction of school buildings and their
apparatus, course of studies and required ability
of teachers. In the annual report of John H.
Salsbury, County Superintendent of Common
Schools, made on the first of January, 1845, he
says : —
" The number of teachers licensed by me
during the past year is twenty-four, ten of whom
received special certificates for one year."
There are at present two hundred and six
teen school districts, employing three hundred
and ninety-two teachers. The average ex-
pense for all school purposes for the last
three years was nearly sixty-four thousand
dollars. Several of the village districts have
adopted the. academic system, employing a
corps of teachers, and possess all the facilities
for giving the student a thorough course of in-
struction. The County is divided into two dis-
tricts, over each of which is elected a school
commissioner, that unite annually and hold a
convention of teachers, under the name of
"County Institute," for the purpose of the exam-
ination of teachers, introduction of systems of
instruction, and a general conference of teachers
to awaken a livelier interest in the cause. For-
merly each town elected a Superintendent of
Schools, who granted licenses, visited the
schools and made a report to the Secretary of
State through the county clerk, but the system
not being considered thorough, a law was passed
April 17, 1843, for the appointment by the
Boards of Supervisors of County Superintend-
ents. For unknown reasons the office was
abolished in 1847, and town superintendents
were again elected to the year 1856, when a
law was passed creating the present office
of Commissioner. Under the administration
of superintendents a County Teachers' Associa-
tion was formed and held annual meetings.
Among the members were the veterans —
Jenkins, John C. Selleck, A. Smith Knight, D.
Clinton Dow, David H. Morris, Bartholomew
Becker, — - Spenser, Ezra Smith, John H.
Salsbury, S. Ann Guffin, Walter Cross and
William Sflyder.
74
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Hand in hand with education has been the
march of religion. The first church in the
County was organized in, or a short time pre-
vious to 1728, and at the commencement of
the Revolution but four buildings had been
erected for divine worship. There are at
present seventy-five organizations with an equal
number of chufches, a general history of which
may be found in the towns' history to which
they belong. The Methodist persuasion pre-
dominates in numbers, they being thirty-one ;
of the Lutheran there are fourteen ; of the Re
formed thirteen ; of the Baptist nine ; and the
remainder are Presbyterian, Christian, Episco-
pal, Roman Catholic and Universalist. Many
of the churches are expensive structures and
costly furnished , but in general, they are plainly
but substantially built at an average cost of
thirty-five hundred dollars. Nearly all the or-
ganizations sustain Sabbath schools and a Bible
class, and furnish service in school-houses dis-
tant from churches.
The temperance question has engaged the
attention of the people for many years and cre-
ated a distinctive change in the customs and
habits of the people, in influencing the mass to
refrain from using intoxicating liquors, to which
they became habitually accustomed in the early
part of the century. While several convulsive
excitements were experienced in behalf of the
cause in previous years, the first effective stroke'
in the County was made in the year 1844 by
the societies organized under the name of
" Washingtonians." Various other organizations
have done much in suppressing the evil, under
different names and plans of influence from
time to time, and have done well in their
efforts.
The chief orders of the present time are
" Murphyites," " Good Templars," "Juvenile
Templars," and " Band of Hope," a notice of
which may be found in the chapters upon each
town in which the organizations exist.
The County Sabbath School Society was
formed in 1854 by Albert Brown of Schoharie, !
who was appointed the first secretary by the
State Sabbath School Association, to organize \
branch societies. It was upon the wane at one
time, but again revived and holds yearly con-
ventions in different parts of the County, for !
the purpose of discussing and adopting uniform
methods for the best interest of the cause.
To awaken a livelier interest, town organiza-
tions have been effected as branches, which
prove successful in bringing the whole work
down to a business system.
Long years ago the veteran "servants of the
Master" of this County and Delaware called a
convention in the Schoharie courthouse for the
purpose of organizing a Bible Society. They
met on the 7th of September, 1813, and formed
the Schoharie and Delaware Bible Society
which in truth preceded the American Bible
Society. From a historical discourse delivered
before the Society at its Semi-Centennial meet-
ing in the Lutheran church, of Schoharie, on
the 6th of October, 1863, by the Rev. George
A. Lintner, D. D., President of the Society, we
extract : —
" Rev. Dr. Augustus Wackenhagen, who was
then Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church
of Schoharie presided at the convention and
was chosen first President of the Society.
"Dr. Wackenhagen was succeeded by the
Rev. Henry Moeller, of Sharon, in 1814. On
the 3ist of January, 1816, the connection be-
tween the counties of Schoharie and Delaware,
in this society was dissolved, and to awaken a
livelier interest in the cause and render their
labors more efficient, each county formed a sep-
arate association. This society then assumed
the title of The Schoharie County Bible Society,
and soon after became an auxiliary to the
American Bible Society, which was formed in
the same year.
"Rev. John Molther, who had succeeded Dr.
Wackenhagen in the pastoral charge of the
Lutheran church at Schoharie, was chosen Pres-
ident of the Society in 1817. In 1818, Jacob
Gebhard was elected by the society to fill the
office of president, the duties of which he dis-
charged for two years with his characteristic
zeal and fidelity to every trust that was com-
mitted to his hands. In 1822, Henry Becker
became president, who performed the duties of
the office in the true spirit of the Gospel, with
which he was thoroughly imbued. The next
president was Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, who
was the pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church
of Middleburgh. He preached his first sermon
SOCIETIES.
75
before the society, which was printed and circu-
lated as an appeal from the society to the friends
of the Bible, for their support and co-operation
in the new enterprise in which they had en-
gaged.
"In 1828 the Rev. Mr. Salsbury was succeed-
ed by the present incumbent, Dr. Lintner,
who was elected in 1835, which office he has
now held for twenty-eight years, during which
time he has had frequent occasions to feel
thankful for the satisfaction and pleasure he has
derived from his official intercourse with the
officers and members of the society who have
labored with him in the cause."
Dr. Lintner's "satisfaction and pleasure"
was longer extended, as he held the position un-
til his death, which occurred December 22,
1871, giving to him the long term of thirty-six
years as President of the society. Since the
death of Dr. Lintner, with the exception of a
short term, Peter S. Danforth, son-in-law of Dr.
Lintner, has filled the position.
We are indebted to author Simrns for infor-
mation in regard to one of the first Masonic
lodges in the County. Captain Thomas Machin
settled about the year 1797, in the present town
of Charleston, near the county line, and being
a Mason, was appointed Master to install offi-
cers of a. lodge at Schoharie, called Ames
Mark /.ihfge. Silas Grey was appointed S. W.,
and Johannes Dietz, J. W., of the same. We
have no further information in regard to it, but
find in the Masonic Registry, of 1805, mention
of two lodges, which we will here notice: —
The Schoharie Union Lodge, at Schoharie,
had a membership of eighty-five, and the officers
were Ralph R. Phelps, M. ; Storm A. Becker,
S. W.; David Swart,]. W. ; Peter Vroman, Jr.,
Tr. ; Richard Fishback, Sec. ; Wm. Estelstine,
S. 1).; Nicholas Delavergne, J. D. ; Isaac Sim
monds and Lawrence Chambers, Stewards ;
Joseph Kfnor, Tiler. The date of this organi-
zation is not given.
Sharon l-'elicity l.oJge numbered thirty-five
members, and the officers were : Dr. Zenas
Pinneo, M. ; Knock Kelsey, S. W. ; Joseph Al-
exander, J. W. ; John Beakley, Tr. ; Reubin
Parkinson, Sec. ; Joel Rodgers, S. D. ; David
Cowden, J. D. ; John Johnson, Jr., and Peter
Ripson, Tiler.
A lodge was formed at Middleburgh village,
about the years 1825 or '30, but we cannot give
any facts relating to the order, excepting the
anti-masonic excitements of the thirties, causing
its abandoment. There are six organizations
of the ancient order, in the County, a notice of
which may be found in following chapters of
this work.
By an Act of Legislature passed April 1 2,
1860, Chas. Goodyear, John G. Gebhard, Jr.,
Jacob Vroman, Peter S. Swart, Jonas Kilmer,
Hobart Krum, David Dietz, Eli P. Garder,
Wm. H. Davis, William Winter, Tobias Bouck,
Treat Durand, and Augustus B. F. Pond, of the
town of Schoharie ; Lyman Sanford and George
Manning, of Middleburgh ; Charles Courier,
and Marcus Borst, of Cobleskill ; Joseph I.
Brown, and Chas. G. Kenyon, of Carlisle ; Asa-
hel Billings, and Mark W. Stevens, of Esperance,
and Weidman Dominick, Austin Becker and
Ira Zeh, of Wright, were constituted a body
corporate by the name of the Schoharie Valley
Stock Groovers' Association.
The society leased fifteen acres at Schoharie
village, for exhibition grounds, erected sub-
stantial buildings, and graded a one-half mile
track for the exhibition of speed. At the
present time the association owns the grounds,
being in debt but one thousand dollars.
Premiums upon farm products and stock are
given yearly, ranging from twelve to fifteen
hundred dollars.
The officers of 1881 were :—
Trustees — Walter Ferris, Robert N. Stafford,
Marshall N. DeNoyelles, Darius B. Scott,
Thomas B. Borst, Isaac C. VanTuyl, Hiram
Schoolcraft, F. Wood, Wm. B. Murphy, Z. J.
Brown, Schoharie ; Wm. H. Mitchell, G. L.
Haines, Wm. H. Freemyer, Fulton ; Nathaniel
Manning, David Zeh, Middleburgh ; A. B. Lar-
kin, Richmondville ; W. Dominick, Gallupville ;
Jacob Angle, Cobleskill.
President — Nath. Manning.
ist Vice-President — Jacob Angle.
2d Vice-President — Z. J. Brown.
3d Vice-President— I. C. VanTuyl.
Treasurer — M. N. DeNoyelles.
Secretary — Robert N. Stafford.
Kxecutive Committee — Walter Ferris, D. B.
Scott, I. C. VanTuyl.
76
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Finance Committee— Hiram Schoolcraft, Z.
J. Brown, Weidman Dominick.
Ci'l'lfskill Agricultural Society was organ-
ized in the spring of 1876. The yearly pre-
miums range from $1,000 to $1,200, and the
exhibitions have been well attended, chiefly by
the inhabitants of Carlisle, Sharon, Seward,
Richmondville, Summit, Fulton and Cobleskill.
The first officers were W. C. Lament, President,
George Bellinger, Secretary, and Morris Cohn,
Treasurer. Unparalleled exertions are being
made for the fifth annual exhibition under the
management of the following energetic officers :
President — Hon. W. C. Lamont.
Vice Presidents— Stanton P. Osterhout, P.
A. Angle, W. L. Hawes, Theodore Owen, W.
S. Clark, Isaac Hawes, Minard Proper, Abram
Osterhout, John Patrie, W. W. Proper, Peter
Conro, Ralph Hyde, Abram Freeman, R. Shel-
mandine, Hiram Schoolcraft, Frank Wood, D.
S. Mann, J. A. Warner, Wellington Shafer,
Philip Zeh, Dr. Leonard, Orlando Mace, Orson
Spickerman, H. F. Hannay, George Shaler,
John Snyder, Geo. VanDyck, Douglas Thorpe.
Treasurer — Martin D. Borst.
Secretary — George W. Bellinger.
General Superintendent — William H. Mcln-
tosh.
Dep't Superintendents — Horse Dep't — Mar-
cus Angle, Thompson Perrine ; Cattle, Sheep
and Swine Dep't — Jared VanWaganen, D. H.
Osterhout, Madison L. Shafer; Fruit and Veg-
etable Dep't— H. VanDreeser, Daniel Malick ;
Farm Implement Dep't — David Lawyer, P. P.
Karker; Poultry Dep't— Peter E. Borst; Ladies'
Dep't— J. Henry Hoffman.
Directors — Marcus Angle, Thompson Perrine,
S. D. Karker, Peter Tingue, John O. Ried, G.
W. Dana, Clinton Nethaway, David Lawyer,
Wm. Farquher, J. J. Dickinson.
The First Annual Exhibition of the Schoharie
County Poultry and Pet Stock Association was
held at Cobleskill village in February from the
ist to the 4th, 1881. The enterprise proved a
success and renewed efforts are to be made for its
future prosperity, and certainty of its existence.
The following are the officers : —
President— C. L. Griggs, Cobleskill, N. Y.
Vice Presidents— George Boughton, Hynds-
ville; Seneca Sands, Central Bridge; W. L.
Morrison, Schoharie ; Geo. Boom, Jefferson ;
Hubbard Ellis, Livingston ville; Perry E. Mc-
Master, Sloansville ; H. W. Champlain, North
Blenheim.
Secretary — D. A. Hitchman, Schoharie, N.Y.
Treasurer— L. T. Fox, Cobleskill, N. Y.
Executive Committee — Rev. J. G. Gooding,
Schoharie; James Gale, Barnerville ; A. H.
Sexton, Hyndsville; C. S. Swart, Howe's Cave ;
P. E. Borst, Cobleskill.
General Superintendent — Peter E. Borst,
Cobleskill, N. Y.
Assistant Superintendent — Charles Limmer,
Cobleskill, N. Y.
Judge — I. K. Felch, Natick, Mass.
In the beginning of the present century a
medical society was formed, but at what date is
not definitely known, but supposed to have been
in 1808. For some reason the order was aban-
doned for a while. Not having any records of
the same, we are unable to give a correct list of
its members. There were but few regular pro-
fessionals in the County, and they had a hard
service to perform, and but small pay. The
chief physicians were, Jesse Shepherd, and —
Gannon, of Cobleskill ; Zenas Pinneo, of Sharon ;
his student George Fox, followed in 1821, and J.
B. Roscoe, of Carlisle ; Prentiss Leonard, of Es-
perance; Origin Brigham, Cornelius VanDyck,
Jas. VanGaasbeck, of Middleburgh ; P. S. Swart,
of Schoharie ; Dr. Shepherd was a delegate
to the State Association in 1809 and '10.
The organizations now in order are com-
posed of those adhering to the allopathic, and
eclectic schools, and the following are the offi-
cers and members of the former which was re-
organized in 1857 under the following officers,
S. B. Wells, President; P. S. Swart, Vice-Presi-
dent; C. C. VanDyck. Secretary; John Pin-
der, Treasurer : P. S. Swart, Volney Danforth,
Isaac Flint, Philip Werner, . Ruland,
Censors.
The annual meeting is held on the first Tues-
day in June, and the semi-annual, the second
Tuesday in October.
The officers of 1880 and '81 were
David Norwood, President.
E. O. Bruce, Vice-President.
H. F. Kingsley, Secretary.
David Frasier, Treasurer.
PHYSICIANS.
77
The members are : —
Beard E. 1'., Summit.
Brown J. R., Seward.
Bruce K. ()., Hyndsville.
Burnett C. S., Blenlieim.
Cross Lemuel, Cobleskill.
Dickerson C., Seward.
Dockstader J. A., Sharon Spa.
Frasier I)., Cobleskill.
Frasier C. K., Cobleskill.
Green J., Sharon Spa.
Havens C. H., Summit.
Hotaling John, Gallupville.
Jackson Geo., Huntersland.
Kingsley H. F., Schoharie.
Lawyer Ezra, Cobleskill.
Lawyer Jas., Middleburgh.
Layman W. S., Schoharie.
Leonard D. M., Broome Centre.
Lowell J. S., Argusville.
Marsh Edward, Sloansville.
McCullock Charles, Central Bridge.
Norwood D., Esperance.
Roscoe R. J., Carlisle.
Terwilliger R. W., Carlisle.
Scott I. S., Grosvenor's Corners.
Spurbeck H., Charlotteville.
VanAlstine S.'M., Richmond ville.
Wells Henry D., Middleburgh.
The Eclectic School of Physicians, organized
by Senatorial districts, making a larger organi-
zation than if divided by counties. This fra-
ternity numbers fifty-one members in this the
twenty-third district of which fifteen are resi-
dents of this County. The society meets annu-
ally on the ad Wednesday and Thursday of June,
at such places as the adjourning meeting desig-
nates. The County members are as follows : —
Allen P. A., Lawyersville.
Chase Jared, Warnerville.
Snyder J. D., Sharon Spa.
VanValkenburgh Jacob, Sharon Hill.
Myres Henry A., Seward.
Ackley John S., West Fulton.
Beard Frank P., Summit.
Chapman P. L., Richmondville.
Nellis J., Schoharie.
Kilmer Thomas K., Schoharie.
Rossman John, Middleburgh.
Hubbell R., Jefferson, President.
Benson J. H., South Valley, Vice-President.
licst C. S., Middleburgh, Secretary.
Chase Jared, Treasurer.
Physicians.— The following is a complete list
of all the physicians nnd surgeons in UK- County
of Schoharie who have registered to ( )ctober 13,
1880, and contains the name of the physician
and surgeon, his postollice address, hisautlioiitv.
whether by diploma or license, the date of the
same, and the name of the medical college or
medical society by whom it was granted or
given, as required by an act of the Legislature
of the State of New York, (Chapter 513, Laws
1880,) entitled "An Act to regulate the Li-
censing of Physicians and Surgeons," passed
' May 29, 1880: —
H. F. Kingsley, Schoharie C. H., N. Y.;
diploma; February 17, 1874; University City
of New York, N. Y.
Christopher S. Best, Jr., Middleburgh, N. Y.;
diploma; February 6, 1876, (college not given.)
• Edward Marsh, Sloansville, N. Y.; diploma;
October i, 1874; Bellevue Hospital Medical
College, N. Y.
Isaac J. Scott, Grovenor's Corners, N. Y. ;
diploma; November 27, 1848; Castleton Medi-
cal College, Vt.
Jacob VanValkenburgh, Sharon, N. Y.; diplo-
ma ; January 22, 1 862 ; Eclectic Medical College
of Philadelphia, Pa.; also diploma, March 1,1877;
Eclectic Medical College of the City of New
York, N. Y.
W. S. Layman, Schoharie C. H., N. Y.; di-
ploma; December 22, 1857; Albany Medical
College, N. Y.
Peter L. Chapman, Richmondville, N. Y.;
license; August n, 1874; Eclectic Medical
Society of the 2jd Senatorial District, N. Y.
James Lawyer, Middleburgh, N. Y.; diploma ;
March 4, 1862 ; University City of New York,
N. Y.
S. M. Van Alstine, Richmondville, N. Y.; di-
ploma; June 13, 1854; Albany Medical Col-
lege, N. Y.
William Hagadorn, Gilboa, N. Y. ; diploma;
February, 1873 ; University City of New York,
N. Y.
Charles K. Frazier, Cobleskill, N. Y. ; di-
ploma; January 20, 1874; Medical Depart-
ment Union University, N. Y.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Charles McCullock, Central Bridge, N. Y. ;
diploma; February, 1877; Albany Medical
College, N. Y.
John Rossman, Middleburgh, N. Y. ; diplo-
ma; February, 1868; University of Medicine
and Surgery of Philadelphia. Pa.
Jacob E. Norwood, Blenheim, N. Y. ; diplo-
ma ; November, 1864; Berkshire Medical Col-
lege, Pittsfield, Mass.
Jacob A. Dockstader, Sharon Springs, N. Y.;
diploma; January, 1845; Albany Medical
College, N. Y.
Rufus Coons, Broome Centre, N. Y.; diplo-
ma; January 22, 1862; College of Medicine
and Surgery, Philadelphia, Pa.
George A. Williams, Sharon Springs, N. Y.;
diploma; March 12, 1879; University City
of New York, N. Y.
J. S. Akeley, West Fulton, N. Y.; diploma;
March, 1870; Pennsylvania University, Pa.;
also license; August 10, 1874; Eclectic Medi-
cal Society of the 23d Senatorial District, N. Y.
Olin A. Snyder, Gallupville, N. Y.; diploma ;
March 7, 1879; Eclectic College City of New
York, N. Y.
Henry D. Wells, Middleburgh, N. Y.; diplo-
ma; December 22, 1857; Albany Medical
College, N. Y.
R. Grant Havens, Jefferson, N. Y.; diploma;
December 22, 1874; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
F. P. Beard, Summit, N. Y.; diploma ; De-
cember 23, 1875 ; Albany Medical College, N.Y.
H. L. Gale, West Fulton, N. Y.; diploma;
Dec. 27, 1873 ; University of Philadelphia, Pa.
John Hotaling, Gallupville, N. Y.; diploma;
May 28, 1863 ; Albany Medical College, N. Y.
J. R. Anderson, Esperance, N. Y.; license;
January 13, 1880; Montgomery County Home-
opathic Medical Society, N. Y.
John Green, Sharon Springs, N. Y.; diploma;
June 17, 1846; Castleton Medical College. Vt.
James I. Hard, Sharon Springs, N. Y.; diplo-
ma; February 27, 1877 ; Albany Medical Col-
lege, N. Y.
David Frazier, Cobleskill, N. Y.; diploma-
January 27, 1847 ; Albany Medical College, N.Y.
Peter A. Allen, Lawyersville, N. Y.; diploma;
January 22, 1862 ; Eclectic Medical College of
Philadelphia, Pa.
I. S. Lowell, Argusville, N. Y.; diploma;
December 26, 1871; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
Hamilton A. White, Argusville, N. Y.; di-
ploma; March 3, 1880; Albany Medical Col-
lege, N. Y.
Clark D. Welch, Cobleskill, N. Y.; diploma;
March 8, 1877 ; New York Homeopathic Medi-
cal College, N. Y.
George Haner, Conesville, N. Y.; diploma;
February 20, 1877; University City of New
York, N. Y.
Philip J. Zeh, Fulton, N. Y.; diploma; De-
cember 24, 1869; Albany Medical College, N. Y.
George Jackson, Huntersland. N. Y.; diplo-
ma; March 9, 1871; University City of New
York, N. Y.
Richtmyer Hubbell, Jefferson, N. Y.; diplo-
ma; February 21, 1866; Philadelphia Univer-
sity of Medicine and Surgery, Pa.
Charles S. Burnett, North Blenheim, N.Y.; di
ploma; February i, 1879 ; Albany Medical
College, N. Y.
Valentine M. Lawyer, Fultonham, N. Y.; (no
authority, date, or college given.)
David Decker, Broome Centre, N. Y.; June
30, 1870; American University of Medicine
and Surgery, Pa.; diploma.
Lemuel Cross, Cobleskill. N. Y.; diploma;
February 23, 1856; Albany Medical College'
N. Y.
James D. Snyder, Sharon Springs, N. Y.;
license; August 10, 1874; Eclectic Medical
Society of 23d Senatorial District, N. Y.
Jared Chase, Warnerville, N. Y.; license; Au-
gust io. 1874; Eclectic Medical Society of 23d
Senatorial District, N. Y.
L. S. Wells, Middleburgh, N. Y.; diploma;
November, 20, 1833; Castleton Medical Col-
lege, Vt.
S. F. Fonda, Sharon Springs, N. Y.; diploma;
February 24, 1841; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
Ezra Lawyer, Cobleskill, N. Y.; diploma;
November 22, 1854; Castleton Medical Col-
lege, Vermont.
Isaac W. Ferris, Middleburgh, N. Y.; di-
ploma; March 7, 1867; University City of New
York, N. Y.
E. O. Bruce, Hyndsville, N. Y.; diploma;
PHYSICIANS — NEWSPAPERS.
November, 22, 1858; Castleton Medical Col-
lege, Vt.
Thomas K. Kilmer, Schoharie C. H., N. Y.;
diploma; January 28, 1875; Kclectic Medical
College of the City of New York, N. Y.
I). Norwood, Esperance, N. Y.; diploma;
Di-cember. 24, 1857 ; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
Menzo Barkman. Gallupville, N. Y.; diploma;
January, 1879; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
1). M. Leonard, Broome Centre, N. Y.; di-
ploma ; November, 1867; Castleton Medical
College, Vt.
H. Sperbeck, Charlotteville, N. Y.; diploma;
December, 22, 1857; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
Nancy J. Langley, Mineral Springs, N. Y.;
license; (no date given) Eclectic Medical So-
ciety, 23d Senatorial District, N. Y.
Joseph R. Brown, Seward, N. Y.; diploma ;
December 25, 1868; Albany Medical College,
N. Y.
Charles W. Havens, Summit, N. Y.; license;
August 21, 1838; Schoharie County Censors
of the Eclectic Medical Society.
Philip P. Werner, Barnerville, N. Y.; diplo-
ma; June, 1845; Castleton, Vermont, Medi-
cal College.
Henry A. Myer, Gardnersville, N. Y.; diplo-
ma; February 16, 1833; Syracuse Medical
College, N. Y.; also license, August it, 1874;
Eclectic Medical Society of the 23d Senatorial
District, N. Y.
Doctor Brayman, Livingstonville, N. Y.; di-
ploma; February i, 1880; University of City
of New York, Medical Department.
R. J. Roscoe, Carlisle, N. Y.; diploma;
March, 1852, College of Physicians State of
Vermont, at Castleton.
Charles Dickerson, Seward, N. Y.; diploma ;
1860; Albany Medical College, N. Y.
R. W. Terwilliger, Carlisle, N. Y.; diploma ;
March, 1881 ; Albany Medical College, N. Y.
The first 7\-/e/>/u>ne Line in the County was
between Schoharie and Middleburgh, and was
opened for communication in August, 1880.
There were upon the first day of July, i88r, at
least one hundred miles in successful operation,
and other lines will soon be established until
the County is made a net-work of the simple,
yet wonderful invention.
Mr. Charles Krom-r became interested in the
enterprise and through his energy and manage-
ment the lines were established. They have thus
far been built by issuing certificates of shares of
stock, each share being five dollars, privileging
each stockholder to have the free use of the line
with which he is connected.
While the principle upon which the telephone
is worked was long known, yet to Edison are we
indebted for an apparatus that brings the prin-
ciple to practice, and with such simplicity as to
abash the inventive genius of the past. Yet we
are not unmindful of the claims of Science upon
improvement and must expect that a few years
hence greater improvements and inventions, or
other principles will become animated and made
to out-strip the inventions of our day.
Newspapers. — The first newspaper published
in the County was the American Herald,
published by Derick VanVeghten. It was a
small sheet and appeared in June, 1809,
and some time in the year 1812, it was
changed to the Schoharie Herald, but upon
VanVeghten's enlisting in the volunteer ser-
vice, the paper was discontinued. It would
hardly be just to pass by without giving the hero
notice, as a more patriotic and brave man could
not be found. He came to Schoharie after serv-
ing an apprenticeship at Schenectady, and met
with unexpected success in his enterprise, but
when his country called her sons to oppose her
enemy's encroachments, he answered by enroll-
ing himself, and raising a company of which he
was commissioned captain.
During the winter and early summer of 1813
and "14, he was stationed at Schenectady to
guard army stores, and in the fall of the latter
year, returned to Schoharie and opened a re-
cruiting station. Having raised another com-
pany, he joined General VanRensselaer's regi-
ment as Major, upon the frontier, and through
a rash move, in making a sortie upon the
enemy's flank — expecting to receive aid from his
•general — he, with his entire force, were taken
prisoners, as before stated. At the close of the
war, he returned to Schoharie, and in 1817 com-
menced the publication of the Schoharie Budget,
and continued the same until 1819, when
So
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
he changed it to the Schoharic Republican. He
soon disposer! of his interest in the paper, and
followed various hr.ir.ches of business, and in a
financial point of view, succeeded in none. He
was a tall muscular man, of slim build, active,
yet rash in his movements and unconcerned as
to results. He died at the house of Colonel
Wilkins, at Spraker's K.isin. on the 2ist of
March, 1844, of dropsy, and was buried near.
Major VanVeghten was a bold writer, given to
paroxysms of cutting sarcasm against those who
dared to brave his views. Yet through his
literary efforts, a large heart, good intentions,
and progressive spirit could be detected, which
gained for him the honor due an honest man.
In December, 1809, Thomas M. Tillman
commenced the True American, but like
VanVeghten, discontinued the sheet in 1813.
He also joined the army, but of his subsequent
life, we are not informed.
Returning to the Schoharie Republican, we
find a long list of editors, whose terms of service
have been successful, and we find the sheet still
continued and progressive after braving the
changing currents of sixty-two years. Major
Van Veghten was successfully succeeded by
Peter Keyser, Lemuel Cuthbert, A. A. Keyser,
and Wm. H. Underwood, who, each in turn,
kept up the dignity and spirit of the sheet, but
events were not excitable enough to make the
public consider a paper a necessity, neither had
the people been educated to that thought, in a
literary point of view, and consequently, double
duties were imposed upon the struggling pub-
lishers, for which their financial gains were dis-
couraging.
When Wm. H. Gallup succeeded Mr. Un-
derwood, the political firmament began to
rumble in earnest. Politics ran to fever heat,
and that gentleman standing upon the firm, and
growing firmer, Democratic platform, with his
publication, success was assured, and when Mr.
Gallup retired, the Schoharie Republican was
looked upon as the Democratic organ of the
County, which character it still assumes. Mr.
Gallup was a careful, conscientious writer,
modest to assume and direct, but when aroused,
bold and forcible.
He was succeeded by P. 1). Lawyer, who
kept the sheet in the even " tenor of its way "
during the following political campaign. Mr.
Lawyer was an independent writer, brief and
forcible.
Ex-Judge Nathan T. Rossiter followed, whose
smooth pen tended to cool political flames, and
court pleasing, literary effusions. However,
the political status of the sheet was maintained
under the Judge's term of editorship, and its
first introduclion made into many households as
a "family paper."
Next came J. B. Hall, a live, educated "paper
man," whose glib and cutting pen shook up the
dry bones of contention and made them laugh
at themselves. His exclamation points and
quotation dots gave evidence of firmness and
faithful reading. Not to speak disparagingly of
his predecessors' efforts and ability to enlarge
the business of the enterprise, yet Mr. Hall in-
creased the circulation of the paper nearly
double to what it had been and infused a spirit
within it more in accordance with the day and
age, than any before him. He was a worker,
physically and mentally, and when the concern
passed from his hands in 1860, it stood inferior
to no country paper in the State. Mr. Hall
removed to Catskill and assumed the manage-
ment of the Catskill Recorder, where he again
labored hard, beyond the strength of his frail
constitution, which soon brought him to an
early grave.
J. C. Campbell, with declining health, fol-
lowed Mr. Hall in the office of the Republican,
but ere one year passed, death claimed its vic-
tim and he passed away, lamented by a host of
friends.
A. B. F. Pond redressed the sheet as he fol-
lowed Campbell, and the excitement of a
threatened civil war, coupled with the known
ability of Mr. Pond as a writer and manager,
the paper enjoyed one of the most successful
seasons it ever experienced. Mr. Pond was a
terse, forcible writer, and dealt all subjects with
his pen with a prompt business spirit. He was
the son of Benjamin Pond and born in the
village of Schoharie, where he received an
academic education. He disposed of his in-
terest in the paper to Sleight & Hunt, in 1865,
and removed to New Jersey where he now
resides. The latter firm continued as one until
January i, 1869, when the interest of Sleight
NEWSPAPERS.
Si
was purchased by A. A. Hunt, under whose pro-
prietorship it still continues. Mr. Hunt is a
native of Sag Harbor, I,. I., and has been con-
nected with the press from a youth. As a writer,
he is quick and perceptive, original in thought,
with easy and smooth expression, which has
won for -him a reputation as a writer that few
obtain.
In 1818, a periodical was started at Schoharie
C. H., called the OfisftTtr, but by whom we can-
not learn. In 1820 it passed into the hands of
Solomon Baker & Fish, and in 1822 Baker
purchased the interest of Fish, but soon dis-
continued the sheet. Not being fortunate in
obtaining a copy and having no knowledge of
proprietors, we cannot speak farther of the en-
terprise. Rev. George A. Lintner being one
of the foremost workers in the cause of religion,
a true, conscientious laborer, united his able
efforts with those of Lemuel Cuthbert, and
on January,- 1824, issued the first number of
the Evangelical Luminary, devoted to the in-
terest of churches and religious societies. Of
Mr. Lintner, we need not here make mention,
as in connection with other causes we give such
notice of him as our feebleness admits. Lemuel
Cuthbert was a young man of promise, deeply
interested in all religious causes and imbued
with a true spirit of fidelity to duty. He
took a lively interest in politics, but at an early
age he passed to the grave, and as Dr. Lintner
once wrote, " he sleeps in his silent bed where
convulsions and troubles of political life can no
more reach him."
The Lutheran Magazine of which Dr. Lint-
ner was editor for many years, was commenced
by the " Western Conference of Lutheran min-
isters in 1827, and printed by Cuthbert.
The Schoharie Free Press, by Duncan Mc-
Donald was originally published in Johnstown,
Fulton county, as the Montgomery Monitor and
removed to Fonda, Montgomery county, in 1 828,
thence to Canajoharie, and in 183010 Schoharie.
Being of a roving disposition, it was removed to
Esperance and published as the Esperance Sen-
tinel and Schoharie ami Montgomery Recorder.
It was discontinued in 1836 after a fierce war
against the Albany Regency. It was ably
edited. A notice of its connections may be seen
in the chapter on Esperance.
The Gem a small sheet written by students
of the Academy, appeared in 1837 but it sparkled
for a day and lost its luster.
The first number of the Sehohtirif I'atrwt was
issued February 13, iS^.S, by Peter Mix, and
it became under the control of Mr. Mix and his
son S. H. Mix, in after years, a substantial sheet
in the interest of the Whig party. Mr. Mix was
from Johnstown, Fulton county, and was con-
nected with the Montgomery Republican from
1825 to 1834, when the office and type were
burned. He revived the paper, but in 1836 he
was again burned out, when he removed to Scho-
harie. He labored hard for years to turn the
political sentiment of the County but what was
" born in the bone" proved to be "bred in the
flesh " in that respect at least, yet Mr. Mix drew
around him a host of friends and proved himself
to be a firm unflinching advocate of that, which
he considered right. He ably conducted his
journal, and handed it over to S. H. Mix with
an honorable record. Growing in years, he
retired from business, and died at the age of
seventy-two. [For notice of S. H. Mix, see
Chapter on Schoharie.]
Upon Mr. S. H. Mix entering the army his
interest in the Patriot passed into the hands of
Henry E. Abel and changed to the Schoharie
Union. Mr. Abel was an energetic worker, and
plain, ready writer, with a tendency to sarcasm,
yet the spirit and success of his paper kept its
status, as a party organ. In 1867 Charles C.
Kromer purchased the property and continues
to be the proprietor.
Mr. Kromer passed through the civil war
in the " 3rd Cavalry" as Captain and returned
home unharmed, but upon the accidental dis-
charge of a pistol his right hand was shattered
which compelled an amputation at the wrist.
Mr. Kromer merits honor as a self-made man
and patriot, and deserves sympathy in his mis-
fortune. The Union adheres to the principles of
Republicanism in politics, though not radically.
Mr. Kromer is a careful yet bold writer, with
original thought and expression that leave a
tendency to mirth. His articles are always short
and embody much meaning without exaggera-
tion.
Two small sheets The Star and The Sun
were commenced in 1838, the former by S. H.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Mix and the latter by D. L. Underwood, two
school boys, and after a years' existence were
discontinued. The excitable times of 1840
called out a campaign sheet The Huge Paw, by
William H. Gallup, that was published from
August to November of that year, and in 1841 as
the Anti-Rent troubles began to shake the earth,
especially that portion of its formation known
as the "Helleberg Series," Mr. Gallup again
put forth a sheet entitled The Helderbergh Ad-
ri'i;i/t: which name seemed to be too local, and
in 1843 was changed to Thf Guardian of the
Soil. Assuming too much in those " war-like "
days it ceased its great labors after a years' ex-
perience. A semi-monthly enterprise was pub-
lished by the students of the academy in 1855
called The Oasis, and was a spicy little sheet.
the composition of which was highly commend-
able, in thought and expression.
All of the foregoing have been published at
Schoharie Court House. In 1847, Mr. J. D.
Lawyer commenced a paper at Leesville assum-
ing the name of The American Christian, but
was soon discontinued. Mr. Lawyer was a min-
ister of the gospel, and the sheet was in the in-
terest of religious matters.
The Schoharie County Sentinel was com-
menced at Cobleskill January 22, 1852, by Hi-
ram C. Paige, now of the Brooklyn Era. Mr.
Paige was succeeded by Charles Cleveland, and
he by Wadhams & Kniskern, who sold the es-
tablishment to J. B. Hall, of the Schoharie Re-
publican, into which it was merged. It was a
wide-awake sheet, full of spirit and commanded
the respect and patronage of a large circle of
friends.
Furman & Brown, of Charlotteville, com-
menced the publication of a small sheet at that
village in 1854, called the Cliarlottnille Journal.
In the year following Furman sold his interest
to John Brown, who removed the press to Co-
bleskill village and changed the name of the
paper to The Cobleskill Journal, and published
it as such but a short time when it was discon-
tinued.
The Coble skill Jeffersonian was commenced
at Cobleskill in 1859, by Matthew Freeman, in
the interest of the Republican party, to revolu-
tionize the political sentiment of the County.
Mr. Freeman was a very plain and forcible
writer and speaker, and exerted his faculties to
" make a mark," but became mixed up in sar-
castic imbroglios with other periodicals, which
proved disastrous, as usuaJ, to his paper's influ-
ence, and consequently its existence was short,
being stopped some time in 1862. Mr. Free-
man's paper was followed at Cobleskill village
in the year 1865, by the Cobleskill Index, under
the proprietorship of William H. Weeks. Mr.
Weeks made it an independent sheet, devoted
chiefly to local matters, and it gained a firm
footing in the western towns of the County as a
family paper. In 1874, Mr. George W. Bel-
linger purchased the establishment by whom it
is at present managed. During the Centennial
year it was made a political organ, in the advo-
cacy of Democratic principles, to which it has
firmly adhered and become one of the staunch
organs of those principles, and is now wielding
a flattering influence.
On November 5, 1870, was started at Rich-
mondville, the Schoharie County Democr.it, by
J. J. and J. L. Multer of the Schenewis Monitor.
After a flattering patronage the " Multer
Brothers " sold the establishment to J. B. Olm-
stead, who changed the title to Richmondrillc
Democrat. It is a small sheet but outspoken
and substantial, and does credit to its youthful
editor.
The Middleburgh Gazette was commenced
in October, 1871, at Middleburgh, by O. B.
Ireland, and was soon purchased by J. E. Young,
the present proprietor and editor. This sheet
has been a firm advocate of administrative
honesty and bold to expose political scheming
and selfish power. Mr. Young has been suc-
cessful in making his sheet reliable and attrac-
tive as a local paper, and gained many warm
friends of the press and in the ancient dorf in
which he is located.
The Jeffersonian is published at Jefferson,
being started as the Jeffersonian by A. W. Clark
as editor and publisher, on March i, 1872,
and December, 1880, was purchased by Jones &
Holmes, who changed the name to Jefferson
Courier. It is a wide-awake, spicy, independ-
ent and reliable sheet, and receives a flattering
patronage from the surrounding towns. The
first sheet was 18 by 24 and enlarged to 21
by 28.
M.USI'AI'KRS — CRIMINAL RKCORI).
( 'harlottf I \tllfy News, of Charlotteville, was
started by Morris & Shafcr, and enlarged to a
double sheet, but after a short term was re
moved to Davenport, Delaware county. After
its enlargement it published serial stories, and
was, we believe, the first and only one of the kind
ever printed in the County. It is now published
as above by I''.. ( ). Conner.
Sharon Springs Gazette was established by
John Sawyer of the Cherry I'alley Gazette, in
1874, and was well managed and ably edited by
the veteran publisher, but the enterprise proved
non-paying and was discontinued in February,
1 88 1, and removed to Cooperstown and pub-
lished as the Living Issue, the temperance organ
of the State. Mr. Sawyer is an able writer, of
dear, honest views, and gained as he justly
deserved, a high regard among the County
fraternity,
'///(• Charlottei'ille Plurnix was begun in
November, 1879, by S. G. Shafer, as an advo-
cate of reform and independent in politics. The
"hot grape" and "shells" that are found in its
columns have been thrown promiscuously to
the right and left, but the inevitable results are
to be seen. The attacks upon officials and
their organs have been bold and exacting, but
attempting to create a counter current in swift
running streams, requires a triple force, which
only disturbs without satisfactory results. The
sheet is well arranged and full of local and cur-
rent news.
Tlie Cobleskill Herald was commenced in
1877, by Johnson & Roberts, of Oneonta, in
the interest of the Republican party. In 1880
Mr. Graham purchased the sheet and still
edits the same. It is a firm and honest ex-
ponent of Republican principles, and receives a
very flattering patronage. Mr. Graham is a
careful, earnest worker and forcible writer.
The Gilboa Monitor is a small sheet pub-
lished at Gilboa, by Myron Dings. It was
commenced in 1878, and holds its own in pat-
ronage as well as in the discussions of events of
the day. Mr. Dings is an industrious worker
and careful, honest writer, and makes his sheet
spicy and attractive.
Criminal. — During the County's growth re-
gardless of the efforts of the philanthropic to
better the morality of the people, crimes have
been committed of various degrees that have
startled communities, to which we are loth to
refer, as around them there is a halo of ignorance
and brutality that is far beneath the intellect of
man, and which casts a shadow over tin- bright
picture our County presents. Tradition tells us,
through author Simms and the Vroman family,
of a capital offense being committed in tin-
early days of the settlement of Vroman's land
by a negro and white accomplice by the name
of Moore, in the murder of one Truax.
Circumstances led to the belief in the guilt
of the negro and his wife, who were servants in
the family of Peter Vroman as was also the
murdered man.
They were taken to Albany, tried and con
victed. and placed upon a pile of fagots and
burned. In after years through the bed con-
fession of Moore, the fact was revealed that
the n egress was innocent of the crime and had
no knowledge of it, as she protested during the
trial and upon the pile of fagots.
Farther than that awful crime, except minor
offences such as incendiaries, theft and trespass-
ing nothing occurred that was brought to the
public notice until after the war of 1812. Im-
mediately after its close a vast quantity of spu
rious Spanish coins flooded the country that
were manufactured in Canada and brought here
to palm off upon the farming community. The
coins were principally of the denomination of
" two shilling," and led, in a few years to a
greater speculation in counterfeiting paper
money. The bills were upon various banks,
and the men whose reputation for honesty was
the best were lured away by the prospect of
making riches, and procured dies and manufac-
tured large quantities in secret. Stringent laws
were passed but few of the guilty suffered. Va-
rious were the strategies of the guilty to punish
the innocent, since the law demanded subjects
to punish. It is a notable fact that the founda-
tion of some families' fortunes was laid by being
expert in the making and "shoving off" of the
spurious.
As the excitement of the spurious money be-
gan the people were shocked by the premedi-
tated poisoning of a lady by her inhuman hus-
band, while stopping at an " inn " in the town
of Middleburgh. An act of that kind was un-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIR COUNTY.
usual in those days and created a great excite-
ment not only in the immediate neighborhood
in which the crime was committed, but far and
wide.
Abraham Casler, a resident of the Mohawk,
married a Miss Spraker with whom he lived upon
very unpleasant terms, owing to his immorality
and love for another woman. He left home
upon the pretext of going West to reside, and
after being away some time returned, pretended
penitent, and stated he had purchased a place
and was desirous of his wife accompanying him
to live upon it in peace and harmony. They
started in a wagon and traveled through Sharon
and Cobleskill and stopped at an inn kept by
one Best, on the road leading from Punchkill
to Middleburgh.
Mrs. Casler complained of not feeling well,
and her husband was very attentive, procuring
medicine in which he added opium and arsenic
alternately, till death relieved her of her
troubled life. The remains were buried without
the relatives being made acquainted of her
decease, and upon Caster's sudden exit from
the locality, suspicion was aroused and the re-
mains exhumed.
Upon examination, opium and arsenic were
found, Casler arrested and upon the testimony
of Mrs. Best was convicted before Judge Yates,
and hung in May, 1818, upon the hill east of
the court-house. The gallows were left stand-
ing as a solemn admonition of the penalty such
crimes demand, and before another year rolled
round, one, who witnessed the execution of Cas-
ler, and who boasted upon leaving the scene,
" they will never hang me," stood beneath the
beam and forfeited his life in consequence of an
ungovernable passion.
John VanAlstine, a farmer living in Sharon,
becoming implicated in legal affairs, murdered
a deputy sheriff, William Huddleston, while in
the performance of his official duties, upon the
former's farm on the igth of October, 1818.
Upon the impulse of the moment he struck the
officer with a club with such force as to kill him.
VanAlstine buried the body of the murdered
man in a plowed field near the barn, and in the
course of a day or two he mounted the officer's
horse and fled to Canada. Upon suspicion of
his being guilty of the crime a reward for his
apprehension was declared by the sheriff, and
also the Governor of the State. He embarked
upon a vessel at Black Rock, for Detroit, but
a strong gale arising, the vessel was driven back
to its moorings and a fellow passenger having
suspicion of his being the advertised murderer,
caused his arrest. He was tried before Chief
Justice Spenser at a special court of Oyer and
Terminer in February, 1819, and found guilty.
On the i gth of March he was publicly executed
as before stated, beneath the beam under which
Casler suffered less than a year before.
The next and last crime of that character
that occurred to the knowledge of the public
was in the month of March, 1845.
John Burnett murdered George Sornberger
in the present town of Broome, by nearly sever-
ing the head from the body and stabbing him
in the abdomen and chest, on the 24th of
March, 1845. They were residents of Broome,
and it was supposed Sornberger was the pos-
sessor of a considerable sum of money, as a
payment was to have been made to him upon
that day. It proved otherwise, as the total sum
thus fiendishly procured was but three shillings
and nine pence. The crime was committed
while the Court house lay in ashes, and the
prisoner was taken to Schoharie village to be
tried and to Schenectady to be hung. The exe-
cution took place in that city on the nth day
of July, 1846. The three that have paid the
penalty upon the gallows made full confessions
of their crimes and the justness of their sen-
tences, which relieves us of fears that the inno-
cent have suffered in their cases, as many times
they do when circumstantial evidence only is
taken.
Three cases of manslaughter have been tried
in the County for which the criminals were
sent to State's prison for a long term of years.
We do not wish to give the particulars or the
parties committed, but let their names be
dropped.
A few cases have been brought to the Coun-
ty to be tried from adjoining counties, where
juries could not agree, but the criminal record
for capital offences of our county closes with
the dying agonies of Burnett, and let us willing-
ly draw a veil over this part of our County's
history, hoping that long, long years may pass
STATISTICS.
ere, if ever, another occasion requires the
death penalty.
Statistics. — By the census of 1810, the total
population of the County was 18,945, as fol-
lows : —
Cobleskill, 2,494
Carlisle, 1,231
Schoharie, 3,232
Middleburgh, 3,236
Sharon, 3,75 '
Jefferson, i,74°
Blenheim, 1,319
Broome, 1,942
The following is taken from the Census Re-
port of 1880: —
Blenheim town, including village of
Blenheim, 1,191
"Blenheim village, 221
Broome town, including the following
villages, 1,636
*Franklinton village, 77
*Livingstonville village, 97
Carlisle town, including the following
villages, 1,722
"Carlisle village, 128
Grosvenor's Corners village, 60
Cobleskill town, including village of
Cobleskill, 3,371
Cobleskill village, 1,222
Conesville town, 1,127
Esperance town, including the follow-
ing villages, 1,373
*Esperance village, 341
*Sloansville village, 200
Fulton town, 2,709
Gilboa town, including the following
villages, 2,040
'Gilboa village, 203
"South Gilboa village, 50
Jefferson town, 1,636
Middleburgh town, including the fol-
lowing villages, 3,376 j
"Hunter's Land village, 172
"Middleburgh village, ',123
Richmondville town, including the
following villages, 2,082
"Richmondville village, 653
*\Varnerville village, 263
Schoharie town, including the follow-
ing villages, 3,350
'Central Bridge village, 195
Schoharie village, 1,188
Seward town, including the following
villages, 1,734
•Hyndsville village, 129
*Seward Valley village, 141
Sharon town, including village of
Sharon Springs, 2,591
Sharon Springs village, 627
Summit town, including the follow-
ing villages, 1,405
"Charlotteville village, 126
'Summit village, 121
Wright town including village of Gal-
lupville, ',59'
•Gallupville village, 258
The villages marked with an asterisk (*) are
unincorporated, and their population is given
only approximately, as their limits cannot be
sharply defined.
The following miscellaneous statistics are
from the census of 1880: —
Number of inhabitants, 32,939
Males, 16,438
Females 16,501
Natives, 32,199
Foreign, 740
White, 32,458
' Colored, 481
" Indians, 20
Number of houses, 6,686
" Frame, 6,488
Brick, 57
" Stone, 1 6
Log, 125
Milch cows kept, 20,185
Sheep, 29,293
Horses of two years and over, 8.559
Working oxen and steers, (pairs,) 1,762
Acres plowed in 1875, 72,562
Acres pastured in 1875, 92,800
Acres mowed, in 1875, 97,524
Butter made in families in 1875, Ibs. 2,507,970
Number of pounds cheese made by
families and factories, in 1875, "77,774
Number of gallons milk sold in market, 43,036
Value of hops raised in 1875, $1,495,329
Value of poultry sold $17,608
Value of eggs " $42,761
Value of poultry owned, " $48,94°
86
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER V.
Civn. WAR— THE YEAR 1861— THREATENING
OK WAR— VENGEANCE— CAPTAIN SNYDER—
VOLUNTEERS FIRST RECRUITING COLONEL
Mix AND COMRADES — THE 761-11 REGIMENT-
MEMBERS— 134TH — MEMBERS OF COMPA-
NIES— THE 44TH — MEMBERS — MEMBERS 01
OTHER REGIMENTS — COLORED VOLUNTEERS —
HERO MARTYRS.
"PVURING the unparalleled prosperity of the
\_) Nation the fearful hydra-headed demon
of civil war chilled the country's heart-blood
and made the year 1861 ever memorable
upon the pages of history. Over the Southern
fields that once reared such noble, patriotic sons
as Washington, Marion, the Pinkneys and Ran-
dolphs, the torch of hatred was lit, and, em-
blazoned upon the ramparts of the Nation's
outposts, were the infernal pencilings of dis-
union. Though from the rostrum of the politi-
cal schemer and even the pulpit of reverend
divines both North and South came the threat-
enings of war, devastation and death, yet the
people — the power of the Government — were
negligent of duty and awoke not to a sense of it
until the tide of fanaticism had swept nearly
over and undermined the temple of American
liberty.
The Southern heart burst with vengeance
against the walls of Sumter, in which was one
of Schoharie's gallant sons, Captain George
Snyder. The booming of cannon was answered
from the plow, workshop and counting-room, of
the East, North and West, under the folds of the
"stars and stripes." Father met son, and son
met brother, in deadly strife, and from every
part, the moaning of mothers, widows and or-
phans rent the air, while the roaring of musketry
and the shrieks and groans of the dying arose from
many hard fought battle fields. Avarice, ever
awake to selfish ends, took advantage of the
tumult, and plied her energies to unholy specula-
tion, while justice seemed to be paralyzed and
her mandates of reason unheeded. From fanat-
ical recesses came the howlings of Pharisaical
braggadocios against the loyalty of Schoharie
County. Epithets and anathemas were sent
afloat to swell the volume of fraternal rage, while
her sons, true to the spirits of their fathere at
Plattsburgh, Oswego and Niagara, and their
grandsires at Saratoga, Monmouth, and the
wilds of Tryon and Albany counties, were gal-
lantly struggling, not to avenge, but subdue the
maddening spirit upon Southern soil, and guard
Freedom's standard upon the citadel of the
Nation, that it might bear the glorious banner of
our country, for after generations to bless and
protect.
We are unable to give a correct list of all that
volunteered from the County, as many early did
so,in distant regiments, and were credited to
those counties and States in which they en-
listed.
As near as we are enabled to ascertain,
Hiram A. Blodgett, of Cherry Valley, after-
wards Captain in the 76th regiment of N. Y. S.
Volunteers, was the first that enlisted recruits
in the County. The ball being put in motion,
meetings were called throughout the County,
and several, with enlisting papers, procured
many, of whom we cannot obtain a perfect list.
Peter E. Borst, of Cobleskill, was the first to
enlist in the County, and afterwards joined the
3d Cavalry, as will be seen.
S. Hoosick Mix, of Schoharie, organized the
3d New York Cavalry, in which the following
enlisted from the County: —
Lieutenant-Colonel, Hoosick Mix, promoted
to Colonel, killed ; Captain C. C. Kromer, Cap-
tain Briar L. Wilber ; Lieutenant Peter E.
Borst, wounded ; Lieutenant Alphonso Bab-
cock, Lieutenant Charles Pansier ; Corporal
C. E. Foot, wounded, Nathaniel Rickard, killed,
Henry Spilter, Ira Zeh, Henry Roberts, John
M. Freeman, Rensselaer Kinney, Daniel Her-
ron, Warren Giles. The regiment was mus-
tered into service, August 12, 1861.
The 76th N. Y. S. V. was organized at
Cherry Valley and was mustered into service.
The following were from Schoharie County
and the list may be imperfect by not being able
to procure the names of those who joined after
the regiment was mustered into service: —
Company I.
Cook John E.,
Captain.
ROSTER OK THK 76111 REC.IMKNT, N. Y. S. V.
Blodgett H. A., First I
jeutenant , promot-
Lock wood Jeremiah, Private.
cd ( ';i|)l;iin.
Lynes David, do
Clark Peter S., Second
Sergeant, promot-
Mann George D.. do
cd Captain.
Mann Thomas J., do
Liddle \Vm. J,
Third Sergeant.
Manning Adam, do
Warner 1. yman,
Fourth Sergeant.
ManschaclVer Jacob, do
Rifcnburgh Lewis,
Fifth Sergeant.
Mattice Joseph II., do
Pitts Weller,
Corporal.
Moon Lewis. do
1 'rapper 1). NL.
do
Nelson Holmes K., do
Slater John M.,
do
( Mover Gideon, do
Smith Hczekiah,
do
Parslow Jacob, do
Smith Silas,
do
Parslow Wm. H., do
Clark Coons,
Wagoner.
Pierce Ralph, do
Smith Nelson B.,
Musician,
Redmond Thomas, do
I'.illmtrs Charles H.,
Private.
Ruland Amos, do
Brown Wm. H.,
do
Shufelt Orison, do
Murphey Chas.,
do
Stever Abram, do
Rorick John,
do
Sullivan John, do
Schermehorn Francis,
do
Teater Henry, do
Ottman Abram,
do
Thompkins Moses, do
Alger Chas.,
do
T raver Calvin, do
Barton Darius B.,
do
Tygert G. W., do
Becker E. H.,
do
VanPatten George, do
Bice Henry,
do
Vosburgh A., do
Bice John J..
do
Waggoner H., do
Boom W. H. H.,
do
Warner Ira, do
Borst J. L.,
do
Warner John, do
Borst Martin,
do
Weidman Paul, do
Bouck Chris,
do
Wright Charles H., do
Brazee Abram,
do
Wright Fletcher, do
Cater John D.,
do
Yanson Joseph, do
Champnoy H.,
do
Ives Hiram R., do
Clark K. A.,
do
Brazee Samuel, do
Coons James E.,
do
Coons J. W.,
do
I34TH REST. N. Y. S. V.
Dimond John,
do
Duel David H.,
do
The regiment was raised from Schoharie and
DutcherT.,
do
Schenectady counties, and rendezvoused upon
Eckerson John,
do
the fair-grounds at Schoharie C. H., in the
Edwards M.,
do
months of September and October, 1862. In
Efner E. J.,
do
the fore part of November, it was taken to
Eller R.,
do
Washington, where Col. Geo. Danforth as a State
Geurnsey C. H.,
do
officer was relieved of command by U. S. Col-
Hammond J. H.,
do
onel, D. S. A. Grede, who led them to Fairfax,
Hayward Aaron,
do
where they were brigaded November 22d, in the
Herron Daniel,
do
Second Brigade (Second Division) nth Army
Hillsley J. J.,
do
Corps, under the command of General Van-
Ives Hiram R.,
do
Steinweir.
Lawyer Nelson,
do
Charles R. Costar was appointed Colonel
Lawyer Wm. H.,
do
of the regiment while at Fairfax, which com-
88
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
maml he held during service, and which closed
Clute Nicholas,
Private.
with the war.
Clute C. H,
do
The regiment participated in the actions at
Dunbar F. H.,
do
Chancellorsville.Gettysburgh, Missionary Ridge,
Diefenahl Garard,
do
Knoxville, Alanta, Resaca, Dallas, Pine Knob,
Dillon Horatio P.,
do
Lost Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Savannah and
Ernest L. P.,
do
Goldsborough. They were unfortunate in a few
Erhart Fred. L.,
do
of the engagements, especially at Petersburgh,
Gage Wesson,
do
where many of the brave lads fell in the thickest
Gage Alonzo,
do
of the fight. Typhoid fever carried many of them
Gage Hiram C.,
do
away, a list of which may be consulted in the
Green Aaron,
do
latter part of this number. The following are
Hedding Oliver,
do
the names of the members credited to Schoharie
Hubner William,
do
County as they appear in the " Muster-in-roll "
Hays Dennis,
do
with promotions as far as we are able to learn,
Hindly Thomas,
do
also officers, from both counties : —
Hienaman C H.,
do
James M. Walkins, Captain, Company A.
Kittle James E.,
do
Henry Y. Bradt, First Lieutenant.
Kittle Solomon,
do
Henry I. Palmer, Second Lieutenant.
Kimball Carlton,
do
Benjamin B. Bice, First Sergeant.
Landers John V.,
do
Garrett Horsefall, Second Sergeant.
McGraw Isaac,
do
Joseph Shaw, Third Sergeant.
McMurrin W. J.,
do
E. VanDanDyck, Fourth Sergeant.
Marcelus Nicholas,
do
Andrew A. Kelly, Fifth Sergeant.
Marcelus Thomas,
do
Joseph McGraw, First Corporal.
Moore William H.,
do
James Scott, Second Corporal
Montanney J. W.,
do
William H. Cain, Third Corporal.
McCann James,
do
Peter S. Palmer, Fourth Corporal.
Markel Hurbert A.,
do
John Brothers, Fifth Corporal.
Nicholas George,
do
Frank Robinson, Sixth Corporal.
Neverman Henry,
do
James A. Tullock, Seventh Corporal.
Nichols Nelson,
do
William H. Dean, Eighth Corporal.
Ostrander George,
do
Henry King, Bugler.
Osborn George C.,
do
H. C. McDonald, Musician.
Osing Andrew,
do
Alsdorf Morgan, Private.
Polch Henry,
do
Armstrong James, do
Peasly George A.,
do
Auer Frederick, do
Palmer George W.,
do
Arnold P. J., do
Rickerman Antoine,
do
Brewer Richard, do
Rummius Charles,
do
Barber James W., m do
Rosekrans Charles,
do
Bond Walter D., do
Spangler Joseph,
do
Becker John B. do
Swits John C.,
do
Babcock William, do
Stevens George E.,
do
Bebee Calvin H., do
Smith Fred.,
do
Bradt John, do
Simpson Thomas,
do
Baringer Jacob, do
Schauber H. V.,
do
Cain Isaac, do
Scheck Andrew,
do
Chapman Lionel, do
Tallock John K.,
do
Chapman George, do
Tiffany George,
do
Chapman George H., do
Tolls John A.,
do
ROSTER OF THE 134™ REGIMENT, N. Y. S. V.
89
Tolls Cicero,
Townclly Caleb W.,
VanPatlen Silas,
Veir George H.,
VanAernam I'ark,
VanBencotten Jerome,
VanVoast Andrew,
Ward James,
Wessel Harman,
Wilbur Silas G.,
West John,
Wohnlich Christian,
'I'ubler Rudolph,
Young Daniel D.,
Private,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
David H. Hamlin,
Solomon G. Hamlin,
Solomon C. Wilson,
Company B.
Captain.
First Lieutenant.
Second Lieutenant.
Company C.
John Materhaghan, Captain.
Jas. Glenn, First Lieutenant.
Perry E. McMaster, First Lieutenant, pro-
moted Captain Company K., Brev. Col.
N. M. VanAntwert, Sergeant.
Peter Haley, do
James Burke, do
Alonzo McKee, do
Wm. H. Wilson, do
Otis Guffin, Corporal, promoted to Cap-
tain, Brev. Col.
Geo. H. Warner, Corporal.
Walter Stocker, do
Orin Warner, do
Jno. D. Gardner, do
Peter W. Keyser, do
Levi Moore, do
S. D. Lyons, do
John Taggart, Drummer.
George Kniskern, Fifer.
Allen Chas. B., Private.
Borst Cornelius, do
Borst Hiram, do
Borst David S., do
Brown Stephen M., do
Brown Harvey, do
Becker David S., do
Borst William, do
I!' i<lt Joseph,
Bailey Stillman.
Bradt Clark,
Cook Daniel S.,
Cassidy Martin,
Cady Alonzo,
Cornell Schuyler,
Cornell Wm. H.,
Clark Peter D.,
Clark Abram D.,
Cartwright G. W.,
Clute John,
Clute Henry,
Clute Charles,
Coonradt Abram D.,
Coonradt Peter,
Dykraan Jas. M.,
Dings Truman,
Devoe Wm. A.,
Duell George,
Dey Benjamin,
Esmy Jedediah,
Gunther Charles,
Gardner Riley S,,
Private,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Gorden Henry W., promoted Corporal.
Groot Adam, do
Guffin Cyrus. do
Gage Hiram M., do
Gardnier Wrn. I., do
Holmes John H., do
Haley Martin, do
Hayner Austin, do
Hyney Daniel, do
Hyney John L., do
Hyney Charles, do
Keyser Jacob H., do
Kuhn Conrad, do
McMillenWm. H., do
Mickel Weston G., regt. Color Bearer.
Mutter Joseph, do
Morris George H., do
Marsh John Y., do
Manchester John A., do
Nelson Sylvanus H., do
Nelson Wm. H., do
Polmyteer Jacob, do
Pindar Jacob, do
Rose Wm., do
Ryfenbark Ebenezer, do
Rowly Elias S., do
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Rasue Leonard,
Private.
Isaac Van Kleek,
Musician.
Rowe Jas. B.,
do
Hamilton B. Bouck,
Musician.
Snyder J. M.,
do
Orin M. Duncan,
Teamster.
Spawn VVm.,
do
Alvernon Wm. B.,
Private.
Stillwell W. T.,
do
Allen Charles,
do
Stillwell S. J.,
do
Allen David C.,
do
Stillwell D. H.,
do
Armlin Wrn.,
do
Smeaton Albert,
do
Borst Merrit J.,
do
Sagendorf John,
do
Brown John,
do
Swarthout Jas. H.,
do
Bergen Michael,
do
Taggart James,
do
Bachus William,
do
Tyrrell Sam'l.,
do
Blodgett J. H.,
do
Talmage Oliver,
do
Bevens William,
do
Towero Wm.,
do
Brownell Jonathan,
do
Underbill Washington I.
do
Babcock John,
do
Van Guilder Geo. W.,
do
Burnett Wesley A.,
do
Van Dyck C. R.,
do
Burnett Isaac,
do
Van Slyke Cornelius R.,
do
Brooks John H.,
do
Van Dyck Edward,
do
Coons M. W.,
do
Van DeGrift John S.,
do
Cosgrove Chas.,
do
Witbeck Pelet,
do
Chichester Albert,
do
Woodsworth Lansing,
do
Cleveland John C.,
do
Warner Isaac,
do
Cartwright Wm.,
do
Warner David A.,
do
Curtis Abram,
do
Weaver Charles H.,
do
Clark Mortimer,
do
Weaver Benj. F.,
do
Coons Jacob,
do
Wood Abram R.,
do
Cartwright Alonzo,
do
Wood Lewis M.,
do
Cain Reuben,
do
White David C.,
do
Dibble Jesse,
do
Wolford Minor,
do
Doney Benjamin,
do
Welton Wm. H.,
do
Doney David,
do
Shafer Edward,
do
Deman Henry,
do
Bellinger Conrad,
do
Decker Chas. L.,
do
Donovan Clinton L,
do
Company
D.
Gifford Johnson,
do
A. H. Southwell,
Captain.
Hallenbeck H.,
do
S. L. Mitchell,
First Lieutenant.
Ham Robert,
do
C. W. Hinman, Second Lieutenant.
Hagerdorn Christopher,
do
Alonzo Parslow,
First Sergeant.
Haskin Henry,
do
Geo. W. Bishop,
Second Sergeant.
Hittsley John,
do
A. J. Dickinson,
Third Sergeant.
Keyser Ephriam H.,
do
C. B. Barnhart,
Fourth Sergeant.
Kelsey William P.,
do
Abrm. C. Conklin,
First Corporal.
Kelsey Albert M.,
do
Peter H. Zeh,
Second Corporal.
Keyser Jonas,
do
Stephen Hillsinger,
Third Corporal.
Meeker Henry W.,
do
Harvey J. Tiffany,
Fourth Corporal.
Mattice Henry M.,
do
W. H. Brane,
Fifth Corporal.
Perry Solomon,
do
Levi O. Fox,
Sixth Corporal.
Plough Ephraim,
do
James Best,
Seventh Corporal.
Parslow Adam,
do
Addison Cornwell,
Eighth Corporal.
Parslow Anthony,
do
ROSTER OF THK I34iH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. V.
Palmer William H.,
Reynolds Edgar,
Private,
do
T. S. Vroman,
0. B. Curtis,
Eighth Corporal.
Drummer.
Reinhart Jacob,
do
Armstrong Alfred,
Private.
Smith Chas. C.,
do
Brown Albert,
do
Scram John,
do
Becker William A.,
do
Sitzor Seth,
do
Birchard Joseph,
do
Shafer Deverue,
do
Burnett Oswald,
do
Stafford Reuben H.,
do
Barry Jeremiah,
do
Sweet Sylvanus,
do
Berchard L. D.,
Hr>
Scram George H.,
do
Baker J. W.,
uu
r\f\
Shafelt Peter,
do
J
Cammer John H.,
GO
do
Styner Jacob,
do
Crapser Jesse A.,
UJJ
do
Schell Jacob, Jun.,
Teater Daniel,
do
do
Craighton Henry,
Craighton D. W.,
do
do
Teater Heleam,
do
Champlin Stanton,
uu
do
Thurston Thomas,
do
Craw George,
do
Traver Charles,
do
Champlin George W.,
do
Traver Erastus,
do
Driggs C. A.,
do
Treman Oscar I.,
do
Dingman Reuben,
do
Whitnig John H.,
do
Dudley Addison,
do
Wereley Reuben,
do
Dany Philip,
do
Winewright George H., do
Elleason Charles,
do
Weidman Septemas,
do
Eggenor W. W.,
do
Watson John I.,
do
Ellet Peleg,
do
Wheeler George,
do
Eglerston J. D.,
do
Warner Wm. H.,
do
Eglerston Miles,
do
Wood Chas. N.,
do
Farrington A. L.,
do
Whilsing George,
do
Finch William H.,
do
Weidman George D.,
do
Gavett Leander,
do
Livingston Sylvester,
do
Hughs J. S.,
do
Weidman James, Private, promoted
Hay James D.,
do
Corporal.
Happy J. W.,
do
Company E.
Hubbard Michael,
do
Hallock N.,
do
John B. Vroman,
Captain.
Harm A.,
do
S. H. Newcomb,
First Lieutenant.
Inghram E.,
do
Peter Deoy,
Second Lieutenant.
Jackson D.,
do
Joel Warner,
First Sergeant.
Jackson Jeremiah,
do
Wm. W. Jackson,
Second Sergeant.
Judd George.
do
C. (',. Tyler,
Third Sergeant.
Jump William,
do
G. R. Payne, Fourth
Sergeant, promoted
Lockwood Alexander,
do
Lieutenant.
Layman Charles A.,
do
Jerome Simpson,
Fifth Sergeant.
Monroe A.,
do
Jas. M. Dart,
First Corporal.
Mclntyre A.,
do
Jas. Driscol,
Second Corporal.
Martin Charles,
do
Oscar Spickerman,
Third Corporal.
Mattice H. C.,
do
I. F. Mabee,
Fourth Corporal.
Murphy James,
do
J. C. Starkins,
Fifth Corporal.
Nichols Isaac P.,
do
Stephen E. Beller,
Sixth Corporal.
Porter R. S.,
do
Robert Veley,
Seventh Corporal.
Reed William L.,
do
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Reed Ellis,
Private.
John Secombe,
Second Sergeant.
Reed David,
do
James H. Poland,
Third Sergeant.
Reed William,
do
George W. Guernsey,
Fourth Sergeant.
Robinson F.,
do
Martin Jones,
Fifth Sergeant.
Roe J. P.,
do
Thompson Underbill,
First Corporal.
Rull Leiman,
do
William W. Herron,
Second Corporal.
Smith William R.,
do
G. L. Brewster,
Third Corporal.
Sloat S.,
do
Charles Mayer,
Fourth Corporal.
Stoker C. M.,
do
Jarvis Swift,
Fifth Corporal.
Sprague Alonzo,
do
James Brownler,
Sixth Corporal.
Sommers S. B.,
do
G. W. Douglas,
Seventh Corporal.
Shelmandine L.,
do
Robert Vaughn,
Eighth Corporal.
Sagendorf A.,
do
Brown Sovereign,
Private.
Sager Jacob,
do
Bice Asher D.,
do
Sharff Henry,
do
Beaver George R.,
do
Shilmandine John,
do
Brandenstine Jacob,
do
Shelmandine E. B.,
do
Batchelor L.,
do
Simpson John,
do
Boughton Lendon E.,
do
Thomas Elias,
do
Boughton J. B.,
do
Thorne William,
do
Bullis Charles,
do
Thomas John,
do
Bell John,
do
Vanlan Devvit,
do
Clute J. P.,
do
Vanloan O. D.,
do
Campbell Peter,
do
Vroman J. W.,
do
Campbell Duncan,
do
Vroman A. L.,
do
Campbell James,
do
Wilber P. C.,
do
Cleveland H. M.,
do
Wilber Hiram,
do
Cleveland Alexander,
do
Widman J. D.,
do
Drum P. H.,
do
Weed J. M.,
do
Donovan John,
do
Winters Frank,
do
Driggs Alonzo,
do
Witbeck G. H.,
do
Dingman J. A.,
do
Wederman John,
do
Earls William W.,
do
Winne Lafayette,
do
Fuller Rodman S.,
do
Warner Alvah,
do
Guffin James,
do
Yanson Peter,
do
Gillbourne D.,
do
Yoemans H. A.,
do
Hummel R. S.,
do
Haner David,
do
Company F.
Jerrolman Jacob,
do
G. D. Kennedy,
Captain.
King Stephen,
do
G. A. Turnbull,
First Lieutenant.
King Peter,
do
Clinton C. Brown,
Second Lieutenant.
Kater A. D.,
do
William H. Rowe,
First Sergeant.
King J. H.,
do
J. W. Kennedy,
Second Sergeant.
King Lawrence,
do
Loucks Ira,
do
Company G.
Lake M. S.,
do
Henry C. Cook,
Captain, (resigned).
Lehman D. W.,
do
Henry Parsons,
First Lieutenant.
Maddock E.,
do
Wilber F. Ramsey,
Second Lieutenant.
Moak N. D.,
do
C. W. Taylor, First
Sergeant, promoted
Mann George D.,
do
Captain, Brevet Major.
Morris G. H.,
do
ROSTER OF THK i.;tiH REGIMENT. \. Y. S. V.
Near S. D.,
Private.
T. C,. Liddle,
Third Corporal.
O'Gorman William,
do
Robt. Sr.unan,
Fourth Corporal.
Ouderkirk H.,
do
H. G. Teller,
Fifth Sergeant.
Perry N. S.,
do
I-'.. J. Mockrie,
Sixth Sergeant.
Pitcher Conrad,
do
C. W. Austin,
Seventh Sergeant.
Parmlee John,
do
Jas. Waddell,
Eighth Sergeant.
Palmatier Daniel,
do
Ackley E. S.,
Private.
Palmatier Willis,
do
Acker Adam,
do
Palmatier David,
do
Abells J. W.,
do
Paris Charles,
do
Brown E. P.,
» do
Parson Alx.,
do
Brown I. R.,
do
Pitcher A. A.,
do
Barrows Daniel,
do
Paris Levi,
do
Barrows C. D.,
do
Roney Barney,
do
Burbank H. H.,
do
Richtmyer, H.,
do
Bradt George,
do
Slater William,
do
Bradt Olvon,
do
Schermerhorn Alx.,
do
Bradt A. D.,
do
Sperbeck Orlando,
do
Bradt Aaron,
do
Scripture N. R.,
do
Bennet Geo.,
do
Straight Alonzo,
do
Barkhuff Jas. H.,
do
Smith Andrew,
do
Brigner Andrew,
do
Stanton Lorin T.,
do
Beckler John,
do
Van Kleeck Hugo,
do
Brumagin Peter,
do
Wightman C. B.,
do
Burke James H.,
do
Walters A. L.,
do
Corl Robert,
do
Winne James,
do
Countermine Chas.,
do
Wilday Albert,
do
Countermine Wm.,
do
Watson D. A.,
do
Campbell Lewis,
do
Young Nelson S.,
do
Chamberlin J. P.,
do
Zeh Martin G.,
do
Chilson Lorin,
do
Zeh David,
do
Cotton Wm.,
do
Brown S.,
do
Cotton Daniel,
do
Michael Geo.,
do
Connell John,
do
Brown John,
do
Davis C. O.,
do
Rhinehart Jacob,
do
Douglas J. E.,
do
Sager Jacob,
do
Dougall R. C.,
do
Sagendorf Andrew,
do
Earles W. W.,
do
King Wm. H.,
do
Fields S. S.,
do
Fredericks D.,
do
Company
H.
Fredericks E.,
do
Austin A. Yates,
Captain.
Filkins Benj. C.,
do
Gerardus Carley,
First Lieutenant.
Hughs David,
do
Marcus A. Herrick, Second Lieutenant.
Jones John C.,
do
A. W. Barry,
First Sergeant.
Kenneday Jas.,
do
W. H. Mickel,
Second Sergeant.
Kohn Lewis,
do
Wm. E. Rockwell,
Third Sergeant.
Kughts Michall,
do
A. W. Degolyer,
Fourth Sergeant.
Kagner T.,
do
R. S. Smith,
Fifth Sergeant.
Lester Alanson,
do
Wm. Johnson,
First Corporal.
Lester John,
do
E. W. Bowen,
Second Corporal.
Lester M.,
do
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Levey W. T.,
Murphy Jerry,
Miller James,
Mesech H. G.,
Mackey Wm.,
Myers Henry,
Oudekirk P.,
Preston Henry,
Padley Win. N.,
Palmer H.,
Rockwell Henry,
Rockwell Jay,
Reagles Geo. M.,
Russell Jerry,
Stebbins John,
Sherman Borton,
Sharpe Abram,
Squires Geo.,
Starks Peter,
Smith Wm.,
Somes H. M.,
Tymeson Peter,
Truax Peter,
Trip Henry,
Vanhuysen John,
Valkman John,
VanWormer J. H.,
VanAntwert Peter,
Walters Chas.,
Wood Chas.,
Wasson A. J.,
Wilsey A. J.,
Private.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Company I.
Frank Fletcher, Captain and Chaplain.
Albert G. Washburne,
First Lieutenant.
Wm. F. Baldwin,
Charles Ahreets,
Wm. E. Teller,
C. T. Hunter,
Wesley Little,
W. O. Beach,
Jarvis Moore,
Wm. Countermine,
John Cornell,
N. Nichols,
C. VanAernam,
Thomas Mann,
E. Dennison,
E. Patterson,
Second Lieutenant.
First Sergeant.
Second Sergeant.
Third Sergeant.
Fourth Sergeant.
Fifth Sergeant.
First Corporal.
Second Corporal.
Third Corporal.
Fourth Corporal.
Fifth Corporal.
Sixth Corporal.
Seventh Corporal.
Eighth Corporal.
Bevins M. M.,
Bellenger H.,
Burnett G. G.,
Brand A. L.,
Burger Peter,
Brotherton J.,
Barry James,
Bakeman Charles,
Barrows Daniel,
Coons Jacob,
Cator Janus,
Curtis Lorenzo,
Clow Wm.,
Cator J. H. D.,
Contyne Joseph,
Connelly Patrick,
Driggs Emery,
Duel J. F.,
Duncan Ora,
Earl Wilbur N.,
Follensbee George,
Friend Peter,
Fitzpatrick Ed.,
Goodfellow H.,
Goodspeed Wm.,
Houghtailing E.,
Houghtailing S.,
Houghtailing A.,
Houghtailing P.,
Hassong Leopold,
Ham John J.,
Husner John,
Hitsley Jacob,
Jones LeGrande,
Joslin John,
Jenner Charles,
Jennings James,
Kniskern George,
Livingston H.,
Layman Wallace,
Larribee Thomas,
Myer Henry,
Mace Jefferson,
Merenees Wm.,
Mereness Jacob,
Plue Peter,
Pratt George,
Quinn Thomas,
Rider Reuben.
Rooker Ira,
Private,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
ROSTER OF THK 134™ REGIMKNT, X. Y. S. V.
95
Slater Ira,
Private.
Klutz Charles,
Private.
Spoor Marcellus,
do
Kunst Frederick,
do
Scrum Jacob,
do
Keller John,
do
Salsbury Amasa,
do
I.asumea T.,
do
Spoor John E.,
do
Link Peter,
do
Stock Christian,
do
Marion John,
do
Smith George W.,
do
Murphy John,
do
Tallerday Wm. H.,
do
Rode John,
do
Turner John G.,
do
Rheinisch John,
do
TenEyck Hiram,
do
Schellkopf John,
do
Taggart J. A.,
do
Schuster Anton,
do
Vrooman Wm.,
do
Schmidt Joseph,
do
Wayman David,
do
Schmidt Thomas,
do
Weightman Wm.,
do
Uglitz Charles,
do
Young Grosvenor,
do
Wagner John,
do
Wiltsey Wm.,
do
Wilbeck Abram,
do
Shafer Levi,
do
Watchtell Philip,
do
Germond George,
do
Wurster Philip,
do
West Zadok,
do
Van Able John,
do
Palmateer Jacob,
do
Myer Henry,
do
Stillwell S. G.,
do
Fitzgerald Wm.,
do
Stillwell D. H.,
do
Ball C. L. S.,
do
Tyrell Samuel,
do
Tyall Anthony,
do
Borst Wm.,
do
Feathers Samuel,
do
Company K.
Bunge Chas.,
Van DeBogart Geo.,
do
do
Perry E. McMaster, Captain,
promoted to
Truan Theodore,
do
Lieutenant-Colonel.
White John C.,
do
Henry Frederick, First
Lieutenant.
Schneider Fred,
do
J. Wm. Burkhart, Second
Lieutenant
Hedden Olover,
do
Chas. Gartland, First Sergeant.
O'Ring Andrew,
do
Frederick Neuber, Second Sergeant.
Backer Wm.,
do
Beck Wm.,
Private.
Travis Stephen,
do
Bellenger Jacob.
do
Williams Geo. H.,
do
Blum Christ.,
do
Weaver Samuel,
do
Blesser Frank,
do
Cater Wm.,
do
Breithaupt Jacob,
do
Undyk John,
do
Burk Simou,
do
Palmateer G. H.,
do
Burk James,
do
Tidger George,
do
Bermbeck Conrad,
do
Schwarzman Adam,
do
Benz Christian,
do
Cornelius Davis,
do
Clement John,
do
Boiler John G.,
do
Eisenmenger Fred,
do
Stooker Charles,
do
Devoe Hiram,
do
Stopper John,
do
Geiser Jacob,
do
Groope David,
do
Gernsmer Ferdinand,
do
Scharff Henry,
do
Haflinger John,
do
Winters Frank,
do
Horn Valentine,
do
Barry Jeremiah,
do
Herrman Phil.,
do
Johnson Peter,
do
Holmes Edwin,
do
Happy J. W.,
do
96
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Beaver Peter, Private.
Judtl George, do
Van DeBogart I., do
Martin Wrn., do
Ashton George, do
Xcssut Jacob, or Joseph, do
Bellinger Conrad, do
Welton Wm. H., do
Wolford Minor, do
Zunest William, do
Smith Wm. R., do
Balders Chas., do
44TH REG'T. N. Y. S. VOLS.
We regret exceedingly our inability to obtain
a correct list of the brave boys that enlisted in
the 44th, from the County. The regiment rendez-
voused at Cooperstown and was mustered in the
U. S. service at Washington in 1862.
Robt. W. Gardner, Corporal.
Norman Ottman, Private.
Martin Stewart, do
John F. Chase, do
David Glaus, do
Wm. Eckerson, Jun., do
Emery A. Shaver, do
Rufus Esmay, do
Theodore Garnsey, do
Aaron H. Esmay, do
SCATTERING.
The following names and regiments to which
they belonged we have been fortunate in find-
ing, and being scattered throughout the State
we will place them as follows: —
Archer John H., Private, 6ist Regiment, In-
fantry, N. Y. S. V.
Bice Henry, Private, gist Heavy Artillery,
N. Y. S. V.
Brown Charles, Private, gist Heavy Artillery,
N. Y. S. V.
Becker Vinton, Corporal, 3d Heavy Artillery,
N. Y. S. V.
Budg Daniel, Private, 7th Heavy Artillery
N. Y. S. V.
Bowie James, Private, iozd Regiment Infant-
ry, N. Y. S. V.
Bevins John, Private, 7th Regiment Heavy
Artillery, N. Y. S. V.
Bevins Dennis, Private, 7th Regiment Heavy
Artillery, N. Y. S. V.
Duel George H., Private, 93d Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Duel Levi, Private, 7th Heavy Artillery, N.
Y. S. V.
Ensign Frederick, Private, 4th Heavy Artil-
lery, U. S. Regulars.
Fox Samuel W., Sergeant, 1751)1 Infantry,
N. Y. S. V.
Funk Simeon, Private, 34th Art'y, N. Y. S. V.
Grovenor Perry, Private, unknown.
Gorden William H., Private, z^th, promoted
to Captain, 6ist N. Y. S. V.
Hanson Nicholas, Lieutenant, 3d Heavy Ar-
tillery, N. Y. S. V.
Hyney John H., Corporal, goth Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
Huested William, Private, I42d Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
Hillsinger John H., Private, 5th Infantry,
Iowa.
Hurst Robert, Private, 6ist Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Hemstreet Charles, Corporal, Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
King Peter, Private, 7th Heavy Artillery, N.
Y. S. V.
Lane Stanton, Private, io2d Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Little Loren L., Private, 6ist Infantry N. Y.
S. V.
Mead Ephraim, Private, goth Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Mattice Spenser, Private, 8ist Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Moyer Sylvanus, Private, irsth Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
Marble George, Private, 7th Heavy Artillery
N. Y. S. V.
Marshall Thomas, Private, 7th Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
Ostrander John, Private, 87111 Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Pitcher Jerry D., Private, ist Artillery, N. Y.
S. V.
Pichet Peter, Private, 7th Heavy Artillery, N.
Y. S. V.
Relyea John, Private, gist Heavy Artillery, N.
Y. S. V.
Salsbury George, Private, gist Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
MISCELLANEOUS ENLISTMENTS— COLORED VOLUNTKKks
97
Shaver George A., Private, 9151 Heavy Ar-
tillery, N. Y. S. V.
Stanton John H., Private, 43d Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
Shaver William, Corporal, iy7th Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
VanWormer Isaac, Private, 7th Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
VanWormer J. H., Private, 7th Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
Van Wagoner James, Private, 7th Heavy Ar-
tillery, N. Y. S. V.
Witbeck Martin, Lieutenant, 5ist Infantry,
N. Y. S. V.
White Stephen P., Private, 571)1 Infantry,
N. Y. S. V.
Tillapaugh Washington, Private, in a West-
ern Regiment.
Herrick John, Private, gist Infantry, N.Y.S.V.
Benjamin W. Gilbourne, Private, — Heavy
Artillery, N. Y. S. V.
Perry Grovenor, Private, — Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Barney Higgins, Private, U. S. Infantry.
R. G. Havens, Surgeon, i3gth Regiment. N.
Y. S. V.
J. M. Esmy, Private, loist Regiment, N. Y.
S. V.
P. E. Moore, Private, 4th Heavy Artillery,
N. Y. S. V.
Charles Bothwick, Private, 53d Heavy Artil-
lery,, N. Y. S. V.
H. H. Woolford, Private, i7th Battery, N.
Y. S. V.
William Hogan, Private, g3d Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Peter Towers, Private, 8th Heavy Artillery,
N. Y. S. V.
John R. Meek, Private, gist Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
George W. Clement, Private, 78th Infantry,
N. Y. S. V.
George W. Boorne, Private, i2ist Infantry,
N. Y. S. v!
Walter A. Dingman, Private, 23d Battery, N.
Y. S. V.
Oswal Burnet, Private, I2th Battery, N. Y.
S. V.
Cyrus W. Ryder, Private, I33d Infantry,
N. Y. S V.
M. Rockcrfeller, Private, gist Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
Frank 1'haniff, Private, soth Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
William Kennedy, Private, gist Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
P. S. Taber, Private, gist Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Harrison Propper, Private, i2oth Infantry,
N. Y. S. V.
Benjamin Rennolds, Private, I44th Infantry,
N. Y. S. V.
John P. Lambert, Private, Soth Infantry, N.
Y. S. V.
Edwin Bruce, Private, Soth Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
George W. Evens, Private, ist M. F. Eng.,
N. Y. S. V.
Joseph S. Perry, Private, ad Heavy Artillery,
N. Y. S. V.
Wesley Spore, Private, gist Infantry, N. Y.
S. V.
Stephen S. King, Private, 7th Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
Judson Sprong, Private, i52d N. Y. Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
John Thrall, Private, Ellsworth Revengers.
Philip H. Michaels, Private, 3d Heavy Artil-
lery, N. Y. S. V.
COLORED VOLUNTEERS.
Berg Henry, Private, 2oth
Becker John, do do
Burhans George, do do
Cain David, do
Charlton Jacob, do
Dewit Henry T. do
Enders Samuel, do
Hoyt Richard, do
Hoyt Samuel, do
Jackson Arch., do
Kilmer James H., do
Keyser Abraham, do
Keyser Zachariah, do
Larkin Thomas, do
Larkin Adam, do
Lewis John, do
Lawyer Peter, do
Lauts Jerry, do
do
do
do
do
26th
20th
nth
nth
26th
do
zoth
nth
do
20th
do
Regt. U. S. C. T.
do do
do do
do do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do R. I. C. T.
doH.A.N.Y.V
doU.S.Col'dT.
do do
do do
do R.I.H.A.
do do
doU.S.Col'dT.
do do
98
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Mitchell William, Private, sistRegt. U. S. C.T.
Murphy Charles, do zoth do
Murphy Samuel,
Ray John,
do
do
Smoke William, do
Schermerhorn John,do
Sternberg Henry, do
Smoke Josiah, do
Sternbergh Lorenzo,do
Teaboat George, do
Teaboat William, do
Teaboat Jacob, do
Tompson William, do
Tompson Lysander,do
Teabout Harry, do
Teabout RichardH.,do
Vroman Harrison, do
Vroman Daniel, do
Sees Thomas, do
do
nth
3.st
do
26th
do
do
20th
nth
do
26th
do
do
3ist
nth
26th
enlisted
do do
do R. I. H. A.
do U. S. C. V.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
R.I.H.Art.
do
do U.S.C.Vol.
do do
do do
do do
do R. I. H. A.
do U. S. C. V.
in white regi-
ment in 1 86 1, killed.
SCHOHARIE'S HONORED DEAD.
Since we have chronicled the names of those
who went forth to battle for their country as far
as we have been able to glean from promiscu-
ous lists, let us turn to those who laid their lives
upon our country's altar as a sacrifice to her
greatness, independence and liberty, and a seal
to their loyalty.
Through the kindness of Mr. H. H. Johnson,
a literary gentleman of Hyndsville, we are able
to furnish a list of the soldiers from Schoharie
County, who died in service during the Rebell-
ion, with their birthplace, date of enlistment
and death, being extracts from articles written
by Mr. Johnson, and published in the Cobleskill
Herald, entitled " Hero Martyrs of Schoharie
County."
George W. Snyder. [See Cobleskill.]
Simon Hoosick Mix. [See Schoharie.]
David Haner, private, Company G, 13 4th
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; born in the town of
Sharon, March 16,1843; enlisted in August, 1862.
Participated in the battles of Chancellorsville
and Gettysburgh. Not found after the latter
battle and supposed to have been taken prisoner
and died in a rebel prison.
JohnF. Duel, private, Company I, I34th Regi-
ment, N. Y. S. Vols.; born in the town of Scho-
harie about the year 1811 ; enlisted September
4, 1862. Died at Fairfax Court House, Va.,
December 3, 1862.
William H. Cornell, private, Company — ,
t34th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in
Lisle, Broome county, March 5, 1840; enlisted
August 14, 1862. Fought in the battles of
Chancellorsville and Gettysburgh, and was
killed by a railroad collision July 15, 1864.
Jesse Albert Grasper, private of Company K,
I34th Regiment N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in
the town of Summit, in 1843; enlisted in
1862 ; was taken prisoner at Gettysburgh, and
confined in " Libby Prison," at Richmond, Va.,
where he died.
Wm. T. Stillwell, private, Company C, 134*
Regiment N. Y. S. Vols.; was born at Pratts-
ville, Greene county, from whence he removed,
at an early age, to Summit, Schoharie County ;
enlisted, September 23, 1862; died with
spotted fever, December 23, 1862, at Fredericks-
burgh, Va.
David H. Stilwell. private, Company C, i34th
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town
of Summit, March 14. 1844 ; enlisted Sep-
tember 23, 1862 ; fought at Gettysburgh and
other battles, and died at Murfreesborough,
Tenn., April 4, 186.;.
Jacob Mereness, private, Company I, 1341)1
Regiment N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town of
Sharon, January 24, 1834; enlisted in August,
1862, and died near Fredericksburgh, Va., of
chronic diarrhea, December 22, 1862.
Cornelius R. VanSlyke, private, Company C,
I34th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols. Born in the
town of Seward, June 4, 1840 ; enlisted in Sep-
tember, 1862, and was killed at the battle of
Gettysburgh.
Corporal Henry W. Gordon, Company C,
I34th Regiment, N. Y. S.Vols.; was born in the
town of Carlisle, June 22, 1837 ; enlisted August
n, 1862; died of inflamation of the lungs, in
the summer of 1863.
Wm. H. Clute, private, Company C, i34th
Regiment, N. Y. S.Vols.; was born at Spraker's
Basin, Montgomery county, August 28,. 1837,
from whence he removed to Schoharie County ;
enlisted August 11, 1862, and died June
14, 1863, from the effects of a kick received
from a mule, at Germantown.
SCHOHARIK'S HONORK.I) DKAD.
99
Lieutenant George R. Payne, of Company
K, 1 34th Regiment ; was horn in the town of Kul-
ton, in the year 1840 ; enlisted in August,
1862. He fought at the battles of Chancellors-
ville and Gettyabuigb. Was captured in the
latter, by the Rebels, but was re-taken by the
federal troops, and was killed by a bullet at the
battle of Rocky Kace.
Corporal James Weidman, of Company D,
13 \lh Regiment, N. Y. S.Vols.; was born in the
town of Jefferson ; enlisted in the summer
of 1862; fought at Chancellorsville, Missionary
Ridge, Rocky Face, Resaca, Lost Mountain,
Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta. At the last
mentioned place, he was mortally wounded, and
died the next day.
James Guffin, private, Company G, I34th
Regiment; was born in the town of Carlisle, Feb-
ruary 22, 1832; enlisted in September, 1862;
fought at Chancellorsville, Gettysburgh, and was
killed by a cannon ball at Kenesaw Mountain,
June 27, 1864.
Levi Duel, private, Company K, yth N. Y.
Heavy Artillery; born in the town of Schoharie,
in 1841 ; enlisted August 4, 1862 ; was captured
during the battle in front of Petersburgh, and
died in Andersonville prison, August 15, 1864.
Corporal George H. Duel, Q3d Regiment, N.
Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town of Wright,
March 3, 1841, enlisted in the autumnof 1861 ;
fought in several battles, and died from con-
sumption, in October, 1864, brought on by ex-
haustion in the battle of the Wilderness.
Spencer Mattice, was a private in Com-
pany D, 8ist Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was
born in the town of Wright, July 3, 1848 ; en-
listed March 31, 1864, and died of typhoid
fever at Hampton Hospital, August 2, 1864.
John Jost Hillsby, private, Company I, ;6th
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town
of Cobleskill, in the year 1821 ; enlisted in the
autumn of 1861, and died of fever near Fred-
ericksburgh, August 9, 1862.
John Ostrander, private, 8;th Regiment, N.
Y. S. Vols.; born in the town of Jefferson,
December 18, 1842; enlisted October 17, 1861 ;
fought in the following battles : Williamsburgh,
James River, Hanover Court House, Fair Oaks,
and the seven days battle before Richmond,
when he was wounded and his regiment all
killed or taken prisoners, except four, of which
number John was one. After recovering from
his wounds, he fought at (he battles of Cedar
Mountain, Antietam. Frederi* ksburgh, Gettys-
burgh, and the battle of the Wilderness, where
he was killed by a bullet.
John H. Stanton, private, 4jd Regiment, N.Y.
S. Vols.; was born in the town of Fulton ; en-
listed in February, 1862. Fought at the battle
of Williamsburgh and died of fever, June 25,
1862.
Norman Oilman, privale, 44lh Regiment, N.
Y. S. Vols.; was born in ihe town of Sharon,
April i, 1825 ; enlisted Seplember 18, 1862.
He foughl at the batlles of Fredericksburgh
and Chancellorsville. In ihe laller conflict he
was killed by a piece of shell.
Martin Stewart, a private in the 44th Regi-
men I, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in Ihe lown of
Fullon, March 12, 1839; enlisted August
22, 1 86 1. He died at the hospital of Fort
Wood, in New York Harbor, of fever, June 8,
1862.
John F. Chase, private, Company D, 44th
Regiment ; born in Bennington, Vt., whence at
an early age he removed lo ihe lown of Fullon,
Schoharie Counly ; enlisled in the month of
September, 1861. Fought at Yorktown ; died
of typhoid fever, in a hospital in New York
City, May 15, 1862.
Corporal Charles W. Hemstreel, was born in
the town of Carlisle, July 8, 1 840 ; enlisted
December 6, 1861. Was taken prisoner at
Manassas Junction, but was afterwards ex-
changed and died in 1863 from lyphoid fever,
conlracled during his imprisonment
David Claus, privale, 44lh Regimenl, N. Y.
S. Vols.; born in Ihe lown of Scriba, Oswego
counly, N. Y., in ihe year 1840. In Ihe early
part of ihe year 1862 he removed to the town
of Seward, Schoharie County ; enlisted Septem-
ber 10, 1862. He fought in all the batlles in
which ihe 44th was engaged until his death ;
he was mortally wounded at the battle of the
Wilderness, May 8, 1864, and died at Fred-
ericksburgh Iwo days after.
William Eckerson, Jr., privale, Company I,
44th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in ihe
lown of Canajoharie, Montgomery county, N.
Y., June 28, 1834; enlisted October 9, 1861,
ioo
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and passed through all the battles in which
that regiment was engaged. Was wounded in
the leg at the second battle of Bull Run and
taken prisoner, but released again. Re-enlisted
as a veteran December 28, 1863, and was
killed while on picket at Cold Harbor, June 3,
1864.
Stanton Lane, private in the load Regiment,
Van Buren's Light Infantry; born in the town
of Canajoharie, Montgomery county, N. Y.,
from whence he removed to Sharon, and en-
listed in October, 1861. Fought in the battles
of Cedar Mountain, Chatall's, White Sulphur
Springs and Antietam ; was killed by a shell at
the latter place.
Sylvanus Moyer, private, Company D, usth
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town
of Sharon, August 27, 1815; enlisted August
4, 1861. He fought in the battles at Olista
Station and Chesterfield Court House, and was
struck by a minnie ball in the head and killed
at the latter place.
Corporal John H. Hyney, of the goth Regi-
ment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town of
Carlisle, in October, 1838; enlisted November
10, 1861. He fought in the battles of Savage
Station and Fair Oaks, where he was wounded
in the thigh by the bursting of a shell. He was
afterwards engaged in the battles at Swift Creek,
Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor and Petersburgh ;
was mortally wounded at the last named battle,
and died August 15, 1864.
Robert N. Hurst, private, Company F, 6ist
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; born in the town of
New Scotland, Albany county, September 12,
1842, and removed to Carlisle, Schoharie Coun-
ty; enlisted September 12, 1861. He fought
in the battle of Fair Oaks and before Rich-
mond, and was run over at the latter place by a
piece of artillery and killed.
Erastus Picket, private, Company E, 175^
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; born in Schoharie
about the year 1820; enlisted in the summer
of 1864. Fought at the battle of Cedar Creek,
and died of fever at Winchester, Va., November
20, 1864.
Sergeant Samuel W. Fox.of Company E,i 75th
Regiment, was born in the town of Richmond-
ville, May 21, 1831, and enlisted August 21,
1864. He participated in the battle of Cedar
Creek, and died at Winchester, Va., of typhoid
fever, November 22, 1854.
Henry Bice, a private of the gist Regiment,
N. Y. Heavy Artillery, was born at Rensselaer-
ville, Albany county, from whence he removed
to Schoharie County, and enlisted in September,
1864. He fought at the battle of Hatch's Run,
where he was wounded and afterwards died in
the hospital at Washington, May i, 1865.
Lieutenant Martin Wetbeck, of Company I,
5ist Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born De-
cember 4, 1841, and enlisted from Schoharie
October 7, 1861 ; about the ist of January,
1864, was promoted to First Lieutenant.
Fought at Newbern, Roanoke, Second Bull
Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Fredericks-
burgh and Petersburgh ; was taken prisoner
and died at Danville prison, January 30, 1865.
Anthony Marshall, private, was born in
1810, and enlisted January i, 1862 ; he died by
disease at Armory Square Hospital, September
6, 1862.
Loren L. Little, private, of Company F,
6ist Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols., was born in
Charleston, Montgomery county, January 31,
1 840, and removed to Sloansville, Schoharie
County, and enlisted September, 25, t86i ; was
offered a commission but declined and was
killed at the battle of Fair Oaks.
John A. Archer, was a private in the 6ist
Regiment, N. Y. Vols., and born in Albany
county, November 30, 1836 ; he removed to
Sloansville, Schoharie County, and enlisted.
Fought at the battles of Fair Oaks, Savage Sta-
tion, Edsell's Hill, Antietam, Charlestown,
Chancellorsville, Fredericksburgh, Gettysburgh,
Hanover Court House, Bull Run, Cedar Moun-
tain and Pine Plains, and many more, making
thirty one battles in all ; was taken prisoner at
Pine Plains, and died in a Rebel prison, August
25, 1864,
George A. Shafer, private, Company G, gist
Regiment, was born in the town of Wright, May
6, 1836, and enlisted November n, 1861 ; he
died by disease in Virginia, May i, 1862.
John Relyea, a private of Company D, gist
Regiment,- N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in Carlisle,
March 28, 1841, and enlisted in October, 1861 ;
he died of typhoid fever at Key West, May 16,
1862.
SCHOHARIE'S HONORED HI AH.
101
Corporal Robert VV. Gardener, of Company
E, 44th Regiment, was born in the town of Sew-
ard, June ist, 1831 ; he enlisted September 18,
1862, and fought at Fredericksburgh, ist and 2(1
battles, Chancellorsville, Gettysburgh, Rappa-
hannock Station, and the battle of the Wilder-
ness. On the third day of the last named bat-
tle he was taken prisoner and died in Libby
prison, in July, 1864.
Emery A. Shafer, was a private in the 44th,
and bom in the town of Seward, April n, 1832;
enlisted September 15, 1861 and died of jaun-
dice at Philadelphia, in March, 1862.
Kphraim Mead, a private in the goth Regi-
ment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the town of
Jefferson, October 5, 1842, and enlisted Sep-
tember, 1864; he fought and was wounded at
Cedar Creek and died in a Philadelphia hos-
pital, May 5, 1865.
Simeon Funk, of the 34th Regiment, N. Y.
Artillery, was born in the town of Wright,
March 26, 1822 ; was drafted in the summer of
1869; fought in the battles before Petersburgh,
and died of dropsy at Harewood hospital, Wash-
ington, January 7, 1865.
Stephen P. White, private of Company B,
57th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.; was born in the
town of Carlisle, August 16, 1840, and enlisted
October 3, 1861. He died of disease at Camp
California, Va., January 14, 1862.
Rufus Esmay, of the 44th Regiment, was a
private of Company K, and was born in Seward,
February 12, 1841. He fought through Mc-
Clellan's peninsular campaign up to the siege of
Yorktown. Here he was taken sick with typhoid
fever and died May i, 1862.
Corporal Theodore Guernsey, of Company
G, 44th Regiment ; was born in Cobleskill, Oc-
tober 12, 1833, and enlisted in September, 1861.
Was killed by a bullet in the head at the battle
of Hanover Court House, May 27, 1862.
Jeremiah D. Pitcher, a private of Battery C,
N. Y. Artillery; was born in the town of Sharon
in the year i8ao. and enlisted September 16,
1864. He died of typhoid fever at Point Look-
out, Md., February 22, 1865.
William Huested was a private in the i4zd
Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols., and born in the town
of Carlisle, March 4, 1846. He enlisted August
20, 1864, and was wounded October 27, 1864,
at the fight on the Darbytown road, and died
from the effects of the wound, November 15,
1864.
John M. Hillsinger was born in the town of
Carlisle, and enlisted as a private of Companj
B, of the 5th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, and died
of disease in hospital, at St. Louis, October 18,
1862.
James Bowie, private of I02d Regiment, N.
Y. S. Vols.; was born in Scotland in 1842. In
1858 he came to Sharon to reside, and enlisted
in the autumn of 1861. Fought in several bat-
tles and was killed by a shot from a rebel sharp-
shooter, just after the battle of Antietam.
Jacob Van Wagonen, was born in Columbia
county, from whence he removed to Barnerville,
N. Y., and enlisted January 4, 1864, as a pri-
vate in the 7th N. Y. H. Artillery. Fought at
the battles of the Wilderness and Cold Harbor.
Was wounded at the latter place, and died from
the effects of the wound, July 7, 1874.
George Salsbury, private, Company D, gist
Regiment, N. Y. Vols.; was born in the town
of Wright in the year 1820 and enlisted in the
autumn of 1861. He fought in several battles,
and at the expiration of his term of enlistment
re- enlisted as a veteran, and died of disease at
Albany hospital, August 15, 1864.
Charles Brown was a private in the 9 ist Reg-
iment, N. Y. S. Vols., was born in the town
of Jefferson and enlisted in the fall of 1861.
He died of disease at Key West, Florida, in
1864.
Harvey Brown, a brother, was a private of
Company C, i34th Regiment, and born in the
town of Jefferson ; enlisted in September, i86z,
and was killed at the battle of Gettysburgh.
Sovereign Brown, brother of the two preced-
ing, was a private in Company G, of the i34th
Regiment, and was born in the town of Jeffer-
son. He enlisted in September, 1862, and
died at Alexandria from the effects of a gun-
shot wound, in the summer of 1863.
Corporal William Shaver, of Company C,
177th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols., was born in
the town of Fulton, February 4, 1841, and
enlisted October 14, 1862. He died in
Louisana of yellow fever, April 7, 1863.
Corporal Uriah Hallenbeck, of the 17 7th
Regiment, was born in Albany County in 1835,
102
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and removed to Fulton, Schoharie County,
where he enlisted in November, 1862, and died
in Cairo of cholera morbus.
Corporal Vinton Becker was born in the town
of Sharon, February 9, 1 844, and enlisted in
the Ggth Regiment, at Cherry Valley, in Octo-
ber, i86r, but was transferred to the 3d N. Y.
Heavy Artillery, Battery M, and died of fever,
April 29, 1862.
John H. VanWormer, private, ;th N. Y. Heavy
Artillery, was born at Carlisle in 1841, and was
wounded at Petersburg!! on the 27th of Octo-
ber, 1 864, and died from the effects in the hos-
pital.
Thomas Sees was a (colored) private in a
white regiment organized in 1861. He was
killed at the battle of South Mountain, Md.
Corporal G. Washington Tillapaugh was born
in the town of Carlisle on the 3d of June, 1841,
and enlisted in the 1515! Regiment, N. Y. S.
Vols., at Lockport in August, 1862. He was
wounded in battle, and after the amputation
of a limb, gangrene set in and he died the 2ist
of June, 1864.
Wm. H. McMillen was born in the town of
New Scotland, Albany county, and removed to
Carlisle, from whence he enlisted in Company
C, I34th Regiment, September 8, 1862, and
died near Fairfax with the fever. He went out
with the regiment and participated in all en-
gagements up to his death.
CHAPTER VI.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
JUDGES OF COMMON PLEAS— ASSISTANT JUDGES
— SESSION JUSTICES— SURROGATES — DISTRICT
ATTORNEYS — COUNTY CLERKS— SHERIFFS-
TREASURERS — SUPERINTENDENTS OF POOR
SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS— LOAN COMMISSION-
ERS — EXCISE — INSPECTORS — GOVERNOR
TREASURERS — ADJUTANT GENERAL — CANAL
COMMISSIONERS — CANAL APPRAISERS— CURA-
TOR OF STATE LIBRARY — LEGISLATURE-
SENATORS — CONGRESS — PRESIDENTIAL ELEC-
TORS— CONSULS.
THE Court of Common Pleas was continued
from the Colonial period, and under the
first Constitution of the State the number of
Judges and Assistant Justices in the various
counties differed widely, in some there being as
many as twelve of each. By an act passed
March 29, 1818, the office of Assistant Justices
was abolished and the number of Judges was
limited to five, including the First Judge.
FIRST JUDGES.
William Beekman, appointed June 10, 1795.
John C. Wright, do April 18, 1833.
Charles Goodyear, do Febr'y 9, 1843.
Demosthenes Lawyer, elected November, 1847.
Lyman Sanford, do November, 1855.
William C. Lamont, do November, 1863.
Charles Holmes,* do November, 1871.
ASSISTANT JUDGES.
The Assistant Judges received their appoint-
ment from the council of appointment, and we
do not think they numbered at any time less
than four or more than five. The council
having such powers conferred upon them,
selfish motives and partisanship led them to use
it without stint. The volumes of appoint-
ments are almost numberless, and at one
time being limited, we cannot give the date of
the appointment but only the year in which
they presided as given by court record : —
Adam B. Vroman, of Schoharie, John M.
Brown, of Carlisle, David Sternbergh, of
Broome, and Jonathan Danforth, of Middle-
burgh, were of the first bench, and received
their appointment June 10, 1795.
Peter Swart, of Schoharie, 1795.
John Bauch, (Bouck), of Middleburgh, 1796.
Marcus Bellinger, of Middleburgh, 1796.
John Ries, of Schoharie, 1797; Peter Sny-
der, 1797.
Lawrence Lawyer, Jr., 1798 ; Henry Schaef-
fer, 1798.
* Re-elected November, 1877.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
Peter Vroman, Jun., 1799; Harmonus
Bouck, 1799.
Joseph Borst, 1800.
Jesse Shepherd, 1804.
Olney Briggs, 1816; Henry Hager, 1816.
Isaac Hall Tiffany, 1820.
John Brewster, 1819; John Reynolds, 1819;
Henry Becker, 1819.
Elias Holliday, 1820; N. P. Tyler, 1820.
Marvin Juckl, 1823 ; Thomas P. Danforth,
1823.
William Mann, 1830.
Robert Kldridge, 1837.
Harvey Watson, 1838; John Westover, 1838.
Jonas Krum, 1840.
Marlines Mattice, 1843.
Nathan T. Rosseter, 1845.
SESSION JUSTICES.
The Constitution of 1846 provided for the
election of nearly all offices by the people. In
the place of Assistant Judges, two Justices of
the Peace were associated with the Judge to
hold Courts of Sessions, with such criminal
jurisdiction as the Legislature shall prescribe
and perform such other duties as may be re-
quired by law. The associates are termed
Session Justices.
Seymour Sornberger and Daniel McGarry,
1847.
Charles Watson and John E. Moore, 1850.
Hiram Sexton and John F. Shaver, 1851,
and to fill vacancy, Henry P. Mattice.
Henry I. Moak, Hiram Sexton, Ralph
Brewster,* 1852.
William H. Crowe, John S. Van Sternbergh,
1853-
Elish Case and Nathan Gallup, 1854.
Seymour Sornberger, Robert Crespen, 1856.
Henry Loucks, William E. Sprong, 1857.
F. P. Martin, Elisha Case, 1858.
G. G. Hynds, Tiffany Lawyer, 1859.
Lyman Baker, Tiffany Lawyer, 1860.
James R. Baldwin, John W. Gibbs, 1861.
Tiffany Lawyer, John W. Gibbs, 1862.
Jacob U. Zimmer, W. E. Sprong, 1863.
S. B. Richmond, Abraham Spickerman, 1864.
Freegift P. Martin, Alfred Isham, 1865.
•Appointed.
James Swarthout, Alfred H. I sham, 1866.
Stephen J. Tyler, Seymour Sornberger, 1867.
Alfred H. Isham, S. J. Tyler, 1868.
Elish Case, John H. Mattice, i869-'7o.
James Swarthout, 1871.
S. Diefendorf, G. H. Furguson, 1872.
Asa Tinklepaugh, S. Diefendorf, 1873.
Philip Humphrey, O. I). Young, 1874.
William H. Brayman, C. A. Hinman. 1875.
E. Willard Bois, Aaron Stevens, 1876.
Gideon Kling, SpenserBurnett, 1877.
J. C. Smith, Spenser Burnett, 1878.
M. C. Teller, Edgar Akeley, 1879.
Spenser Burnett, J. C. Smith, 1880.
J. L. Beard, Edward L. Snyder, 1881.
SURROGATES.
*Under the first constitution, surrogates were
appointed by the council for an unlimited period.
By the second, they were appointed by the Gov-
ernor and Senate for four years, and by the
third the office was abolished in counties, not to
exceed foity thousand population, and devolved
its duties upon the County Judge.
Storm A. Becker, appointed June 10, 1795.
John Gebhard, do Feb. 26, 1811.
Storm A. Becker, do March 9, 1813.
John Gebhard, do Feb. 28, 1815.
William Mann, do Feb. 4, 1822.
Henry Hamilton, do March 2, 1832.
Thomas Smith, do March 26, 1840.
Demosthenes Lawyer, do March 26, 1844.
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.
By an act passed April 21, 1818, each county
was erected into a separate district for the pur-
pose of this office, and during the existence of
the second constitution, it was filled by appoint-
ment of the Court of General Sessions in each
county. By the law of 1846, the attorney is
elected by the people. At present the salary is
established by the board of supervisors, and is
$700.00.
Henry Hamilton, of Schoharie, appointed
June IT, 1818.
David F. Sacia, of Middleburgh, appointed
February 13, 1821.
* Civil list.
104
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Thomas Lawyer, of Cobleskill, appointed
February 4, 1822.
Jacob Houck, Jun., of Schoharie, appointed
October n, 1831.
Robert McClellan, of Middleburgh, appointed
June 7, 1836.
Benonai Spaftbrd, of Middleburgh, appointed
June 8, 1837.
William A. Sternbergh, of Middleburgh, ap-
pointed October 12, 1844.
Peter S. Danforth, of Middleburgh, appointed
June 5, 1845.
William H. Engle, of Middleburgh, elected
June, 1847.
Joseph Mackey, of Gilboa, elected Novem-
ber, 1850.
John B. Strain, of Richmondville, elected
November, 1853.
Nathan P. Hinman, of Schoharie, elected
November, 1856.
Stephen L. Mayham, of Blenheim, elected
November, 1859.
William H. Young, of Cobleskill, elected No-
vember, 1862.
Henry C. Cook, of Richmondville, elected
November, 1868.
Albert Baker, of Cobleskill, elected Novem-
ber, 1869.
William H. Baldwin, of Gilboa, elected No-
vember, 1874.
William E. Thome, of Middleburgh, elected
November 1877.
Alonzo B. Coons, of Sharon, elected Novem-
ber, 1880.
COUNTY CLERKS.
Besides keeping the County records, the
clerk's duty is to act as clerk of the courts. Like
nearly all other offices, under the first constitu-
tion this was filled by appointment and under
the second by election. The official term is
three years.
Joachim G. Staats, appointed June 10, 1795.
Isaac Marcellus, do Dec. 31, 1801.
Wm. W. Enders, do July 6, 1815.
John Swart, do Mar. 27, 1819.
John D. Lawyer, do Feb. 13,1821.
John D. Lawyer, elected Nov., 1822.
Alex. H. Marcellus, do Nov., 1825.
John Gebhard, Jun., elected Nov., 1828.
Abraham A. Keyser, do Nov., 1834.
Wm. A. Hoton, do Nov., 1837.
Thomas McArthur, do Nov., 1840.
Stephen Mayhan, do Nov., 1846.
Loring Andrews, do Nov., 1849.
Almerin Gallup, do Nov., 1852.
John F. Shafer, do Nov., 1855.
Henry Kingsley, do Nov., 1861.
John H. Coons, do Nov., 1867.
John Morrison, do Nov., 1870.
Thomas Zeh, Jun., do Nov., 1873.
Wm. B. Murphy, do Nov., 1876.
Wm. B. Murphy, do Nov., 1879.
SHERIFFS.
Under the first constitution, sheriffs were ap-
pointed annually by the "Council," and no person
could hold the office for more than four successive
years. He could hold no other office, and must
be a free-holder in the county in which he was
appointed. By the second the office became
elective for the term of three years, ineligible to
election for the next succeeding term.
Jacob Lawyer, Jun., appointed June 10, 1795.
Jackson Lawrence, do Feb. 23, 1796.
Jacob Mann, do Mar. 4, 1797.
Peter Vrooman, Jun., do Aug. 8, 1801.
Barent Vrooman, do Oct. 29, 1801.
Stephen Lawrence, do Feb. 5, 1805.
Gideon Wilber, do Feb. 24, 1808.
Peter Swart, Jun., do Feb. 16, 1810.
Stephen Lawrence, do Feb. 21, 1811.
Wm. C. Bouck, do Mar. ro, 1812.
Peter Swart, Jun., do Mar. 9, 1813.
Adam P. Becker, do April 18, 1814.
Abraham Keyser, Jun., do Feb. 28, 1815.
Giles H. Hubbard, do Feb. 9, 1819.
Constant Brown, do Feb. 12, 1821.
Constant Brown, elected Nov., 1822.
E. Van Home, do Nov., 1825.
Jacob L. Lawyer, do Nov., 1828.
Peter Osterhout, do Nov., 1831.
Adam Mattice, do Nov., 1834.
Daniel Larkin, do Nov., 1837.
Cyrus Smith, (removed,) do Nov., 1840.
Henry Mann, Jr., appointed July i, 1842.
John L. Brown, elected Nov., 1842.
Tobias Bouck, do Nov., 1845.
SCHOHARIK COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
I05
Treat Durand, elected Nov., 1848.
Ralph Manning, appointed Oct. 3, 1832.
John V. Stryker, do Nov., 1851.
John VanGaasbeck, do Oct. 4, 1833.
David D. L. McCulloch, do Nov., 1854.
Jacob Crounse, do Oct. 4, 1833.
Frederick Rowley, do Nov., 1857.
Harvey Watson, do Oct. 14, 1834.
John R. Moran, do Nov., 1860.
Harmon Becker, do Oct. 14, 1834.
Peter W. Ferris, do Nov., 1863.
William Dietz, do Oct. 14, 1834.
Thos. H. Knickerbocker, do Nov., 1866.
Harvey Watson, do Oct. 6, 1835.
Jacob Angle, do Nov., 1869.
Philip Mann, do Oct. 6, 1835.
John F. Sawyer, do Nov., 1872.
Harvey Watson, do Oct. 5, 1835.
Jehiel Bra/.ec, do Nov., 1875.
Hezekiah Manning, do Oct. 5, 1836.
Orson Root, do Nov., 1878.
Harmonus Vroman, do Oct. 2, 1838.
K/ra Mitchell, do Nov., 1881.
Hezekiah Manning, do Oct. 4, 1838.
Wm. I. Borst, do Oct. 4, 1838.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
Hezekiah Manning,* do Oct. i, 1839.
Previous to 1846 the Treasurer was appointed
Wm. I. Borst,» do Oct. i, 1839.
by the Board of Supervisors. Since the expira-
Harmonus Vroman,1* do Oct. i, 1839.
tion of the term of the officer then holding, it
Wm. I. Borst, do Oct. 1 8, 1845.
has been an elective one, the term being three
Harmonus Vroman, do Oct. 18, 1845.
years.
Marcy Sternbergh, do Oct. 12, 1846.
Ralph Brewster, elected Nov., 1848.
David Becker, do Nov., 1854.
Peter S. Swart, do Nov., 1857.
John Pinder, do Nov., 1863. •
James O. Williams, * appointed Oct., 1869.
James O. Williams, elected Nov., 1869.
Charles Watson, elected, Nov. 17, 1848.
Orson Root, do Nov. 17, 1848.
Martin A. Watson, appointed, Jan. 3, 1849.
M. A. Watson, elected, Nov. 27, 1849.
Chas. Watson, do Nov. 3, 1850.
Wm. I. Borst, do Nov. 3, 1852.
Richard F. Noxen, do Nov., 1858.
John J. Dickinson, do Nov., 1875.
David P. Stevens, do Nov., 1861.
James O. Williams,! appointed Dec, 1879.
Martin L. Borst,* do Nov., 1864.
James O. Williams, elected Nov., 1880.
D. C. Hager, do Nov., 1870.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR.
David Zeh, do Nov., 1873.
John M. DeGraff, do Nov., 1876.
By legislative act of 1827, the office of Super-
J. M. DeGraff, do Nov., 1879.
intendent was created and consisted of three in
number, appointed yearly by the Board of Su-
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OK SCHOOLS.
pervisors.
By an Act passed April 17, 1843, the Board
Previous to 1830, each town took charge of
of Supervisors of the several counties were di-
its own poor, and usually sold by auction, their
rected to appoint County Superintendents of
support to the lowest bidder. In 1846 the
Common Schools. In 1812 the office of State
office became elective. Term, three years.
Superintendent was created and continued un-
Harmonus Bouck, appointed Oct., 1830.
til 1821, when it was abolished, and the duties
Ralph Manning, do Nov., 1830.
devolved upon the Secretary of State, who ap-
Jacob Crounse, do Oct., 1830.
pointed a deputy to take charge of the depart-
Ralph Manning, do Oct., 1831.
ment. The towns elected a Superintendent dur-
Thomas Butler, do Oct., 1831.
ing the time, who reported the condition and
Peter Osterhout, do Oct., 1831.
progress of the schools to the County Clerk, who
Thomas Butler, do Oct. 3, 1832.
Jn turn, reported to the State Department. In
Chester Laselle, do Oct. 3, 1832.
1841, Samuel S. Randall, the Deputy State Su-
perintendent, whose interest in educational mat-
* Vice I'inder.
f Vice Dickinson.
*Appointcd and re-elected each subsequent term.
io6
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIR COUNTY.
ters knows no bounds, in advance of the law of
J. O'Brien, oath taken, 1831.
1843, appointed County Superintendents. The
H. Manning, do 1831.
law was made in accordance with his theory, ex-
H. Manning, do J833-
cepting the Board of Supervisors made the ap-
Jacob Becker, do l&33-
pointments.
H. Manning, do 18$5-
Jacob Becker, do '835.
Ezra Smith, appointed, 1841.
H. Manning, do 1838.
John H. Salisbury, do 1843.
J. Becker, do 1838.
Luther F. Hartwell, do 1845.
Bartholomew Becker, do 1847.
H. Manning, do 1843.
J. Becker, do '843.
Those officers reported direct to the State
Robert F. Queal, do 1855.
Department, after receiving those of the town
John S. Frost, do 1855.
commissioners. During Mr. Becker's term of
Jas. Parsons, do 1857.
office, March 13, 1847, the office was abolished,
G. B. Badgley, do 1857.
but the town commissioners remained, or con-
Jas. Parsons, do '859.
tinued, as by Act of 1843. In 1856 the system
G. B. Badgley do 1859.
was changed, and County School Commissioners
W. Dominic do 1861.
were Created, and the first election, under the
R. Merchant, do 1861.
law, was held in November, 1857 ; the year
Sylvanus Sweet, do '863.
previous the Board of Supervisors appointed.
John H. Walker, do 1865.
The County was divided into two districts —
Sylvanus Sweet, do 1865.
eastern and western.
M. Van B. Hager, do 1870.
Nelson Rust, appointed Nov., 1856.
Jas. A. Bouck, do 1870.
Albines Hess, do 1873.
Reuben Shelmandine, do Nov., 1856.
Bartholomew Becker, elected Nov., 1857.
Philip Deyo, do 1873.
Augustus C. Smith, do Nov., 1857.
COMMISSIONERS OF EXCISE.
Bartholomew Becker, do Nov., 1860.
Augustus C. Smith, do Nov., 1860.
Commissioners of Excise were appointed by
Bartholomew Becker, do Nov., 1863.
the County Judge and two associate Justices,
Augustus C. Smith, do Nov., 1863.
John Van Voris, do Nov., 1866.
and were to meet annually to grant licenses
for selling liquors and keeping inns. The office
Ambrose R. Hunting, do Nov., 1866.
was created April 16, 1857.
J. Van Voris, do Nov., 1869.
Seymour Boughton, appointed 1857.
A. R. Hunting, do Nov., 1869.
Peter Hynds, do 1857.
John VanSchaick, do Nov., 1872.
Rassellas Ellis, do 1857.
John S. Mayhan, do Nov., 1872.
Wm. S. Clark, do 1862.
John VanSchaick, do Nov., 1875.
Wm. Snyder, do 1862.
John S. Mayhan, do Nov., 1875.
Ira Twitchell, do 1862.
Wm. H. Albro, do Nov., 1878.
Wm. Snyder, do 1866.
Geo. D. Ostrom, do Nov., 1878.
Merenes Frasier, do 1868.
Jacob H. Mann, do Nov., 1881.
Legrand VanTuyl, do Nov., 1881.
INSPECTORS OF TURNPIKE ROADS.
LOAN COMMISSIONERS.
The duty of the Inspectors was to attend to
complaints made against the condition of the
The office was created by an act passed the
turnpikes, with power to condemn either road
1 4th of March, 1792, for the purpose of loaning
or bridges and close toll-gates if the roads
United States' surplus moneys. The list is as
were not kept in order. In short, to compel
perfect as can be obtained, and gives only the
the companies to act according to their char-
year the oath of office was taken :
ters. They were: —
SCHOHARIE COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
107
Henry Shafer,
1827.
Peter Z. Swart, 1851.
P. M. Snyder,
1827.
James M. Hazzard, 1851.
David Lawton,
1828.
Joseph Bouck,
1828.
I'LANK ROAD INSPECTORS.
Ira Dewey,
1829.
Their duties were similar to those of Turn-
Henry Shafer,
1829.
pike Inspectors.
John D. Butler,
Ira Dewey,
John Stoll,
William B. Wood,
James D. Butler,
1830.
1830.
1831.
1831.
1832.
Elijah H. Crawford, 1850.
Peter W. Enders, 1850.
James Plank, 1851.
Peter W. Enders, 1851.
Ira Dewey,
1832.
AUCTIONEERS.
S. Bortle,
'833.
E. VanHorne,
1833-
Licensed by the County as by Act of April,
W. B. Wood,
1833-
1826:
Olney Briggs,
1833-
George Lawrence, July ist, 1826.
Martin Haman,
1834-
do do 1829.
Olney Briggs,
1834.
do do 1830.
W. B. Wood,
1835-
do do 1831.
S. Bortle,
'835-
do do 1832.
D. S. Howard,
1836.
do do 1833.
Jacob Feek,
1836.
Daniel Adams, 1831.
Jacob Feek,
'837-
James W. Mellan, 1831.
Ira Dewey,
'837-
Peter W. Enders, 1837.
John B. Morehouse,
1839.
Joseph Scofield,
1839.
STATE OFFICERS.
William Simpson,
Peter Swart, Jr.,
Nicholas Russel,
Stephen Badg'.ey,
1840.
1840.
1841.
1841.
The following residents of Schoharie County
have held positions in the State government :
Governor.— Vim. C. Bouck, elected Novem-
Peter Z. Swart,
1842.
ber, 1842.
Nicholas Russel,
1842.
Treasurer. — Abraham Keyser, appointed,
Ira Hullan,
1843.
1826 to 1838.
John F. Killer,
1844.
Adjutant- General.— Lyman Sanford, appoint-
John Shaver,
1845-
ed, 1843.
David Bergh,
1845-
Canal Commissioner.— Wm. C. Bouck, ap-
James Shaver,
1846.
pointed, 1821 to 1841.
Munson Morehnuse,
Peter Swart, Jr.,
1847.
1847.
Canal Appraiser. — William Mann, appoint-
ed, 18*6.
M. R. Bo'ght-m,
( ). Root,
1847.
1848
" J •
Regents of University — J< hn Keves Paige,
Jrrome Dwellv,
*T"-
1848.
appointed, 1829; Wm. C Bouc k, appointed,
M. R Boughton,
John Badg'ey,
1848.
1848.
•845-
Delegates to Constitutional Competitions — 2d,
John C. Moel'ir,
1849.
1821. Olney Briggs, Asa Starkweather, Jacob
Peter Z. Swart,
1849.
Sutherland; 3d, 1846. Wm C. Bouck, John
Peter Van Patten,
1850.
Gebhard, Jr.; 4th, 1868, Robert Krum.
John V. Stryker,
1850.
Curator of the State Cabinet — John Gebhard,
Fred B. Shaver,
1850.
Jr.. appointed June 5th, 1849 to 1856, re-ap-
Stephen Merenes,
1851.
pointed November, 1880.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
108 _
Commissioner of Boundary Lines between
New York and Connecticut, Jacob Vroman,
Peter Swart, Jun.,
do
do
1808.
1819.
1820.
appointed, August 21, 1859.
Legislature.- The County was represented
by one member from its formation to the year
,802 when it was allowed two representatives
John Ingold, Jun.,
do
Henry Hager,
do
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
to the year 1816. From the' latter year t
,822 three. In 1823 the number was changed
John Redington,
Heman Hickok,
1812.
1812.
to two, and in 1858 it reverted again to one.
do
1813.
From the first to the eighteenth session
do
1820.
(1777 to 1795) one member from Schohane
\1\J
Peter A. Hilton,
1812.
represented Albany as follows :—
do
1813.
Peter Vroman, T777-
do
1816.
do '778-
do
1817.
do X779-
William C. Bouck,
1814.
do J786'
do
1815.
do '787-
do
1816.
Isaac Vrooman, '779-
do
1818.
do '78°-
William Dietz,
1813.
do J781-
do
1814.
1782.
do
1815.
\*\J
Cornelius VanDyck, 1788.
do
1823.
O £.
do '789-
Thomas Lawyer,
1816.
The members from Schoharie County alone
Isaac Barber,
do
1816.
1817.
were as follows : —
Aaron Hubbard,
1816.
John Rice, '796-
do
1817.
do '797-
do
1819.
do J798-
Peter Swart, *798-
do J799-
George H. Mann,
Jedediah Miller,
Ar.
1818.
1819.
1820.
Storm A. Becker, i8o°-
GO
do
1832.
Joseph Borst, Jr., I8°°-
do
1838.
do l801-
Lawrence Lawyer, Jr., 1802.
Barnabas Eldredge,
j _
1820.
1821.
do l8°3-
Henry Becker, l8°3-
QO
Abraham Keyser, Jun.,
1820.
1821.
do l8°4-
An
1822.
do I8°S-
1811.
GO
Harvey Watson,
1822.
UU
Freegift Patchin, 1804.
do l8°5-
Marvin Judd,
John Stryker,
1824.
1824.
O *
1820.
Joseph I. Borst,
1825.
uv
A l82I
Freeman Stanton,
1825.
do
An 1822.
Robert Eldredge,
1826.
uu
Henry Bellinger, 1806.
Henry Shafer, 1806.
do l8°7-
do
Martinus Mattice,
do
1831.
1826.
1833-
1808.
Samuel Baldwin,
1827.
U*J
Peter Swart, Jun., 1807.
William Mann,
1827.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
109
Henry Devereaux,
1828.
James S. Wood,
1854-
James Sweetman,
1828.
Joseph H. Ramsey,
l855.
Valentine Efner,
1829.
Wilkeson Willsey,
l8SS.
Peter Hynds,
1829.
John Lovett,
1856.
Abraham L. Lawyer,
1830.
Charles Holmes,
1856.
do
1831.
Tobias Bouck,
1857-
Charles Watson,
1830.
William H. Crowe,
1857.
Daniel Hager, Jun.,
1831.
John H. Salisbury,
1858.
Alexander Crookshanks,
1832.
William C. Lament,
l859.
Jacob L. Lawyer,
1833-
do
1862.
Watson Orr,
1834.
John W. Couchman,
i860.
John G. Young,
1834.
Joseph Buckbee,
1861.
John F. Killer,
1835-
Stephen L. Mavham,
1863.
Jonas Krum,
'835-
Peter P. Schoolcraft,
1864.
Hiram Walden,
1836. .
Edward Eldredge,
1865.
Alvin Wilkins,
1836.
Benjamin E. Smith,
1866.
Philip Mann,
1837-
David Shaver,*
1867.
Reuben Merchant,
1837-
William S. Clark, f
1867.
Mitchell Sanford,
1838.
do
1868.
Harvey Bliss,
1839.
Peter R. Dyckman,
1869.
George F. Fox,
1839.
Silas Sweet,
1870.
Seymour Boughton,
1840.
do
1871.
Charles Goodyear,
1840.
Peter Couchman,
1872.
Nicholas Beekman,
1841.
do
1873-
Jacob C. Skillman,
1841.
John B. Hoag,
1874.
George Wright,
1842.
John M. Roscoe,
1875-
William Fink,
1842.
do
1876.
Abraham Richtmyer,
1843-
James H. Brown,
1877.
John Osterhout,
1843.
Charles Bouck,
1878.
John Spickerman,
1844.
Duryea Beekman,
1879.
Seth Eldredge,
1844.
R. Grant Havens,
1880.
Henry Tibbits,
1845.
John J. Dominic,
1881.
Seymour Boughton,
1845.
Edwin Hager,
1882.
Thomas Lawyer,
Thomas Smith,
1846.
1846.
SENATORS.
do
1847.
William Beekman,
1798.
Elisha Hammond,
1847.
do
1800.
Adam M attice,
1848.
do
1801.
James Parsons,
1848.
do
1802.
David B. Danforth,
1849.
George Tiffany,
1803.
Austin Sexton,
1849.
do
1804.
D. D. Dodge,
1850.
do
1805.
John Avery,
1850.
do
1806.
Lewis Rockwell,
1851.
Jacob Gebhard,
1807.
Abraham L. Lawyer,
1851.
do
1808.
James Osterhout,
1852.
do
1809.
Seymour Sornberger,
1852.
do
1810.
John Westover,
1853-
*Died before taking seat.
Jacob J. Barton,
1854.
f F'll vacancy of '67.
I 10
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Henry Hager,
do
1813.
1814.
Robert McClellan, elected 1837-39.
Jacob Houck, Jun., do 1841-43.
livJ
do
1815.
Charles Goodyear, do 1845-47.
do
1816.
do do i865-'67.
Peter Swart,
1817.
Hiram Walden, do 1849-51.
do
1818.
Stephen L. Mayham, do 1869-71.
do
do
1819.
1820.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
William C. Bouck,
1821.
Adam B. Vroman, appointed November 7,
do
1822.
1808, Madison's election.
Jacob Sutherland,
1823.
Henry Becker, appointed November 8, 1816,
William Dietz,
1830.
Monroe's election.
do
1831.
Thomas Lawyer, appointed November, 1824,
do
1832.
Adams' election.
do
1833-
William Dietz, elected November, 1832, Jack-
Abraham L. Lawyer,
1835-
son's election.
do
1836.
Harvey Watson, elected November, 1840,
do
1837-
Harrison's election.
do
1838.
Daniel Larkin, elected November, 1848, Tay-
John C. Wright,
1843.
lor's election.
do
1844.
Minard Harder, elected November, 1872,
do
1845.
Grant's election.
do
1846.
Sidney Tuttle,
1850.
CONSULAR.
do
1851.
John F. Hazleton, Consul to Italy, 1877 to
Peter S. Danforth,
1854.
1881.
do
1855-
COUNTY BAR.
Joseph H. Ramsey,
1856.
do
1857-
William H. Albro was born in Huntersland,
do
1860.
in the town of Middleburgh, September 8, 1840.
do
1862.
After attending the district school he finished
do
1863.
his education at Fort Edward Institute and
William C. Lament,
1875-
Union College. He studied law in the office of
do
1876.
William H. Engle, and upon being admitted to
do
1877.
the bar he settled in Middleburgh village. In
do
1878.
1878 he received the nomination upon the Re-
publican ticket for School Commissioner in the
JUSTICE SUPREME COURT.
eastern district, and was elected by a flattering
Peter S. Danforth, appointed
September 24,
majority although the district was Democratic.
Mr. Albro proved to be a faithful and judicious
1872.
official in the discharge of his duties, and ele-
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
vated the status of the schools under his charge.
As a lawyer he seems better adapted to the
Peter Swart, elected
i8o7-'c>9.
duties of a counselor and jurist than a pleader
Alexander Boyd, do
1813-15-
at the bar, as he lacks that confidence in self
Thomas Lawyer, do
i8i7-'i9.
that is necessary to make a forcible and winning
John Gebhard, do
1821-23.
advocate. Mr. Albro is a well-read, sound and
William Dietz, do
l82S-'27.
practical attorney, an unassuming and generous
Peter I. Borst, do
i829-'3i.
gentleman, and fully merits the confidence
Valentine Efner, do
l&35~37- 1 placed in him by a large circle of patrons.
THK COUNTY BAR.
in
Warren IV. Allen has but just entered his
professional course, having been admitted in
May, i88r. Mr. Allen was born in the
town of Summit on the 4th day of November,
1850, and received his education at the "New
York Conference Seminary," and entered the
office of John S. Finder, in 1877. Mr. Allen's
close application to his studies and quick per-
ception, assures us of his earnestness and suc-
cess in gaining the confidence of the people.
Nathan L. F. Bachman was born at Butler's
plantation, the family residence, near Kingsport,
Tenn., April 3, 1848, of German parentage.
During the late war he participated in the "lost
cause" and came to New York in 1867. He was
graduated as A. M., from Hamilton College in
1872, and the following year located at Scho-
harie as principal of the academy. In 1876 he
was graduated from the Columbia College Law
School as LL.D., and again located at Scho-
harie. Mr. Bachman was elected as Justice of
the Peace in 1876, and gives evidence of pos-
sessing judicial abilities to a marked degree. He
is a fluent speaker, and has taken a lively in-
terest in political affairs during each campaign as
a Democratic speaker, drawing large audiences
and awakening a deep interest. But few are
better qualified for official positions than the
subject of this sketch.
Ralph Brewster has practiced law since 1839,
and is the oldest member of the County bar.
He is a lineal descendant of Elder William
Brewster, who landed at Plymouth from the
Mayflower in 1620, and was born in Berne,
Albany county, N. Y., May 31, 1814. After
receiving an academic education at Jefferson
Academy, Clinton Institute, and Fairfield Acad-
emy, he entered Hamilton & Goodyear's law
office, and was admitted to the bar as before
stated in 1839. He located in Schoharie vil-
lage in 1841, and was appointed County
Treasurer by the Board of Supervisors in the
fall of that year and each subsequent term until
the Constitution of 1846 took effect, making
the office an elective one. He was then elected
(1848) as the first Treasurer chosen by the
people direct, and held the office two terms,
making a period of thirteen years in which he
held the position and the confidence of the
people in his ability and integrity. He also
held the office of Inspector of Common Schools
four years, Inspector of Election four years,
Justice of the Peace twenty years, and Super-
visor four terms, bestowed upon him, the duties
of which he performed with such precision and
profit to the people as to rank among the best
officials of the country. As a lawyer, Mr.
Brewster is very careful, and has drawn around
him a large circle of clients engaged in the
conveyance and settlement of estates, for which
his ability seems peculiarly adapted. Not pos-
sessing oratorical powers or the gift of easy
public speaking, it is seldom he is found in
argument before the courts, but in council is
considered one of the best in the County, and
no one is sought more by the troubled than
Mr. Brewster.
Cornelius L. Bailey was born in the town
of Jefferson, in 1837, and attended the Jef-
ferson Academy. He read law with Jacob
Houck, Jun., and Nathan P. Hinman, of the
firm of Houck & Hinman, at Schoharie C. H.,
and. was admitted to practice in 1858. His
practice has been in Schoharie and Albany coun-
ties and has been lucrative up to the year 1880,
when he was appointed Deputy County Clerk,
under Win. B. Murphy.
Mr. Bailey is a careful business man, well-read,
and has a clear conception of the principles of
law, and has been successful in his pleadings.
Albert Baker, at p'resent a resident of Cobles-
kill village, was born in the town of Berne, Al-
bany county, in October, 1845. Heattended the
district school of the neighborhood and taught a
few years, when he entered the office of Folman
& Bigham, of Albany City. He was admitted
to the bar in 1866, and settled at Cobleskill.
There being an opening at Sharon Springs he
removed there in 1868, but soon after again re-
moved to Cobleskill. Mr. Baker has held the
office of Police Justice of the corporation, and
also District Attorney of the County from 1871
to 1874, and is at present Secretary of the Board
of Education of Cobleskill. In 1876 he formed
a co-partnership with his brother under the
name of " Baker Bros.," and the firm enjoys a
lucrative business that promises a successful
future.
112
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Merritt A. Baker was born in the town of
Berne, Albany county, on the 28th of February,
1855, and after attending the district school of
the place entered Nassau Academy and Starkey
Seminary, and in 1872 read law in the office of
his brother, Albert. He was admitted in Jan-
uary, 1876, and immediately formed a co-part-
nership with his brother. In the fall of the lat-
ter year he was elected by the Board of Super-
visors as clerk, and has held the position since,
much to the satisfaction of that body and to the
credit of their records.
Wm. H. Baldwin, of Gilboa, was born in
Greenville, Greene county, in 1835. His parents
soon after settled in the town of Conesville.
After attending the district school of the neigh-
borhood he entered the Union Academy, of
Harpersfield, Delaware county, where he finished
a course of practical studies and entered the
office of Mattice & Winans, of Durham, to
study law, which course he completed in " Ad-
ams'office," Gloversville, in the summer of 1855.
In the latter part of that year he was admitted,
and located in Gilboa village. Mr. Baldwin is
a careful and practical worker, and has won the
confidence of the public through his honorable
advocacy of law. That confidence was fully
demonstrated in 1874, when the people elected
him to the office of District Attorney, which
position he filled with marked ability and
promptness as a faithful guardian of law and
order.
Lawrence W. Baxter was born in the town
of Sharon on the i2th of January, 1852. His
educational advantages were diligently im-
proved to prepare himself for the bar. At an
early age he attended the Clinton Liberal Insti-
tute, and graduated at the head of his class,
with the first prize in oratory as a trophy of the
event. He then entered Hamilton College,
from which he graduated with distinguished
honors in 1879, and again in 1880, from the
Law School of that institution. Mr. Baxter
located at Cobleskill where he is now practicing,
and meets with a very flattering success. He
is earnest in the profession he has chosen, care-
ful in the execution of its requirements and
honorable in his practice. He is a fluent
speaker and ingenious reasoner, which, coupled
with his known integrity in principle, places
him in the front rank of the young members of
the bar and gives us an assurance of his future
success.
William S. Clark was the son of William
Clark, a farmer of Carlisle, and was born in
that town the igth of August. 1826. He at-
tended the district school until his fifteenth
year, when he entered the Esperance Acad-
emy, from whence he went to Schoharie,
and finally to Hamilton Academy, Madison
county. Mr. Clark entered the Law School at
Poughkeepsie, and afterwards the Law depart-
ment at Union College, from which he was grad-
uated as LL.D., and was admitted to practice
in the State courts in February, 1858, and to
the U. S. Court in 1864.
Upon the decease of Hon. David Shafer, in
1866, Mr. Clark was appointed to fill his place
in the Assembly and was elected to that body
the year following. He has held but few pub-
lic positions, and to them he has brought honor
and dignity as a scholar, gentleman, and honest
man.
Upon the election of Wm. B. Murphy as
County Clerk, Mr. Clark was honored as Clerk
of the Courts, and has acted in that capacity at
each subsequent session.
Added to his superior educational quali-
ties, but few men possess that genuine
spirit of kindness towards others that is daily
shown by him, and which has gained for him
the friendship of all.
Alonzo B. Coons was born in the town of
Canajoharie, Montgomery county, on the jd of
September, 1841. After mastering the com-
mon English branches in the school of the
neighborhood he entered Ames Academy and
afterward the New York Conference Seminary,
of Charlotteville.
In the spring of 1861, he commenced read-
ing law in the office of J. H. Salisbury, at Sharon
Springs, finished his studies in the office of
L. H. Jackson, and was admitted to practice in
May, 1863. He did not open an office until
May of 1868, as he engaged in teaching school
in which he was successful. During the latter
year he located at Sharon Springs and was
elected District Attorney in November, 1880,
THE COUNTY BAR.
which official trust he fills with dignity and proves
a faithful guardian of law and order.
Peter S. Danfortli was born in the village of
Middleburgh in 1816, and studied law in the
office of George Danforth, his father, and that
of Marcus T. Reynolds, of Albany. He was
admitted to the bar in May, 1840. Mr. Dan-
forth has always possessed the confidence of
his townsmen and held many official positions
within their gift, chief among which was school
commissioner — the first political position of his
life. He was appointed Master and Examiner
in Chancery in 1844, and elected District At-
torney in 1845, and to the State Senate in
1854.
Upon the death of Henry Hogeboom, Judge of
the Supreme Court, Mr. Danforth was appoint-
ed by Governor Hoffman to fill the vacancy.
Beside the political and legal cares that Judge
Danforth has had pressed upon him, he has
taken a deep interest in religious affairs, and at
present is the president of the County Bible
Society, filling the position satisfactorily to the
society, that his father-in-law, Rev. George A.
Lintner, so long occupied. He has also been
identified with the County Sabbath School As-
sociation since its organization. Mr. Danforth
is a careful lawyer, fluent speaker and politic
reasoner.
George S. Danforth is a son of Hon. Peter
S. Danforth, and was born in the village of
Middleburgh on the igth of July, 1844. He
attended the village school and Schoharie
Academy to master the elementary branches,
and to prepare for college studied two years
under John M. Scribner, Jr. He entered Rut-
ger College, from which he was graduated in 1 863,
and immediately commenced the study of law
in earnest in his fathers office. However, he
had been a student with that aim from his
youth. He was admitted in 1865 and located
in his father's office.
Mr. Danforth is yet young in the profession,
and brought to it a finished education and pride
that carries him above low bickerings and the
abuse of the true principles of law in employing
them for such purposes. His success thus far
has been very flattering as an attorney and
counselor, and by the brotherhood he is held in
high esteem for his gentlemanly bearing and as
a genial, earnest co-worker.
William Jl. En«le was born in the town of
Berne, Albany county, on the 23d of January,
1817. His educational advantages were mostly
of the common schools, having attended the
Knox Academy but a short time. He entered
the office of Benoni Spafford, of Middleburgh,
in 1840, and finished his studies in the office of
J. J. Warner, of Berne, in 1844, when he was
admitted. He settled at Middleburgh (where
he still resides) upon the death of Lawyer Spaf-
ford in 1845.
In November, 1847, he was elected District
Attorney, it being the only county office he has
filled, from the fact that Mr. Engle's political
sentiments are contrary to those of the majority
of county electors. However, his fellow par-
tisans have repeatedly honored him with nomi-
nations for various positions, and been success-
ful in making a " lively run." He received the
appointment of deputy collector in the second
division of the I4th U. S. Revenue district in
April, 1868, and held the same to the year 187 1.
Upon the removal of Mr. Hazleton (who suc-
ceeded him) to Europe as Consul in 1878, Mr.
Engle was again appointed to the position and
still holds the same, making a thorough, careful
and prompt official.
He enjoys the confidence of a large com-
munity in the settling of estates, and intricate
cases arising from land grants and divisions for
which his talents seem adapted. Having a
partner in the office the firm is Engle & Stevens.
Henry C. Getter was born in Middleburgh
on the i6th of June, 1855, and received a com-
mon school education. He entered the law
office of Sanford & Thorne, in 1878, to qualify
himself for the bar to which he was admitted
in the spring of 1881. Having just started in
the legal course, it is hard to determine his
future success. Possessing an active mind and
being well tutored in the mazes of the law, it
but requires a close application to business and
study to warrant a brilliant future.
George H. Hiller, of Cobleskill, is a son of
the late ex-Assemblyman John F. Hiller, of
Sharon, and was born in that town on the i3th
of October, 1844. He attended the district
114
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
school only and entered the office of the late
William H. Young in 1872, and afterwards that
of his brother-in-law, John S. Pindar.
Mr. Killer was admitted to the bar in Janu-
ary, 1876, and established at once a reputation
as an earnest student and reliable advocate,
with a just aspiration to become proficient in
his calling.
He is reserved and unassuming, a careful
worker and logical reasoner, and we can but
predict for him a successful career, as his in-
creasing practice ensures the fact. Mr. Hiller
was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace
in 1876 and again in 1880.
Chauncey IV. Hinman, of Schoharie village,
son of the late John Hinman, was born in Mid-
dleburgh, June 4, 1834. He received his edu-
cation at the district school and upon the for-
mation of the I34th Regiment of N. Y. S. V.,
he enlisted as Second Lieutenant and was soon
promoted to First. He was in all the engage-
ments in which the regiment participated up to
the retreat of Hood, when he was taken prisoner
and thrust in Andersonville prison. There he
subsisted upon the scanty fare of one-fourth of
a pint of corn meal and the same measure of
beans, daily, with the exception of an occasional
"mite" obtained from the guards or fellow-
prisoners by bartering with small buckets which
his ingenuity allowed him to manufacture with
an old case-knife. After six months confine-
ment, the war closed and Mr. Hinman was the
last of several thousand, discharged from the
prison field. Weak and emaciated he returned
to his home unfit for laborious duties and en-
tered his brother's law office in i866,'from which
he was admitted to practice in 1868. He formed
a co-partnership with his brother which was
broken upon Nathan P. removing to Albany
City in 1872. Mr. Hinman is a well read and
practical lawyer with a sagacious perception of
technical points, with which he ingeniously out-
flanks his adversaries, and makes his practice a
success. His "briefs" are drawn with care and
precision denoting deep searching, earnestness
and practical principles of law.
Hon. Charles Holmes, was born in the town
of Fulton, on the 26th day of March, 1826. He
early attended the district school, and completed
his studies at the time-honored Jefferson Acad-
emy. As many other young men of the country,
struggling to gain an education, without the
means to obtain it, he taught school and en-
gaged in other employment to bear the neces-
sary expenses, and became self-sustaining. In
1850 he entered the law office of the late Judge
Lawyer, and was admitted to the bar in the fall
of 1853, and located in the village of Cobleskill.
The Democracy of the County elected him
to the Assembly in the fall of 1855, where he
bent his energies in behalf of the Susquehanna
Railroad, and gave such promise of a legislator,
that he was chosen as the party nominee for
State Senator in 1858, against Joseph H. Ramsey,
but the district being anti-democratic, his oppo-
nent was elected, but by a largely reduced ma-
jority. After his defeat, Mr. Holmes applied him-
self strictly to his profession, and gained as high
status before the legal tribunals as any lawyer in
Central New York. Upon the retirement of
his townsman, Wm. C. Lament, from the County
Judgeship, in 1871, Mr. Holmes was elected to
that position by an overwhelming majority, and
re-elected in the fall of '78. The precision and
ability with which he performed the duties of
the office, have placed him among the ablest
jurists, and gained for him the reputation of
being a practical, just and substantial defender
of the law.
In the performance of his duties as Surrogate,
no better satisfaction has been given than by
Judge Holmes, in the settlement of estates,
protection of orphans, and watchful care over
others, whose affairs have been brought before
him for adjustment.
Being an active and influential Democrat of
the Jeffersonian school, he was placed upon the
Democratic State Committee, by the Convention
of 1881, and proves a sagacious politician.
Lewis C. Holmes, second son of Hon. Charles
Holmes, was born in Cobleskill, in Novem-
ber, 1848, and was educated at the village school
and studied law with his father. He was ad-
mitted to the bar in September, 1879. Upon
the election of the father as Surrogate, Lewis
was appointed Surrogate's Clerk, which position
he still holds creditably to himself and faithful
to the office. Mr. Holmes possesses a well
I UK COUNTY BAR.
"5
balanced mind ;md promises to make an un-
assuming, methodical and substantial lawyer,
that will win the confidence of all classes and
.idd dignity to the profession.
II. Ifi'Iines is the third son of Hon.
Charles Holmes, and was born in the village of
Cobleskill. December 25, 1852, and received
his education at the " Cobleskill Union School.''
He studied law in his father's office and was
admitted in May, 1879, and located at Cobles-
kill. But just starting in his legal course, being
chiefly engaged in office work, it is hardly possi-
ble to predict the mark Mr. Holmes will make
in the legal race. If quick perception and gift
of language will warrant success before the bar,
it will be soon gained, as few are his equal even
among those of more mature age and greater
experience. By a strict application of his nat-
ural genius to argument and studious confidence
of language, Mr. Holmes may stand as the
"Harry Clay" of the young legal gentlemen of
Schoharie.
Lyman Sanford Holmes is a son of Hon.
Charles Holmes, and was born in Cobleskill in
January, 1856. He attended the village school
and prepared himself for Union College, from
which he was graduated in 1878. Afterstudying
law in his father's office for a while he completed
his studies in that of Bemis & Benton, of Hor-
nellsville, N. Y.,in November, 1880. Relocated
in Chicago and soon after in New York City,
but an opening being made in the office of San-
ford & Thome, of Middleburgh, by the decease
of the former, Mr. Holmes formed a connection
with Mr. Thorne in the spring of 1882. But
few young men become more attached to their
profession than Mr. Holmes, and possessing a
quick perception of the principles of jurispru-
dence and a steady judgment which, coupled
with his nobler attributes of manhood that win
friends among all classes, we cannot but predict
a successful future for him.
John I. Jackson, of Gilboa, was born at
Cairo, Greene county, N. Y., August 30, 1815,
and settled with his parents in Gilboa, Schoharie
County, in 1823. He received a common
school education and was early elected Justice
of the Peace, which office he held fourteen
years. During this official period he studied
law in his own office and practiced in the Jus-
tice court until the 4th of September, 1855,
when he was admitted to the Supreme bar.
Mr. Jackson represented the town upon the
board of Supervisors in 1866, and enjoys the
confidence of a large community as a counselor
and man of honor.
L. H. Jackson, of Sharon Springs, was
born in the town of Summit, on the 4th of
April, 1836, and attended the New York Con-
ference Seminary of that town. After a classi-
cal course, he attended Prof. Fowler's law school
at Poughkeepsie, two years, and then entered
the law office of John H. Salisbury, in the fall of
1 86 1, and was admitted in May of the following
year. He located at the Spa, and continued in
practice to the year 1879, when he removed to
Binghamton, where he resided until April, 1881.
Since that date, Mr. Jackson has again located
at the Springs, where he meets with the old-time
confidence that his earnest and diligent labors
gained in the first years of his profession. He
was appointed postmaster, in 1861, and heldthe
position until his removal to Binghamton, when
he resigned.
Krum <5v Grant,. — Hobart Krum, son of
the late Judge Jonas Krum, and John B.
Grant, a native of Blenheim, comprise the firm
of Krum & Grant.
Hobart Krum stands at the head of the
County bar. If nature ever makes a choice for
a particular avocation, Mr. Krum was indeed
chosen for the bar, as he is especially gifted with
such abilities and pride as are necessary to make
the profession a success. He has been from
his first entrance into the law office the most
studious in the principles of law, looking
critically into the reason of every principle and
their application to causes. While he makes
no pretension to oratory, yet as a pleader he is
successful and highly interesting. He places
himself squarely upon equity, through ingenious
reasoning, and arranges the facts of the case in
the order of their legal value, and then arouses
such earnestness as to be pleasing and forcibly
effective, and if not to win the contest, leave a
dubious impression as to the justness of the ver-
dict. Mr. Krum was chosen as a delegate to
n6
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the State Constitutional Convention of 1867,
and was one of the leaders of that body of able
men. He proved himself to be also a student
of political economy in all its branches, as his
able arguments show, which gave him pre-
eminence as a legislator, and to the citizens of
the County a pride in their representative. Mr.
Grant, although comparatively a young man,
with a tireless industry, shrewd perception and
a mind well versed in jurisprudence, adds much
to the firm's popularity, which has spread over
many counties, and ensures a lucrative success
that but few country firms attain.
Wm. C. Lamont. — It is seldom we find in
the rushing, jostling throng of legal aspirants, so
unassuming a man that has made a more prom-
inent and pleasing mark, than the subject of
this sketch. Mr. Lamont was born in Char-
lotteville, on the 25th of November, i827;
and obtained a practical education at the time-
honored academies at Schoharie and Jefferson,
from whence he entered the law office of Abra-
ham Becker, of South Worcester, Otsego Co.
Being admitted to practice in due course of
time, he settled at his native village, and by
assiduous industry, he established a reputation
as a careful and successful lawyer.
In 1859, he was elected to the Assembly, and
served upon the judiciary committee, and made,
as usual, a very creditable record. His energies
were bent in behalf of the bill then pending for
State aid in the construction of the Albany &
Susquehanna Railroad, and his arguments in
that issue were marked with plain, forcible
reasoning, and awoke a brighter hope for the
passage of the bill, and final consummation of
the enterprise. His practice becoming more ex-
tended, he removed to Richmondville, and in
the fall of 1863, was elected County Judge, which
office he held to January, 1872. Removing to
Coblebkill village, his legal business increased,
and he became one of the leaders of the Coun-
ty bar. In 1875 he was elected to the State Sen-
ate, and served upon the following committees : —
Roads and Bridges, Erection and Division of
Towns and Counties, also Manufacture. What-
ever position Mr. Lamont has filled, his labors
have been earnest to perform his duties faithfully
and profitably to his constituents.
Watson Lamont, is a brother of ex-Judge La-
mont, and was born in the town of Middleburgh,
on the i3thof July, 1852. He received his edu-
cational advantages at the " New York Con-
ference" and " Starkey" seminaries and settled
at Cobleskill village in 1869. In November,
1871,116 entered the office of his brother and
received his certificate to practice in the State
Courts in January, 1876. He has held the of-
fice of police justice two years and is now
acting upon the second term of town justice of
the peace. Mr. Lament's close application to
study and quick perception of legal points and
technicalities have earned for him a business that
bids fair to increase with his years and place
him in the front rank of his profession.
John H. Mattice was the son of Zachariah Mat-
tice, of Middleburgh, and was born April i,
1 839. He attended the district school and fitted
himself for teaching, which he followed for seven
years when he learned the shoemaker's trade,
and studied law at his boarding place nights
and while working on the bench. Through a
long, but earnest period of study, he was ad-
mitted to the bar on thegthof December, 1869,
and settled at Livingstonville, where he enjoys
a lucrative practice.
Mr. Mattice is a self-made man, having been
forced to work his way through life, unaided,
except by an untiring will. He represented the
town upon the Board of Supervisors in 1877,
creditably to himself and profitably to the people.
But few men possess the love of study as does
Mr. Mattice, and where labor is not spared in
the application of knowledge obtained, pleasing
results will inevitably follow. The industry,
earnestness and ambition of the subject of this
sketch, can but lead us to predict for him a
blight and prosperous future.
Stephen L Mayham was born in the town of
Blenheim, on the 8th of October, 1825, and after
attending thedistrict school of the neighborhood
he studiously prepared himself for teaching, the
avails of which were judiciously applied for an
academic education. Following the natural
bent of his mind, he entered the office of Love
& Frear, of Ithaca, there studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in 1848. He located at
North Blenheim village, and after a few years
THE COUNTY BAR.
117
formed a connection with lawyer George Dicr,
uinli-r the name of Mayham & Dier. While
here Mr. Mayham gained a fine practice, and
solidified the confidence of his boyhood neigh-
bors and friends in his honesty as a man and
ability as a lawyer, which placed him high in
thc-ir estimation, where he still stands. Four
times he was representative in the Board of
Supervisors, and was honored by the people of
the County with the election of District Attor-
ney in 1859, and that of Assemblyman in 1863.
Removing to Schoharie C. H. in 1865, his
practice became extended and he soon formed
a co-partnership with Hobart Krum, under the
name of Krum & Mayham, which connection
made the most impregnable firm in Central New
York, and was so considered by the courts. Upon
Mr. Mayham's son being admitted, the firm of
Krum & Mayham was dissolved, and one was
formed by the father and son as S. L. & F. M.
Mayham, as now existing. Mr. Mayham's popu-
larity and ability drew the choice of the Congres-
sional Convention of 1869 to the nomination of
him to the Forty-first Congress, which was
ratified by the people in a large majority for
the district, which comprised Albany and Scho-
harie counties. He served upon the Com-
mittee of Expenditures of the State Depart-
ment, that of the District of Columbia, and
that of sub-committee of the whole, in the
Forty-fifth Congress, to which he was elected by
a flattering majority of the electors of Schoharie,
Greene and Ulster counties in the fall of 1874,
to which position a re-election was proffered by
the latter counties, but Mr. Mayham's declina-
tion for the opportunities of others, retired him
from Congressional duties in 1879. He identi-
fied himself with the educational interests of
Schoharie upon his removal there, and is one of
the leading props of the time-honored Schoharie
Academy, as well as all other local and public
enterprises. Mr. Mayham is a bold, yet not
forward or hazardous advocate and a practical
thinker, and one whose appearance upon the
rostrum at once demands the respect and con-
fidence of his auditors, while his fluency, and
plain, unpretending language impress without
weariness.
F. L. Mayham is a son of Stephen L. May-
ham, and was born in North Blenheim on the
2 ist of August, 1850. Acquiring the first rudi-
ments of a practical education at that village
school, he entered the Roxbury Academy and
finished an academic course at Schoharie. He
commenced reading law in the office of May-
ham & Krum in 1868, and was admitted Sep-
tember 5, 1871, and shortly after the dissolution
of the firm of Mayham & Krum occurred when
that of S. L. & F. M. Mayham was formed, and
is a leading one of the County. Mr. Mayham
is a well-read young lawyer, having taken hold
of the task with a natural taste, and in counsel
proves that the deep principles of jurisprudence
have been his study, which are ingeniously
brought to practice in his briefs and pleadings
without being marred with irrelevancy and
sarcasm.
John S. Pindar, now of Cobleskill, was born
in the town of Sharon in 1835. After attend-
ing the district school he entered the " Rich-
mondville Literary Institute" in 1853, and
upon the closing of the school returned to the
farm. In 1862 he entered the law office of
Ramsey & Young, and was admitted to the
State courts in 1865, and that of the United
States in 1872. Mr. Pindar has practiced con-
tinually since 1867, and was the first Police
Justice in the corporation of Cobleskill. He
was chosen chairman of the Democratic County
Committee in 1877, and still holds that posi-
tion creditably to himself and satisfactorily to
the party. Mr. Pindar is known as one of the
hardest legal workers in the County which has
gained for him a successful business.
O. C. Stevens, the subject of this sketch, is
a native of Greenville, Greene county, and
was born on the 3Oth of August, 1850. He
early attended the Greenville Academy and
closed his educational advantages at Hamilton
College, but not as a graduate. In 1869 he
entered the law office of Sanford & Thome,
and was admitted in the spring of 1872. He
formed a connection with William E. Leet,
then District Attorney of Greene county, which
continued about two years, when he withdrew
and became a partner of his father-in-law, Win.
H. Engle, with whom he is at the present time.
Mr. Stevens is a well-read professional and
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
genial gentleman, and possesses the confidence
of those with whom he mingles as a most
honorable and earnest worker.
E. L. Stiyiier, of Richmondville, is a graduate
of Union College of the class of 1861, and was
born in Columbia county, N. Y., on the igth of
June, 1839. Mr. Snyder studied law with M.
H. Dorr, of Hillsdale, Columbia county, and
was admitted to the bar at Albany, May 5,
1864. He located at Richmondville, and as a
mark of the confidence the people have in his
ability and integrity they elected him to the
office of Justice of the Peace in the spring of
1881. His superior education, gentlemanly
bearing and studious application to business,
have drawn around him a host of friends, and
given to him a very flattering practice.
frank Snyder was born in the village of
Middleburgh on the i3th of January, 1855.
His educational advantages were of the village
school and at the Wainwright Institute. He
studied law in the office of Peter S. Danforth,
and was admitted as counselor in 1878, and as
attorney and counselor in the year following.
By the request of his legal tutor he located in
his office, and the success with which he meets
in legal business is highly creditable to himself
as a lawyer and the office from which he was
admitted.
Wilfred P. Thomas was born in Albany, N.
Y., March 24, 1856, and fitted himself for col-
lege at the Schoharie Academy. He graduated
from Union College in 1872, and tnat year
entered the law office of Mayham & Krum from
which he entered that of James F. Crawford, of
Cohoes, N. Y., and finished his studies. He
was admitted in April, 1876, and located at
Schoharie village, where he is now in practice
in company with Chauncey W. Hinman. Mr.
Thomas has worked up a flattering practice, and
coming to the profession with a fine education
and a desire to succeed, he can but be success-
ful.
Wm. E. Thome was born at Athens, Greene
county, on the 2jst of July, 1840. He attend-
ed the district school and Knox Academy, and
afterwards studied mathematics and the lan-
guages with Dr. Charles Abrams, of Hyndsville.
After teaching school a few years, he entered
the law office of S. L. Mayham, then of Blen-
heim, (1863) and removed with that gentleman
to Schoharie in the spring of 1865, and was ad-
mitted in December of that year.
On the ist day of January, 1866, he formed
a co-partnership with Lyman Sanford, of Mid-
dleburgh, which continued until the decease of
that gentleman. In 1877, he was elected Dis-
trict Attorney and proved an able official.
The firm's business was extensive, especially as
relates to the settlement of estates, for which
no firm enjoyed a better, and but few an equal,
reputation.
John Van Schaick was born in the town of
Sharon, on the 2Qth day of July, 1840. After
an elementary course in the district school he
attended Williams College. Like most farmer's
sons that are ambitious to obtain an education,
he did so by teaching school a portion of the
year. He studied in the office of John H. Salis-
bury while located at Sharon Springs, and after-
wards in that of Wm. H. Youngs, and after
passing a course at the Albany law school he
was admitted in 1864. Counselor Van Schaick
was elected to the office of School Commis-
sioner in the second district in 1871, and re-
elected in 1874. He established an office at
Cobleskill after his admittance, where he still
continues and receives his share of the public
patronage in legal affairs.
Le Grand Van Tuyl is a young man who has
but just stepped upon the legal path and his
future honor or disgrace depend upon the bent of
his moral qualities and not his intellectual, as of
the latter, nature has blessed him exceedingly,
which he has wisely chosen to direct and sup-
port him through his legal adventure. May he
prove one with firm stability of purpose. He is
the son of Isaac Van Tuyl, of Schoharie, and
was born in that town on the gth of April, 1857.
He received a thorough Academic education at
the Schoharie academy and entered the law
office of Krum & Grant, from which he was ad-
mitted in January, 1881. He was elected
School Commissioner of the second district in
the fall of 1881 without opposition, and located
in the village of North Blenheim.
TOWN OF GILBOA.
119
Moses S. Wilcox, of Jefferson village, is a na-
tive of Harpersfield, Delaware county, and was
born in that town in March, 1836, and received
an academic education at the Harpersfield Acade-
my, from which he emerged as a school teacher.
For two years while thus employed he read law
and entered the office of Abraham Becker, of
South Worcester in 1 858, and was admitted in
May, 1860. In the fall of that year he formed
a co-partnership with Robert Parker, and located
at Delhi, and remained so connected until 1865
when he returned to his father's farm, and spent
two years in agricultural pursuits.
At the expiration of that time, he located at
Jefferson, where he still resides and enjoys a
flattering practice through his earnest and prac-
tical labors, and the confidence of the people in
his ability and integrity.
Regardless of his legal taste, we find Mr. Wil-
cox interests himself in agriculture and the breed-
ing of superior stock for which he has become
noted among the practical farmers of the country.
Mr. Wilcox is well read, and keeps up with the
times, and does not, as is too often the case, af-
ter a few years practice, settle down to fogyism
without an effort to advance. He is an easy
and plain speaker, sound and apt reasoner,
which, coupled with his honest fervency, holds
attention in his arguments, and gives.a pleasing
satisfaction to his listeners.
Isaac IV. Winne. — Mr. Winne was born in
the town of Sharon, March 29, 1834, and is the
son of Francis Winne, whose father moved from
Albany county and settled in the town of Cherry
Valley, in the fore part of the century. After
attending the district school, he enti red the
"Ames Academy" from which he returned to
the homestead and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, until the spring of 1871, when he com-
menced studying law in the office of Albert
Baker, then located at Sharon Springs. Mr.
Winne was admitted to practice in June, 1875,
and at once located at Rockville, where he still
remains, enjoying a flattering practice.
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GILBOA.
TOWN FORMED— FIRST TOWN OFFICERS—BOARD
OK INSPECTORS — DIVISION INTO DISTRICTS —
TOWN MEETING OF 1849— ANTI-RENT Dim
CULTIES — SHERIFF'S POSSE OF SOLDIERS —
FIRST SETTLERS AND MILLS— JOHN DISE—
ARCHIBALD CROSWELL — TANNERY — TUTTLE
& OSBORNE TANNERY— GRIST MILL PUR-
CHASED BY PLATT, POTTER & Co — COTTON
FACTORY — LUMAN REED — JOHN REED —
FIRST TAVERN — GILBOA BRIDGE — FURNACE
— CHURCHES — MERCHANTS — BROOME CEN-
TRE— HENRY TIBBETTS— MCKEYS CORNERS
— DAVID ELLERSON— His NARRATIVE — On i
CTAL LIST — SUPERVISORS — DISTRICT ATTOR-
NEY COUNTY CLERK — ASSEMBLY — STATE
SENATOR — BOUNDARIES.
'LENHEIM andBroome were two very large
towns, making it inconvenient, in various
ways, and to remedy the evils, the people pe-
titioned to the Seventy-first Legislature to divide
the territory, and form a new town. Adam
Mattice, of Livingstonville, and James Parson,
of Sharon, were in the Assembly, to whom the
petition was entrusted, and through whose la-
bors a bill to that effect was passed, on the i6th
of March, 1848. Broome, previous to that date,
bordered on the west, on the Schoharie creek,
while Blenheim took in all the territory of Gil-
boa, that lies upon the west of that stream.
Gilboa village had for a long time been an ex-
tensive manufacturing seat and business center,
and being the main and only village upon the
territory, the town was named after it.
First Town Meeting : — On the zoth day of
April following the organization of the town,
the first town meeting was held, and elected the
following officers : —
For Supervisor, Colby Reed; Town Clerk,
Paige Croswell ; Justices, Samuel More, David
E. Chichester, Hiram Fridenburgh and John
120
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Chichester; Assessors, Elisha Griffin, for one
year, Philo Johnson, two years, and John
Hoagland, three years; Commissioners of
Highways, Archibald Croswell, one year, David
S. Howard, two years, and Ransom Allerson,
three years ; Overseers of Poor, Benj. E. Smith,
and Nicholas L. Mattice ; Collector, Elam Rich-
mond ; Constables, Lewis T. Davis, Solomon
D. Mackey, Jacob Mclntyre, and Reynolds Al-
len ; Town Superintendent of Schools, Joseph
Schofield, for full term, and vacancy ; Sealer of
Weights and Measures, Abram Mudge. Town
house at Lawrence & Kibbes.
The first Board of Inspectors appointed for
the town meeting, was Luman Reed, James G.
Hackey and Hiram Fridenburgh. It was voted
at that meeting to raise three hundred dollars
for the support of the poor. On the i3th of
May following, the road commissioner and clerk
appointed sixty-nine overseers for that number
of road districts then created.
In September the assessors divided the town
into three election districts, pursuant to the
statute, as follows : — •
" District number one consists of all that part
of the town of Gilboa lying west of a line com-
mencing at the south line of the town and run-
ning thence north along the west line of Lot
No. 5, occupied by John V. Hoagland, thence
north to the east line of the lot owned by Peter
Mattice, lately occupied by William Stevens,
thence north along the east line of said lot, and
northJo the north line of the town."
" District number two consists of the central
part of the town, bounded on the west by the
eastern bounds of District number one, on the
south by the south line of the town, thence
northeast along the line between the towns of
Gilboa and Conesville to the line between School
Districts No. 2 and 3, thence west along the
line between said school districts to the end of
said line, thence in a direct line to the corner
of the east and south lines of Clark's patent,
thence along the south line of Clark's patent to
the Schoharie creek, thence along the north
line of the town of Gilboa to the place of be-
ginning."
" District number three consists of all that part
of the town of Gilboa lying north of District
number three as described above."
At the town meeting held the aoth of Febru-
ary, 1849, no choice of Supervisor was made,
owing to the two candidates, Luman Reed and
Henry Tibbetts running a tie. Elisha Griffin
was appointed to fill the vacancy. The political
sentiments of the people of this town are so
nearly equally divided that it requires strategy
upon the part of the candidates to gain an
election.
The Anti-Rent troubles of the '4o's were ex-
perienced in this section to an alarming extent,
but no real serious collision between the op-
ponents took place, with the exception of the
"Injuns" overtaking a deputy while on his
way to serve the papers upon a belligerent
tenant. He was a citizen of the village and
respected, but without ceremony was taken
upon the hill west of the bridge, and threatened
with a tar and feather garment if he would not
promise not to serve the papers. He did so
and was liberated. In conversation with a
gentleman of the place who freely admitted he
was a "big Injun" through those times, we
learn that nearly all the people of this locality
were Anti's, and were not organized with any
real intention of defying the law and creating a
rebellion, but more to make pretentions and
frighten the landlords. " If," said our inform-
ant, " we had any such intentions, we had
plenty of opportunities even to kill as well as
tar and feather, and not be caught. Many of
us joined for fun, being young and venture-
some, and we had plenty of it too."
Political aspirants took advantage of the
troubles and did much towards the " blowing of
the flames " which made unusual lively political
canvasses. Sheriff Brown's posse of soldiers
lay at this village for some time and was here,
while that officer and deputy were upon Bald-
win's Heights in the hands of the Anti's. They
were one hundred in number, " armed to the
teeth," and looked, our informant tells us,
" ferocious enough to eat a biled Injun for each
breakfast;" but said he, "when the boys gave
war-whoops in the night through the streets and
upon the hills, the soldiers hugged their guns
and looked tame."
TOWN OF GILBOA.
121
First Settlers ami Mills.— Who were the first
settlers of this town is unknown for a certainty
but supposed to be the Disc family about the
year 1760. After their losses as stated in the
Conesville chapter of this work, they settled upon
the Plattenkill, and John Disc, a son of one of the
partners, located near the present iron bridge.
He built a grist-mill some time between the
years 1790 and 1800, near where Luman Reed's
present grist-mill now stands. As the country
became quiet and prosperous in the beginning
of the century the well watered hills and fine
mill privileges attracted the attention of the
Yankees of New England and drew to this place
men of energy and ingenuity that soon laid the
foundation for a manufacturing town.
Among the number was Archibald Croswell,
a very active man, such as every town requires,
to create and push enterprises that give em-
ployment and add to the production of the
country. He came from Connecticut and set-
tled where Luman Reed's residence now stands,
about the year 1800. He purchased the Disc
mill property and soon rebuilt a stone structure
for the same purpose, which stood for several
years when the walls cracked and fell, obliging
him to again rebuild. The second time he
placed the mill above the present bridge. In
1821 Mr. Croswell built a fulling mill upon the
west side of the river which was changed to a
store and a new mill of larger capacity built be-
low. In 1810 Jonas Soper commenced a tan-
nery which did a fair business. The quantity
of hemlock bark that was accessible at a trifling
cost led Mr. Croswell to build a factory to ex-
tract from the bark the tanning qualities found
therein, which he shipped in large quantities to
Europe. Requiring a vast number of barrels
he immediately started a cooperage which not
only furnished himself with necessary shipping
barrels, but the surrounding country with every
thing it required in that line. In the year 1831
the extract factory was burned, and having a
large quantity of bark on hand Mr. Croswell
built a tannery. About the same time another
was erected by Tuttle & Osborne, which soon
was owned and managed by Sidney Tuttle &
Sons. Besides the grist-mill, fulling-mill, coop-
erage, store and extract establishment, all in
operation at one time, that gentleman built a
pottery, manufactured potash, managed a saw-
mill, giving employment to numberless workmen,
but he became financially entangled and made
an assignment to his brother, Dr. Croswell, of
Catskill, and - - Brace, who continued the
different branches of business for a while and
then closed. If it were possible to make the
people believe it would be to the interest of the
country for them to hold such business men up
when they get in close financial quarters, in-
stead of pouncing upon them as vultures, it
would be to their best interests. With such a
business man as Mr. Croswell, Gilboa with her
unsurpassed water privileges might soon be
made the largest manufacturing center in Cen-
tral New York and number thousands of inhab-
itants.
Mr. Croswell after an active life passed away,
leaving five children, Paige, John Keyes, Able
Brace, Mrs. Wm. Wicks and Kellogg, the latter
the only one remaining in the place. Platt,
Potter & Co., of Schenectady purchased the
grist-mill above the bridge of Croswell & Brace,
and became owners of other valuable property
at this place.
Cotton Factory. — About the year 1840, a
company was formed with a capital of $50,000,
called the " Gilboa Cotton Mill Co." for the
purpose of building a cotton mill. Sidney Tut-
tle was at the head of the concern as President,
and it became a prosperous establishment, with
one hundred looms, employing about eighty
hands.
B. G. Morss and Luman Reed became the
owners, and while in their possession, the flood
of October, 1869, destroyed the whole, entailing
a heavy loss. Thus we find to-day the most
active business interests that have adorned this
romantic spot, have ceased to exist, have passed
away as many of those whose brains were the
grand motive power.
Luman Reed, one of the busy men of " years
gone by " still remains, and is still identified
with the enterprises of the place. In 1879 ne
built the present grist-mill but a short distance
from the site of the first one, which he con-
tinues to manage, together with a general assort-
ment of merchandise, the latter in connection
with A. H. Bartley. Mr. Reed is a son of
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Colby Reed, who removed from Vermont in
1806, and commenced a small "store" at Stry-
kersville, and removed to " Blenheim Hill," or
South Gilboa where he continued the business
about thirty years, when he retired from busi-
ness and was followed by his son Philetus Reed.
He died in 1860 at the age of eighty, highly
respected as a citizen and business man. Lu-
man Reed has been elected as Supervisor of the
town eleven terms and from the eastern assem-
bly district in the Legislature in 1853 as a col-
league of Hbn. John Westover, of Richmond-
ville. From the fact Mr. Reed's political prin-
ciples being adverse to the majority of the voters
of the County, his election to that position is
evidence of his popularity as a social and busi-
ness man.
John Reed, a brother was for many years an
active businessman of the town and held several
local offices, and was supervisor five terms. He
is at present a resident of Syracuse engaged in
the insurance business.
First Tavern.— The first " tavern" or hotel
built in the place was to the west of the present
" Gilboa House." It was built against the bank,
the stone basement of which still stands. It
was built about the year 1797, and was a small
affair conducted by Wm. Edwards. When the
Catskill & Ithaca turnpike was built bringing
travel, additions were put on from time to time,
until it was at least seventy-five feet long. Here
the first pioneers assembled to talk matters over
and indulge in toddy and flip, and built air castles
upon "the thousand hills" from which they
might look down upon the land-holders with
contempt.
Gilboa Bridge.— Upon the advent of Archi-
bald Croswell a trestle bridge was built across
the creek which was carried away by high water
and replaced by a lattice one when the turnpike
was built, that was also carried away in Octo-
ber, 1869, and the present iron structure, the
finest one in the County, took its place at a cost
of nearly thirteen thousand dollars.
Furnace. — A. H. Jackson built the first fur-
nace in 1832, which was in operation a few
years and closed, and succeeded by the present
one in 1876, built by M. Gilberts & Co.
CHURCHES— Reformed Church of Gilboa.-
Upon the fly-leaf of the records of this church
we find written in a bold hand : —
"Record of the Baptisms, marriages and
members of the church of Schoharie Kill under
the ministerial labors of the Rev. Cornelius D.
Schermerhorn, which labors he discontinued in
the year 1813. May the Great King of his
church supply this flock with the regular admin-
istration of his word and ordinances."
Below the above we find recorded : —
"This is to certify that the Rev. Winslow
Paige, A. M., V. D. M., became the pastor of
the united congregation of the Reformed Dutch
Church in the towns of Broome, Windham and
Blenheim, on the ist day of April, 1820."
As near as can be ascertained the organiza-
tion was effected about 1802, at which time
Rev. Schermerhorn commenced his pastoral
care. The society built an edifice nearly three
miles to the east, in the present town of Cones-
ville, about the year 1805 or 1806, and becom-
ing old and needing repairs, and this village
being then in its growing glory, the society
resolved to remove it to Gilboa village, which
was done in the year 1836. The church for
many years was known as the "Church of
Dise's Manor," and "Manor Church," for
reasons stated in the Conesville chapter.
This organization has always been a popular
one, comprising the best citizens and attend,
ance, and has maintained a very prominent list
of pastors. Rev. Winslow Paige has been fol-
lowed by Cornelius Bogardus, 1838 to 1843;
L. H. Van Dyck, 1843 to 1852 ; Samuel Lock-
wood, 1852 to 1854; R. B. Welsh, 1854 to
1856; William G. E. See, 1857 to 1861; W.'
W. Letson, 1865 to 1868; William S. Moore,
1869 to 1873; J. A. Ball, 187410 1876; Edward
Cornet, 1876 to 1880; B. C. Miller, present
supply.
Rev. Winslow Paige was in charge seventeen
years and retired from the ministry. His chil-
dren, J. Keyes, Alonzo, and Mrs. Judge Potter,
became eminent personages.
The former was appointed as a Regent of the
University the 3 ist of March, 1 829, and held the
office until his death, which occurred in 1858.
TOWN OF GILBOA.
123
He removed from this County to Albany where
he was elected Mayor of the city in 1845.
Alonzo was elected Judge of the Supreme Court
in the Fourth District, in 1847 and 1855, and was
honored as one of the purest minded and most
competent Judges upon the bench. Mrs. Potter's
free heart and other Christian graces endeared
her to a large circle of friends, especially the
unfortunate, who have been the recipients of
her charity.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Gilboa. — The
records of this class were not to be found upon
our several visits for them. Mr. J. M. Hazzard,
however, informed us that a class was here as
early as 1842, and thinks it was formed about
that year, and that the edifice was commenced
in 1844 and completed in 1845. The pulpit
has been supplied by circuit preachers under
the orders of the New York Conference. The
society is prosperous and energetic in the re-
ligious cause, not sparing time or labor in its
furtherance.
Flat Creek Baptist C/iurc/i.—Rev. John
Ormsbee with thirteen members organized this
society on the 2d of January, 1831. They held
their meetings in private houses for several
years and built a house of worship in 1843.
The present commodious structure was erected
in 1865 at a cost of $3,300.
Merchants of Gilboa Village. — Through Mr.
Hazzard and Luman Reed we find that Samuel
Bortles and Archibald Croswell commenced the
mercantile business together about the year
1823 and were followed by Ozias Stevens in
1828, and Allen H. Jackson in 1832. The
year after. S. Tuttle & Sons established and did
a fine business up to the year 1850, and were
contemporary with Platt, Potter & Co. in the
first years of business,- and with Luman Reed
from 1840. The present merchants are Reed
& Baldwin, F. A. Haggidorn, Freidenburgh &
Thomas and James M. Hazzard.
BROOME CENTRE.
This place was first settled by Job Tibbetts
whose son, Henry Tibbetts, possessed an am-
bition similar to Archibald Croswell to drive
business. Upon the building of the road from
Potter's Hollow to Gilboa (1850) Henry Tib-
betts built the present hotel and storehouse and
for several years did a large business. Being the
builder of the hamlet, it was called for a long time
as " Tibbetts," and, in fact, is known only as such
by residents within a few miles. Being belated in
reaching the place upon our first visit, to a late
hour in the night, we became fearful of not being
upon the right road, and awoke three farmers to
learn the truth of our situation. Upon asking for
Broome Centre and its distance we were told
that the road "ran to Tibbetts," but did not
remember how far it was to Broome Centre.
The third call brought a live lass of eleven sum-
mers to our aid, who gave the desired informa-
tion with intelligence and grace. Henry Tib-
betts was an active man. He was elected to
the Legislature in 1845, and to the Board of
Supervisors in 1 860, in which positions he served
with commendable credit to himself and the
County. He died in March, 1877. The early
settlers of this locality were Elisha Griffin, Calvin
Case and the Chichester family.
But a short distance from Mackey's Corners,
upon the farm of David Elerson, lies, in a neg-
lected grave, one of Schoharie's adopted sons,
who braved the hardships peculiar to the strug-
gle along the border for freedom.
David Elerson was a comrade of Timothy
Murphy, Richard Tufts, John Wilber and Lieu-
tenant Boyd. who came to Schoharie after the
battle of Monmouth, under Colonel Butler, as
before stated. When he settled here the terri-
tory was in the town of Broome, but by the
division of 1848 it belongs to Gilboa. Some
time toward the close of the patriot's life, some
writer, unknown to us, published a pamphlet in
which is recorded a few of the hero's exploits,
said to be dictated by himself. It was entitled,
"The Extraordinary Feats and Escapes of
David Elerson in the Revolutionary war." In
justice to the patriot we herewith copy the arti-
cle, hoping that its perusal may excite the
reader to a deeper sense of the purchase price
of American liberty, and present another exam-
ple of true fidelity to country worthy to imitate
and noble to honor.
"This veteran of the Revolution now lives in
Broome, Schoharie County, on the Plattenkill,
124
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and is a respectful and valuable citizen, a mem-
ber of the Baptist church, on which account we
rely on his statements as being true. These the
publisher received from his own lips, and are
now for the first time offered to the public.
"Elerson is a Virginian by birth, whose exterior
appearance although far advanced in years,
denotes that in the prime of his youth strength
nerved his arm ; and the kindling of his eye at
the recital of the sanguinary tale evinced the
deep hold the Revolution has still of his affec-
tions ; as well as that he possessed the decision
of character necessary for the prompt achieve-
ment of fearful deeds.
"He states that he entered in service in 1776,
under Colonel Morgan, the well-known 'old
Wagoner' as the British called him; and that
in 1778, he was in the Monmouth battle, in the
State of New Jersey, but escaped unhurt. He
was also with Lord Dunmore in his war with
the Indians in Virginia, where he received a
dangerous wound from a shot of the enemy, the
bullet entering at the top of his right shoulder,
came out at his left breast, the scar of which is
dismal to look at. It happened as follows : — A
body of Indians had hidden themselves behind
a fallen tree which had been blown down by
the winds, over which they were shooting with
horrible effect among the soldiers of Dunmore.
Elerson being of a daring spirit determined at
the risk of his life, to oust them if possible, from
this skulking place. In order to do this he
dropped down upon the ground, with his rifle
in his hand, and crept on his belly towards the
roots of a tree, which was loaded with earth
cleaving to its roots, behind which he intended
to secrete himself, in order to get a shot or two
through the opening of the roots at the savages
shrouded by its trunk. This he effected, not-
withstanding before he reached the spot, a ball,
which was probably a random shot, struck him
on the shoulder as already stated. A few days
after the battle of Monmouth, Colonel Morgan
with a detachment of two or three companies
of his riflemen, followed the retreating army of
General Clinton as far as Middleton, where the
British had halted a short time. At this place
Elerson requested of Morgan for himself and
three others, by name Murphy, (the same who
was afterwards so fatal to the Indians in old Scho-
harie,) Wilber and Tufts, liberty to follow on
after them towards Sandy Hook, where the
army of Clinton was supposed to be in the act
of crossing over to Staten Island. The request
was granted, but not without an earnest charge
by Morgan to take care of themselves. They
had gone but a little way on the route when
they came to a deserted house and stopped to
look about and reconnoiter the premises. Eler-
son said to his companions that if they would
remain at the house and keep a good look out,
he would would go a little distance where there
were some horses belonging to the British and
examine them. He did so ; but on his return
his companions were all missing. On passing a
little farther he found the road parted two ways;
he took one and pursued it, hoping to overtake
them, as he supposed they were gone in one of
these roads, but he had taken the wrong one
and missed them. In a few minutes, however,
he came within sight of the operations of Clin-
ton's army, and found they had effected a safe
landing on Staten Island by making a bridge of
boats, and that the British fleet lay before him.
There was nothing remaining which they had
not carried over except forty or fifty horses and
a number of wagons ; but among the mass of
baggage and lumber of war, he discovered a
coach or phaeton, which he supposed belonged
to General Clinton.
"Now it flashed across his mind that he would
make a prize of this phaeton, and a pair of
horses to draw it with, although he perceived it
was under the protection of two sentinels. He
now darted out of the road, under the cover of
the thick foliage which grew along the shore, in
this way secreting himself from the view of the
sentinels, till within about twenty yards of
them, when he shouted to them to surrender in
a moment, or they were<3ead men, at the same
time bringing his rifle to his face, ready to guide
a bullet through the heart of one at least. At
sight of his dreadful instrument, one of the sen-
tinels let fall his gun into the water, from mere
fright, as he stood exactly on the edge of the
beach. On seeing this he felt assured that his
gun was incapacitated to do him harm, as its
charge was now wet. The other man, on see-
ing what had happened, plunged into the water
with his horse, but the current of the tides proved
TOWN OF GILBOA.
too strong and soon forced him to return. By
this time he had taken the other sentinel into
custody, and ordered him forthwith to harness
a good pair of horses as was among them, to the
phaeton, or he would shoot him, on which account
the command went speedily into execution.
Now the other sentinel made rapidly towards
him, till within a short distance, then wheeled
abruptly off, riding quite around the wagons,
coach and all, which maneuver was supposed a
mere preamble, till a convenient moment might
be seized upon to shoot Elerson, as the trooper
appeared to make several sly attempts to draw
a pistol from a side pocket, situated in his bosom.
All this time he had been warned to go quite
away, or give himself up, unless he wished to
be shot ; but he either did not understand, or
did not fear the threats of Elerson, notwith-
standing his rifle was leveled constantly at him,
he continued to evince a determination to try
his pistol. Our hero did not like to fire upon
him, on his own account, as the report would
certainly arouse the attention of the whole British
army and fleet, which were in full view, and their
cannon was what he dreaded. However the
sentinel persisted, and when in the very act of
drawing the pistol from his pocket, received the
blazing bullet of Elerson through his presump-
tuous heart ; he tumbled headlong to the earth,
and struggled out his life on the sand. The
sharp, shrill report of the rifle echoed up and
down the shores of the channel and struck the
ear of some artilleryman, who, ere he was aware
of it, planted a cannon shot near his feet, but
fortunately did not injure him. In a moment
or two a flash admonished him he had better
dodge, as another pelter mnst be on its way ;
this passed over him, and struck between two
wagons, and settled in the ground, as it was a
sandy soil.
"By this time the vehicle was ready, when he
sprang into it, and rode away, coach, prisoner
and all, amid the roar of old England's blazes,
which had no power to touch the intrepid Vir-
ginian, whose day's work amounted to several
hundred dollars. Two companies of Morgan's
riflemen were now sent to the westward, as far as
Albany, in which Elerson and his three com-
panions, above named, were included under the
command of Captain Long. From Albany they
were sent to Schoharie, where the Indians and
Tories were devastating, murdering and carry-
ing off, in concert, captives to Canada. Here
they joined Colonel Butler of the Pennsylvania
line, as rangers. The first service on which they
were sent, was to take, dead or alive, a person
strongly suspected of Toryism, living on the
Charlotte river, by the name of Service, who was
not only Torified in principle, but was an active
agent of the British in aiding, victualing, and
secreting the enemies of the Revolution. While
prosecuting their way through the woods, when
not far from the place now called Gilboa, a dole-
ful region of gulfs and precipices, lying along on
either side of the Schoharie creek, towards its
head, they surprised, and took prisoner, a man
who, on examination, was found in possession of
a letter from a Captain Smith, who was a Tory,
to the very man on the Charlotte, whom they
had started in pursuit of, namely Service. This
Smith had raised his company about Catskill
and along the North River, and was then on his
way to Niagara, and had sent this man forward
to apprise the Tory that he must be in readiness
to furnish his men with such refreshments as he
could, and to aid them with provisions for the
journey. They now altered their course, being
determined, if possible to fall in with, and cut
to pieces, this Smith and his company, enquir-
ing of the prisoner what way they would proba-
bly come, who from fear dare not deceive him.
"They now hastened up the stream as secretly
as possible, and had come to the flats where the
bridge now crosses the Schoharie. on the Patan-
via road. B^lerson and his fellow-riflemen were
on the east side of the creek, where from a cer-
tain spot, they discovered the party on the op-
posite side of the flat. Elerson and his cap-
tain happened to be close together, when they
dropped on their knees behind a tree, the rest
of the company might probably have made some
noise by treading on dry brush, which it is like-
ly Smith might have heard, as he came out in
an open space, looking here and there, wholly
exposing his person, when Captain Long and
Elerson both aimed their rifles at his breast. A
flash, a groan, and he weltered in his blood, a
victim of that justice which watched over the
fortunes of the Revolution.
" Several of the party were now wounded, the
126
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
rest fled in consternation to their houses. Thus
were the machinations of a deluded set of men
dissipated by the untiring vigilance of a small band
of our patriotic forefathers. This work finished,
Captain Long and his men changed their course
for the Charlotte, in pursuance of their first in-
tention, where they arrived and silently sur-
rounded the house of the person sought for,
gathering closer and closer, till at length two or
three entered the room where he was, before
they were discovered. He instantly stepped out
of the door with them, when he was informed
that they had orders to take him to the forts at
Schoharie. He appeared somewhat alarmed,
while he strenuously objected to the proposal,
pleading innocence, etc., but in the meanwhile
was evidently working his way along from the
door to a heap of chips lying between Elerson
and Murphy. The reason now appeared why
he had so cautiously approached the chips, for
on coming to the spot, he seized in a moment a
broad-ax, which lay there, and made a desper-
ate stroke at Murphy, which, however, he eluded,
as the keen eye of that veteran was not asleep,
but the fruitless attempt rolled back in ven-
geance on its author, as a bullet from the rifle
of Murphy stretched him a lifeless corpse, with
the ax in his hand.
" The next year, in the month of July, Long's
riflemen had orders to move under Colonel But-
ler,in connection with other troops, in all amount-
ing to seven hundred, to Springfield, at the head of
Otsego lake, where they were to await the arrival
of General Geo. Clinton and the troops expected
with him, all of which, when there concentrated,
were to pass down the Susquehanna, to form a
junction with General Sullivan at Tioga point.
The object of this arrangement was a destruc-
tion of the Indian tribes on the Chemung and
Genesee rivers ; who had so often been em-
ployed in small parties by the policy of the Brit-
ish, to distress, in a predatory manner, the in-
habitants of the frontiers ; the leader of whom
was generally Tayadanaga or, the Brant. Now,
whilst the troops were stationed at Springfield,
Elerson on a certain day, thought he would go
to a place where he had observed a quantity of
mustard growing around a deserted old house,
a small clearing having been made at this spot
a year or two before, his object being to gather a
dinner of herbs for himself and men. The place
was distant from the camp about a mile, where
he had been busily employed till his haversack
was nearly half full. Round about this house
the weeds and sprouts had grown thick and
high. As he was stooping to gather the mus-
tard, he thought he heard a rustling in the weeds
behind him, when, looking around, he saw ten
or a dozen Indians just ready to spring upon
him, and take him prisoner. That they chose
to take him prisoner, rather than shoot him, he
inferred from their not having done it, as the
most ample opportunity had been afforded. The
nearness of the fort might have detered them, or
they may have wanted him alive as a victim of
torture. As he sprang to seize his rifle, which
stood against the house, their hatchets were
hurled sufficiently swift and numerous to have
cut him to pieces, if they had all hit him; how-
ever, he sustained no injury, except the middle
finger of one hand, which was nearly cut off.
" He secured his rifle and sprang off in the
opposite direction with the speed of an arrow,
leaving his haversack and greens behind. There
lay between him and the woods an open space
of ground which was thickly covered with
sprouts and weeds, having once been cleared ;
through this he had to run before he could
reach the woods. On coining to the edge of
this open space, he found his way obstructed
by a hedge fence made of fallen trees, into
which he plunged, struggling and leaping to get
through; at this awful moment he heard behind
him a full volley of their rifles discharged at the
same instant; bullets whizzed and pattered
about him, among the old timber and trees, yet
he escaped unhurt. It was about eleven o'clock
of the forenoon ; he now had the start of the
Indians, as they had yet to load their rifles and
to scale the hedge fence ; having cleared all
obstacles, he plunged into the woods straight
forward, not knowing whither he was running.
From eleven to three he had not slackened his
pace more than compelled to do by the situa-
tion of the ground over which he had run,
when he perceived himself headed by an Indian.
He stopped and drew up his rifle to shoot him,
but he had disappeared, when, before his rifle
was taken from his eye, a bullet from another
direction had pierced his side, which proved
TOWN OF GILBOA.
127
however only a flesh wound, as it passed just
above the hip joint, between the cuticle and
peritoneum, coming out near the spine. He
was now convinced that he was surrounded,
though by an invisible enemy. Again he re-
newed his flight, till coming directly to the
brow of a mountain, he descended it like a
chased deer, but on reaching its foot found
there a small brook, which in crossing, he
scooped with his hand a little water to his
mouth, as his tongue was bloated and hung out
from excessive heat and thirst. As he tasted
the water he cast his eyes behind him, when he
perceived an Indian alone, just breaking over
the brow of the hill, in full spring after him ; he
now darted out of the brook and up a shallow
bank, hiding himself behind the dark shade of
a monstrous hemlock.
"Now, as a fair opportunity offered to shoot
this Indian, he raised his rifle, but found it im-
possible to take aim, as he shook very much
from fatigue, perturbation of mind, and the
anguish and bleeding of his wounds.
" But dropping flat down he rested his piece
on the root of the tree, having now no doubt
but the moment he touched the trigger of his
unerring rifle, the enemy would finish his course.
So it turned out. He fired ; the Indian reeled
and fell, tumbling headlong on the side of the
declivity. He now reloaded ; returned the
ramrod to its slide, and primed the faithful rifle,
when at that instant the whole company of his
pursuers burst over the hill, true to the scent ;
but on coming where their expiring fellow wel-
tered in his blood, a yell, horrible as shrill, tore
the air, reverberating among the dense forest,
in sign, as their custom is, of the presence of
death. It was the death yell. He now gave
up all as lost, as his pursuers were so near, but
had calculated to fetch to the ground one or
two more before they should seize him, but as
he perceived they still lingered about their dying
comrade, a thought crossed his mind that one
struggle more and he might possibly escape.
Again he sprang off; but soon encountered the
brook, whose dark, winding course overhung
with a dense grove of low hemlock, offered a
sure retreat, as also his tracks were lost in the
oblivious waters. Having followed this stream
some small distance he sprang into the thicket
of hemlocks, where, finding a hollow tree which
was fallen down, he crept into it, where he lay
secure, as the Indians pursued him no further ;
being it is likely, terrified at the death of their
chief runner and warrior. Sleep soon over-
powered him in his dreary bed, from which he
awoke not till the next morning. When he
backed out of the log he found it rained, and
added to this, which greatly augmented the hor-
ror of his situation, he was lost. Here he re-
mained two days and nights in the tree, without
food or dressing for his wounds, as the weather
did not clear up ; and besides he feared the
Indians might still be lurking about. But on
the third day from that on which the Indians
surprised him, the sun rose clear, when he was
able to shape his course, and came out at
Brown's Mills, in Cobleskill, a distance from
where he had lodged in the hollow tree, of only
about three miles, having run from where he
was gathering herbs at least twenty-five miles,
from eleven in the morning till he entered the
log pursued by a band of savages, who thirsted for
his blood and to make his body a subject of
torture.
OFFICIAL.
SUPERVISORS.
1848— Colby Reed.
1849 — Elisha Griffin.
1850 — Hiram Freidenburgh. •
1851 — Paige Croswell.
1852 — David E. Chichester.
1853 — Solomon Mackey.
1854— R. W. Ruliffson.
1855 — John Reed.
1856 — do
1857 — do
1858— do
1859— do
1860 — Henry Tibbetts.
1 86 1 — David E. Chichester.
1862— do
1863 — Luman Reed.
t864 — Washington Mackey.
1865 — John I. Jackson.
X866 — Washington Mackey.
j867 — Luman Reed.
1868 — do
128
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
— Luman Reed.
1870 —
1871 —
1872—
1873—
1874 —
1875—
1876
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
1877 — A. Hagadorn.
1878 — Addison H. Hartley.
1879— do
,880 — Andrew G. Baldwin.
1881— do
1882 — A. Hagadorn.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY.
t874 — Wm. H. Baldwin.
COUNTY CLERK.
1846 — Stephen Mayhan.
ASSEMBLY.
1853 — Luman Reed.
1866 — Benjamin E. Smith.
STATE SENATE.
1850— Sidney Tuttle.
1851 — do
By an Act passed March 16, 184:, entitled "An
Act to erect the town of Gilboa from Broome and
Blenheim," the following bounds are given in
Laws of New York, Seventy-first Session, Chap-
ter XCII :—
" Sec. i. All that part of the towns of Broome
and Blenheim in the County of Schoharie, that
is included within the following described
boundaries, shall be a town and shall be called
Gilboa, beginning at the center of the Scho-
harie creek, where the Manorkill empties in the
same, thence along the north-westerly bounds
of the town of Conesville to the extremity
thereof, being the north-west corner of said
town, thence easterly on the boundary line be-
tween the towns of Broome and Conesville to
the east line of a lot of land owned and occu-
pied by James Barlow as a farm, thence north-
erly on the said east line of a farm now occu-
pied by Alva Hollenbeck in a straight line to
the east of Keyser's kill, commonly called
Black brook, thence northerly along said Black
brook and said Keyser's kill to the north line
of the present town of Broome, thence easterly
along and upon said north line to the division
line between Broome and Blenheim, thence
southerly along and upon such division line till
it comes to the center of the Schoharie creek, at
the eastern extremity of the boundary line be-
tween lots U and V in the Blenheim Patent,
thence along said boundary line westerly to the
west extremity thereof, thence in a north-west-
erly direction on and along the boundary line
between lots H and G one hundred and fifty-
one and one hundred and fifty-two, one hun-
dred and thirty-five and one hundred and thirty-
six, one hundred and nineteen and one hundred
and twenty, one hundred and three and one
hundred and four, eighty-seven and eighty-eight,
seventy-one and seventy-two, fifty-five and fifty-
six, in said Blenheim Patent to the east line of
the town of Jefferson, thence in a south-westerly
direction along said east line to the south
bounds of Schoharie county, thence in a south-
west direction along said south boundary to the
boundary line between the towns of Blenheim
and Conesville, thence in a northerly direction
along said boundary line to the place of begin-
ning.
" Sec. 2. The first town meeting in said town
shall be held on the twentieth day of April next,
at the public house now kept and occupied by
Stephen Briggs, and in each year thereafter the
annual town meeting in the said town of Gilboa
shall be held on the third Tuesday of February
until the time be changed in the manner pre-
scribed by law.
"Sec. 3. Hiram Freidenburgh, James G.Mackey
and Luman Reed shall preside at such first
town meeting, and shall possess all powers rela-
tive to the same that justices of the peace pos-
sess at town meetings, and in case they or
either of them shall refuse or neglect to serve,
the said town meeting shall have power to sub-
stitute some elector of said town for each one
so refusing or neglecting to serve."
THOMAS COLBY.
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
In the early part of this century, there came
from the State of New Hampshire, Nicholas
Colby, who settled in the then town of
Blenheim, [now Gilboa] Schoharie County, with
his wife Sally or Sarah Howe. Here he reared
a family of twelve children. The eldest, Eli H.
Colby, married Elizabeth Mackey, and settled
in the town of Roxbury, Delaware county. Eli's
family consisted of eight children, the oldest of
whom is Thomas Colby the subject of our pres-
ent sketch. Thomas Colby was born in the
town of Roxbury, Delaware county, on the 23d
of March, 1833, and although he attended none
but a common school, yet by perseverance he
obtained a good education.
At twenty-one he was without worldly means,
save the energy and push which he so assidu-
ously cultivated, fired with the zeal, enterprise
and thrift so prominently developed later in life,
and together with the working capital of a strong
arm and determined heart, he decided as he
expressed it, to strike out for himself. He
bought the farm of 150 acres where he now
lives, and soon after added another ico acres,
all of which was in a very low state of cultiva-
tion, at the time of his purchase, and would not
keep over ten head of cattle. Mr. Colby has so
improved it that it now keeps over sixty head,
and is one of the best farms in the town of
Gilboa. It is situated on the line of the Ulster
& Delaware Railroad, which runs in the valley
below, but a few hundred yards off. His residence
is located in plain view of the Catskill mountains
which give it a pleasant and picturesque appear-
ance. He also owns another farm of about 100
acres situated one mile north of his residence,
which he works in connection with the home
farm. His farms are devoted strictly to dairy-
ing, sending milk to the New York market in
the winter season and the making of butter and
raising of stock during the summer. Mr. Colby's
stock is the Jersey, which he thinks is superior
to any other for dairy purposes. He is pre-
eminently a working man himself, and is always
with his hired help, some of whom have been
with him for years.
In politics he is a Republican, and has been
honored with several town offices. He meets
his obligations promptly, is a man of few words,
considers it beneath his dignity to hold argu-
ment with any one, and belongs to no church.
Mr. Colby has been twice married, his first wife
was Julia S. Decker.by whom he was blessed with
three children, all of whom died in infancy. By
his second wife he has had two children, Thomas,
Jr., and Emma.
Mr. Colby is a very conscientious man ; his
opinions are always fearless and honest, never
hesitating to denounce what he believes to be
wrong, because others favor it, and never court-
ing popularity at the expense of his honor.
TOWN OF CONESVILI.E.
129
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CONESVILLE.
SCENERY — MANORKILL FALLS — STRYKER BRO-
THERS' TANNERY — STEVEN'S MILL— TOLLING
A GRIST — COLBY REED — FIRST STORE — CON-
TRAST OF SCENERY — HUNTING GROUNDS —
INDIAN REIJCS — DISK PURCHASE OF LAND —
URY RICHTMYER — THE DISE SONS — LITI-
GATION— PETER RICHTMYER — His CAPTURE
BY INDIANS — ESCAPE — REBUILT HIS HOUSE —
OPENS AN INN — HUMPHREY'S — ADDITIONAL
SETTLERS — DAIRYING — PROMINENT SETTLERS
— TOWN FORMED — BOUNDARIES — JONATHAN
CONE — TOWN RECORDS.
TO the visitor approaching the town from
the east, a mountainous surface presents
itself, whose wildness impresses unfavorably
either in a fertile or romantic point of view, but
entering upon the western border with the wa-
ters of the Manorkill leaping over the precip-
itous ledge that Nature has so regularly laid as a
barrier to the inundations of the Schoharie, a
different impression is made. As the tumbling
foam dashes from rock to rock with the deep
thundering of greater falls, and sends its spray
over the path it once followed, ages upon ages
ago, our genius is at once lured to admire and
find beauty, grandeur and even romance in
each object that surrounds us. Upon the very
point of the rocks, above a crumbling wall, stands
the remnant of a once busy tanning enterprise,
built by Barent and Peter M. Stryker, in 1830.
It seems to have been a very singular location
for such a business when so many more favora-
ble ones were presented along the banks of
the stream above. The progenitors of the
Stryker family who are and have been so num-
erous in this section of the County, were two
brothers, Barent and Peter, who came from
New Jersey about the year 1800. They pur-
chaeed the lands lying around the falls and east
to the hamlet of Strykerville. Barent settled
upon the farm occupied by Rev. Loren Cole,
while Peter settled upon that of his grandson,
George H. Stryker. One of Barent's daughters
married Colby Reed, a native of Verm«mt, who
engaged in the mercantile business at Stryker
ville in connection with John Stryker, about the
year 1815. They were the first merchants.
The co-partnership was dissolved a few years
after, and Reed located at Blenheim Hill,
while Stryker continued and was followed by
Peter M., son of Peter, who built the tannery
in connection with his cousin Barent. They
also built a mill near. Gershom Stevens also
built a mill where the Thomas mill stands,
about the year 1835. Stevens was the object
of a joke, such as millers are subject to hear,
regardless of their degree of integrity. A farm-
er brought a large grist to be ground, when
three of his sons were working in the mill. The
father coming in while the grist was in the hop-
per, he asked one of the boys if he had "tolled
the grist," to which he replied " he had." An-
other son soon came round and was also asked
if " he had tolled that grist ?" Upon being an-
swered in the affirmative the old gentleman
passed out but soon returned and accosted the
third son with the question, " Have you tolled
that grist?" " Yes, sir," he replied, "I have."
" Are you sure^ou did ?" asked the father, "Yes,
sir, I am pretty sure I did." "Well, boys are so
careless," said Stevens, "I will toll it myself and
make sure of it ; boys are not always relia-
ble."
Considerable business was done in the ham-
let of Strykerville for several years, but the en-
terprise of Gilboa village proved a death stroke
to the place, In following up the stream the
fertile and well kept intervale is in deep con-
trast to the mountain sides that are still cov-
ered with the forest and present a striking idea
of the country previous to its settlement by the
whites. Here, we can imagine, were the hunt-
ing grounds of the Delawares, Mohawks and
the tribes along the Hudson, ere the stroke of
enterprise resounded to annihilate the race and
Nature's wildness. At various places along the
creek, relics of the race, such as stone arrows,
rough-hewn knives and hatchets were found by
the early settlers, each bearing a different in-
genuity, perhaps peculiar to the tribe to which
they belonged.
The lands of this town were chiefly pur-
13°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
chased by the Disc family and one Ury Richt-
myer. Letters patent of the year 17 54 were
granted to the latter for two tracts, one lying in
the western and the other in the eastern part of
the town. He settled east of the stone bridge
and died in 1769, and his was supposed to be
the first death in the town. He was a German
and became connected with several others in the
purchase of land, chief among whom was John
Disc, whose family became notorious as friends
of the Crown in the Revolution. The father
left a large property, and in his day was one of
the leading business men of Rondout. The
sons lived upon the land, and in their frequent
visits to the Hudson surprised the frugal in-
habitants by exhibiting their science in drinking
rum and throwing silver coins in the river.
They thereby became reduced financially, and
whether honorably or dishonorably, to replenish
their purses, they instituted suits against those
who had purchased and leased lands of them,
and also against Richtmyer. They were in
litigation many years in the Kings Court but
were unsuccessful in the end, and were left with
but little means. Ury Richtmyer was followed
by a son John, whose family we believe to be
extinct in the County. Mrs. Ury Richtmyer
was taken to the middle fort upon commence-
ment of hostilities in Schoharie, and died
through fright, as stated in Chapter III of this
work. Peter Richtmyer, one of three brothers
who settled at Hartman's dorf wandered off to
the Manorkill when but a young man, and
settled with Ury. He built a log-house near
where George Van Dyke's mansion stands and
cleared quite a farm by the time the war began.
While working upon the flat below the house
one afternoon, he was surprised by a squad of
Indians and a Tory and taken prisoner. The
captors had been upon a raid near the Hudson
and had a few prisoners that were bound with
cords and compelled to carry the plunder they
had obtained. Peter was driven along but his
family escaped. The party followed the creek
to the Schoharie and down that stream to the
Patchin place, where they turned up the West-
kill and encamped for the night near the saw-
mill. Peter was not bound but watched closely,
and when called upon to turn in for the night,
he jumped to escape and was confronted by a
Tory neighbor, with a musket pointed at his
breast. Seeing the gun was his own, with a
worthless flint, he pressed on past the Tory and
was urged by the fruitless click ! click ! of the
old gun. He returned to his house and after
finding his family, pushed on that night for the
Hudson where he left his wife, while he returned
to the Upper fort and did duty under Hager to
the close of the war. After that event he re-
built, and in 1789 opened an inn, the first one
in that part of the County, and began to accu-
mulate a fine property. He was followed by
his sons Abram, George and Daniel, who built
the present Van Dyke mansion, and did a pay-
ing business. Below " Richtmyer's" was an-
other hotel long known as " Humphreys," and
around those two houses the chief business at-
tractions of the town clustered for many long
years.
After the war closed, quite a number of
families from the eastern States and the older
settled portions of the County located in the town,
the Yankee climbing upon the hills while the
Dutch and Germans settled in the valleys. The
former true to his nature, adopted stock raising,
which has culminated in dairying by all classes,
and been the means of raising the standard of
the town among other towns of the County in
productiveness nearly fifty per cent within the
period of twenty -five years. The prominent
families that moved in the town in the fore part
of the century, beside those already mentioned
were : — Patrie, Shew, Scoville, Krinple, Hub-
bard, Luring, Crane, Mattice and Allerton.
Owing to the large territory of the town of
Broome and the distance the people of a goodly
portion of the town were compelled to go to
transact town business, a petition was forwarded
to the Legislature for the formation of a new
town. On the 3d of March, 1836, an act was
passed to divide the town of Broome and the
town of Durham : —
"Beginning at the centre of Schoharie Creek,
in the County of Schoharie, where the Manor
creek empties in the same ; thence north forty-
six degrees east one hundred and seventy-six
chains, to the northwest corner of a lot in Scott's
patent known as the "Leming lot," thence east
along the lines of lots in the said patent three
hundred and twenty chains to the east line of
TOWN OF CONES VI I, I. K.
said patent, thence south along the east line of the
said patent twenty-one chains to the north line
of Stringer's patent ; thence east along the north
line of the said mentioned patent, one hundred
and seventy-six chains, to the east line of the
County of Schoharie; thence southerly along
the said east line of the said County, to the
north line of the County of Greene; thence east-
wardly along the north line of the said County
of Greene, thirty-four chains : thence south two
degrees east, one hundred and sixty-six chains
to the dividing line between the towns of Dur-
ham and Windham ; thence westwardly and
northwardly along the said dividing line and the
dividing line between Durham and Prattsville,
until it intersects the noith line of the County of
Greene, thence westwardly along the said Coun-
ty line, to the centre of the said Schoharie creek,
and thence northwardly down the centre of the
said creek to the place of beginning.
"(Sec. 4). The first annual town meeting in the
said new town of Conesville, shall be held on the
third Tuesday of April next, (,837,) at the inn
f Abraham Richtmyer therein, commencing at
ten o'clock in the forenoon of that day.
"Peter Stryker, Joshua Nowlen and Chancel-
lor Spenser, or any two of them, may preside at,
conduct and record the proceedings of the first
annual town meeting, and shall have the like
power for such purpose as are vested in the jus-
tices of the peace and town clerk, by article
second, title second of chapter eleven of the
first part of the Revised Statutes; and they or
two of them, shall cause notices in writing of
the time and place of holding such first annual
)wn meeting to be posted at four or more of
the most public places in the said new town at
least eight days before the time of such meet-
ing."
^ The town was named after Rev. Jonathan
Cone, a man whose Christian qualities endeared
him to all classes throughout this part of the
country.
The earliest records of the town were lost,
and we are therefore debarred from giving them,
and favoring the reader with matter that usu-
ally proves interesting. Town records, in gen-
eral, are poorly kept and preserved, although
more care is taken at the present time than
ormerly. Too much attention has been given
to nominate officers that would make an elec-
tion sure, instead of looking for necessary quaJi-
ficat.ons, but at present all classes receiving
some educational advantages, it is hard to find
one who » so deficient as to be incompetent,
and hence a more methodical record is kept.
The following have been elected supervisors
with the years of service :
1836 — Abram Richtmyer.
l837— Joshua Nowlen.
1838— do
1839— Barent Stryker.
1840— Peter Stryker.
1841— Chancellor Spenser.
1842 — Ira Nowlen.
1 843 — Joshua Nowlen.
1844 — Chancellor Spenser.
1845— Elisha Hammond.
1846— do
1847 — Lewis P. Mattice.
1848 — William Lament.
1849 — do
1850— do
1851— William Lee.
1852— Orluff M. Humphrey.
1853— Loren P. Cole.
•854 — James Hay.
1855— Erastus Case.
1856— Lewis P. Mattice.
1857— J. D. Newell.
1858— Newel Day.
1859— Loren P. Cole.
1860 — Lewis P. Mattice.
1 86 1 — Ira D. Humphrey.
1862— Peter H. Richtmyer.
1863 — Lewis P. Mattice.
1864— Loren P. Cole.
1865— Peter Couchman.
1866— do
1867— do
1868— do
1869— do
1870— do
1871— do
1872— do
1873— Stephen J. Hitchcock.
1874—0. H. Miller.
I32
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
1875— D. B. Thorpe.
1876— do
1877 — George VanDyke.
1878 — do
T879 — Loren P. Cole.
1880 — Peter Couchman.
1 88 1 — Alexander W. Patrie.
1882— G. Gaylord.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
HON. PETER COUCHMAN.
Peter Couchman was born in the town of
Broome, July 28, 1833, and traces his an-
cestry back to Germany. His great-grandfather
came to this country about the year 1780, and
settled in Duchess county. Philip Couchman,
his father, lived in Canada a number of
years, and was living there at the outbreak of
the war between England and the United States
in 1812. He was a Whig in politics, and would
have probably remained so had he not become
disgusted with the actions of the Whigs who
lived as neighbors to him while in Canada; and
expressed their sympathies for Great Britain
while the Democrats were espousing the cause
of their country. He left the party then and
there.
The subject of our sketch is the son of Philip
Couchman and Zilpha Winans, of Albany
county • he is the youngest of a family of ten.
children, eight of whom are now living. Mr.
Couchman lived at home until his father's death
in 1857. He attended the district schools of
his native town; and in 1862 was united in
marriage to Mary Bloodgood, of Conesville.
He first entered the political field as a candidate
for Supervisor of the town of Conesville, in
1865, when he was elected by a handsome
majority. As a proof of his popularity we need
only say that he was re-elected for eight con-
secutive terms ; and again he came before the
people in 1871 as a candidate for Member of
Assembly, when he was elected, running far
ahead of his ticket ; he was re-elected the fol-
lowing year. Being a Democrat, in a Legis-
lature largely Republican, the heavy committee
work naturally fell to the party in power. Dur-
ing his first term he served on the Committee
of Internal Affairs of Towns and Counties, and
on Committee on Expenditures of the House.
During his second term he served on the Com-
mittee on Agriculture and the Committee on
Charitable and Religious institutions. Mr.
Couchman rendered good service to the
people of his County in securing for them
a deed to the lower Stone Fort in Scho-
harie, a relic of the dark and bloody days
that are connected with the history of the
County. It had been purchased by the State,
years ago for an arsenal. Adjutant-General
Rathbone recommended the sale of all the
State arsenals, this one among the number, but
through the exertion and influence of Mr.
Couchman it was deeded to Schoharie, free of
cost. The building was used as a fort and
church, and is in a remarkable state of pre-
servation. The old building is an object of
great interest, and is held more than dear by
the descendants of the glorious old patriots that
took shelter within its walls.
In 1880 Mr. Couchman was repeatedly urged
by many of the reliable Democrats to accept
of the nomination for Congress from his dis-
trict, which comprised Ulster, Greene and
Schoharie counties. The nomination would
have been equivaknt to an election, as the
district was strongly Democratic, yet Mr.
Couchman refused the proposed honor, much
against the wishes of his friends, owing to the
fact that he perceived a growing feeling in the
district against electing a Schoharie man to the
office. The wisdom of his course became ap-
parent, when, as the result of the election, the
one who was nominated from Schoharie county
was -badly beaten, and owed his defeat to this
one reason.
Of Mr. Couchman's brothers, John W. served
in the Legislature of 1860; three brothers are
ministers, Milo and John are Methodists, and
Philip is a minister of the Christian Church.
In connection with Mr. Couchman's public
career we must mention the fact that the hand-
some and commodious court-house at Scho-
.'ER COUCH 7.
I
B10GRAS -'-ITCHES,
P
Pe; inian w:>... ' Oi
•3, and traces his an-
. His great-grandfa
i he year 1780,
,aty Fhih[) Couchman,
,da a number of
•
:iglandand the United States
He was a Whig in politics, ;
:i ably ren had he m-
isted with the actions of the Whigs who
. Canada
Great Kritain
while the Democrats were .
••eir country. He left the r and
tru-
The subject of our sketch is the son of Philip
Couchman and Zilpha Winans. of A<
-. the youngest of a fas
• -i, eight of whom an
He alt- ' :rict schc
.
.
: :•-•::
! again h<
• ai a candii' .
tllL' fol-
_
•
'
.
'
.
.
- '
'•ark and
1 with t-
• icral
of all the
: number, but
influence of
'
The ln.=
•
.
great interest, < dear by
the >]• •••« old patriots
ii was repeatedly in-
cept
. : 'in his dis-
., Greene and
nomination v
.....
district was Mr.
Con. -""eh
agair ig to the
feeling ii'
I . • . : , : I I
:' tlie election, the
one who v; oharieci'
: his defv .
•n.
A
.are
- • :
s i mi Chrii
: •" • . '
.
HON. PETER COUCHMAN.
TOWN OF BROOM K.
'33
harie was built while he was in the Board of
Supervisors, and we simply write the truth when
we say that but for the position taken by him
and one or two of his associates, instead of the
fine structure we now see, there would have
been something decidedly inferior.
Mr. Couchman is a farmer, and makes his
business as such a sort of profession. A large
part of his time at home is devoted to his
library and the news of the day. His probity,
ability, and geniality, have secured to him the
confidence and esteem of the people of his dis-
trict in a marked degree. Quickness of discern-
ment, readiness of action and undoubted in-
tegrity are among his most decided character-
istics. He has been a Democratic wheel-horse
in his town for years, and is well versed in
general politics.
CHAPTER IX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BROOME.
WHEN FORMED — NAME CHANGED — CATSKILL
CREEK — INDIAN TRAIL — GENERAL ASPECT —
FIRST SETTLERS — TORIES' ROUTE — ADDI-
TIONAL SETTLERS — DANIEL SHAYS — His LIFE
— REBELLION AND DEATH— DAVID WILLIAMS—
His LIFE — INCIDENTS RELATING TO CAP-
TURE OF ANDRE— COMMENTS ON WILLIAMS AND
ANDRE — THEIR PRINCIPLES COMPARED —
WILLIAMS' DEATH — BURIAL — SON AND
GRANDSON — MOUNT WILLIAMS — LIVINGSTON-
VILLE — ASA STARKWEATHER — His OFFICIAL
LIFE — His ARGUMENT IN CONVENTION —
DEATH — ADAM MATTICE — PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH — METHODIST CHURCH — DRAFT OF
1813 — SMITHTON — HUBBARD'S — THE VLY —
SUPERVISORS — BOUNDS.
/"pHIS town was one of the original six that
were formed March i, 1797, and bore the
name of Bristol. Upon the 6th of April, 1808,
for reasons unknown to the writer, the name
was changed to Broome, in honor of the then
acting Lieutenant Governor, John Broome, who
was repeatedly elected with Daniel I). Tomp-
kins, as Governor. Undoubtedly, had not
death closed his successful and honored career
in 1811, he would have retained the position
to the close of Governor Tompkins admin-
istration, at least, in 1816, as he was so highly
admired by the people.
The Catskill creek takes its rise in this town,
and was formerly fed by a large swamp, called
the vlaie, (now pronounced rfy,) now drained,
which has been a marked locality since the
Aborigines of the country formed a path lead-
ing from the Hudson River, near Catskill, to
the Schoharie valley and the wigwams of the
western tribes of the confederation. It was
along this path following the Catskill creek,
to the Vly, that the first German settlers of the
Schoharie valley traversed (as noted in Chapter
II,)inthe wintertime of 1713. Alongthis path
also the Stockbridge and their more southern
neighboring tribes passed, to reach the hunting
grounds of Skochalie — or her medicinal waters,
long, long before the " remnant of tribes"
formed one, along the course of her beautiful
river. Perhaps along this path the Mohawk
braves traveled to meet the valiant Mohegans
in deadly strife, for the supremacy of power, and
again to pounce upon the weaker tribes of Man-
hatten and Hackensack, to extort tribute and
obedience to their King and councils. Of that
primitive and well beaten path nothing is left
but the rippling waters that so often slaked the
thirst, and guided the steps of the bold athletic
warriors through the mighty forest of giant tim-
ber. Civilization has marked a change. The
forest has disappeared; along the romantic
stream and upon the sides of the lofty hills —
spacious fields now are seen whose luxuriant
verdure are as smiles of Providence upon the
labors of intelligence and civilization. Instead
of the war whoop or death yell of the savage,
and the howling of wild beasts, that once awak-
ened the echoes of the forest, peace is found in
the grazing herds, and in the shouts of happy
and prosperous yeomen, which are heard amid
the clatter of farming implements, gathering the
abundant harvest, which was made possible
through the labors, anxieties, hopes, fears and
134
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
sacrifices of a noble race that drew inspiration
of liberty from the teachings of holy writ.
During the Revolution, but few settlers were
found within the limits of the town. But one
of whom we have any knowledge remained at
home and braved the dangers that surrounded
the border settlers. Derick Van Dyck passed
through the troublesome times, with but an oc-
casional stay at the Upper Fort, when an in-
vasion was expected, and seemed to escape the
trouble and suffering that those along the Scho-
harie creek experienced. His residence was
near the present village of Livingstonville, and
was burned by Tories in the year 1781. He
then removed to Albany and remained until the
close of the war. The Tories of the Hud-
son river that lived near Catskill, and the
Indians of the Susquehanna, kept up a con-
tinual communication with each other through
this territory, and it was here that the scouts of
the Middle and Upper Forts often came to in-
tercept the loyalists as they passed through,
and caught many from time to time and con-
veyed the royal adherents to Albany for investi-
gation and imprisonment.
Nothing of importance occurred within the
town of a warlike nature during the war, as the
settlement was too sparse to draw the enemy
for murder and plunder. At the close of the
war emigration commenced to flow in from the
river counties and Schoharie valley, beside sev-
eral from the Eastern States.
Those from the latter were: —
Asa Bushnell,
Joshua Bushnell,
Hezekiah Weston,
George Watson,
John Gillet,
Ebenezer Wickham,
George Burtwick,
Ezra Chapman,
Timothy Kelsey.
Elisha Humphry,
Lyman Burchard,
James Ellis,
Henry Rifenburgh.
All of whose families are still to be found
within the town.
Daniel Shays.— Among the pioneers of this
section was the notable Daniel Shays, the
leader of "Shay's Rebellion" in 1786 and '87.
He fled to this then isolated country and set-
tled where the village of Preston Hollow now
stands, having purchased a large tract of land,
a considerable of which lay in the town of
Broome. The General was a fine looking man
and commanded the respect of all whom he
met. His son Hiram studied law and removed
to the western part of the State. The General
died in Preston Hollow in 1821, where his
remains lie beneath a plain head-stone, while
his name is more endurably inscribed upon the
pages of history as a staunch yet mistaken ad-
vocate of libeity. He was a subaltern officer
during the Revolution and made a mark as a
brave and efficient soldier, which no doubt was
the reason his brother veterans chose him to lead
them in defiance of law or order to compel the
general court of Massachusetts to redress the
people's grievances which they claimed were
brought on by heavy taxation through official in-
competency to manage the Government.
The facts of the case we here will state, they
being so closely connected with our former citizen
it can but prove of interest to the reader. For
a few years after peace was proclaimed the
Government was simply a Revolutionary confed
eration. Each State was a sovereignty in fact,
by itself, and collected its own revenue, Con-
gress not having power to levy duties nor means
to carry on the public service only as their an-
nual requisitions for money to the several States
were honored. It was without power to issue
bills of credit, make treaties or regulate com-
merce on a permanent basis with foreign powers,
or make loans. In fact it was a Congress
only in name, as was the Government. The
consequence was every thing was in confusion.
Foreign commerce was annihilated and trade
was embarrassed. Business of every descrip-
tion became paralyzed, property depreciated
and ruin stared the whole country in the face.
Money was so scarce that when taxes were to
be paid " any useful articles," says Goodrich,
"were received in lieu of money."
The people had passed through the fiery fur-
nace of war and stood without a knowledge of
the administration of National affairs, expecting
••
that prosperity would follow without a system
or head. The people of Rhode Island, New
Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts
became openly discontented, especially in the
latter State. They met in county conventions
m 1786 and drew up addresses to the General
Court of the State, made volumes of resolves in
which they censured the Government officials
and threatened open revolt. The veterans of
the Revolution were still hot blooded and
formed large armed companies and drew to-
gether at Springfield in the winter of ^.num-
bering several thousands. They chose Daniel
Shays as their leader and prepared to march to
Boston and compel the court to redress the
people's grievances, but concluded to encamp
and petition to that body.
During the insurrectionary movements of the
discontented, the Governor ordered a force un-
der General Lincoln to march against them
and while collecting his men and marching to
the rebels' encampment a force with Shays at
their head made an attack upon the arsenal at
Springfield, in January, 1787. Upon General
Shepard, the State officer in charge, firing upon
them with a cannon they retreated in confusion
and the whole force withdrew to Pelham. When
Lincoln came up with his force several engage-
ments occurred between small parties, each of
which sickened the insurgents and made the
leaders' spirits droop. Lincoln marched to
Pelham to engage with Shays, while Shays
marched backwards earnestly begging, through
messengers, to negotiate for a pardon. But
Lincoln was not to be trifled with and de-
manded a surrender. Shays retreated from one
P»mt to another until some time in February,
when Lincoln suddenly pounced upon him at
Petersham and put the whole force to rout
Shays made tracks for New York State as he
was unable to make a stand against the State
troops. The army of insurgents soon laid
down their arms and peace once more dawned
over the scene. General Shays received a par-
don in 1788 and sought the quiet of this town
to hide himself from the world. He possessed
considerable of this world's goods and lived the
life of a gentleman, undoubtedly well pleased
with the leniency shown him by the austere
government of old Massachusetts.
'35
Following Shays came one of America's no-
blest patriots, David Williams.
DariJ //•////,„,„ was one of the captors of
Major Andre, and one whose name will resound to
all futurity as a true and unswerving patriot
David Williams, Isaac VanWart, John Pauld-
mg ! At the mention of their names, what as-
surances of fidelity to country, principle, and
manly work, lift the student above the corrupt
bickerings that fill the pages of our National
histories, and arouse a pride in the integrity of
the uncouth yeomen that battled against royalty
and bequeathed to us our liberties.
Coming to us from such sources and through
such constancy and devotion, their value is en-
hanced and honor unstained. Of him who
honored our County by choosing Broome's ro-
mantic hill-sides as his home, we extract from
the Albany Daily Advertiser the biography
dictated by himself but a few months previous
to his death, in which the circumstances of
Andre's capture are related.
" I was horn in Tarrytown, then called Philips
Manor, Westchester county, N. Y., October
21, 1754- I entered the army in 1775, at the
age of 21, and was under General Montgomery
at the siege of Fort St. John, and afterwards on
board the flat-bottomed boats to carry provision
Served out my time which was six months and
enlisted again in the spring of ,776, and con-
tinued in the service by different enlistments,
as a New York militiaman until 1779, etc.
In 1778, when in Captain Acker's company
of New York militia, at Tarrytown, I asked
his permission to take a walk in company
with William VanWart, a boy sixteen or seven-
teen years old and proceeded with him, to the
cross-roads on Tompkins' ridge. We stood
looking a few moments and saw five men com-
ing, who had firearms ; we jumped over a stone
fence and concealed ourselves in a corner of it
and observed that they were armed with two mus-
kets and three pistols. They came so near that
we recognized two of them, viz: Wm. Underhill
and Wm. Mosher, who were Tories, and known
to be of DeLancey's corps. When they came
within proper distance, I said to my companion,
'Billy, neck or no joint !' I then said aloud, as if
speaking to a number, with a view of intimidat-
136
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ing them, ' Men make ready ?' They stopped
immediately. I then told them to ground their
arras, which they did. I then said, ' March
away,' and they did so. I then jumped over
the fence, secured their arms, and made them
march before us to our quarters. I con-
tinued in the service until a week or ten days
before the year 1780. In December, 1779,
Captain Daniel Williams, who was commander
of our company, mounted us on horses, and he
went to Morrisania, Westchester county. We
swept all Morrisania clear, took probably $5,000
worth of property, and returned to Tarrytown
and quartered at Young's house. My feet being
frozen, my uncle Martinus Van Wart, took me
to his house. I told Captain Williams that the
enemy would soon be at Young's, and that if he
remained there he would be on his way to Mor-
risania before morning, but he paid no atten-
tion to my remarks — he did not believe me.
In the course of the night a woman came to my
uncle's crying, ' Uncle Martinus ! Uncle Mar-
tinus !' The truth was, the British had sur-
rounded Young's house, made prisoners of all
the company except two, and burnt the barn.
Having got well of my frozen feet, on the jd
of June, 1780, we were all driven from Tarry-
town to the upper part of Westchester county,
in the town of Salem. We belonged to no or-
ganized company at all, were under no com-
mand, and worked for our board or johnny-cake.
Isaac Van Wart, who was a cousin of mine [the
father of Williams and mother of VanWart were
brother and sister,] Nicholas Storms and my-
self went to Tarrytown on a visit. We carried
our muskets with us, and on our way took a
Quaker, who said he was going to New York
after salt and other things. The Quaker was
taken before the American authority and ac-
quitted. In July or August a number of per-
sons, of whom I was one, went on a visit to our
friends in Tarrytown, and while on the way
took ten head of cattle, which some refugees
were driving to New York, and, on examina-
tion before the authority, the cattle were restored
to their right owners, as they pleaded innocence,
saying they were stolen from them. I then
returned to Salem, and worked with a Mr. Bene-
dict for my board, until the 22d of September.
It was about one o'clock p M., as I was standing I
in the door with Mr. Benedict's daughter (who
was afterward my wife,) when I saw six men
coming. She remarked, ' They have got guns.'
I jumped over a board fence and met them.
' Boys,' said I, ' where are you going ? ' They
answered ' we are going to Tarrytown.' I then
said 'if you will wait until I get my gun I will
go with you.' The names of the six persons
were, Isaac VanWart, John Paulding, William
Williams, John Yerks and James Romer, the
name of the sixth I have forgotten. We pro-
ceeded about fifteen miles that night, and slept
in a hay barrack. In the morning we crossed
Buttermilk hill, when John Paulding proposed
to go to Isaac Reed's and get a pack of cards
to divert ourselves with. After procuring them
we went out to Davis' hill, where we separated,
leaving four on the hill and three, viz: Van-
Wart, Paulding and myself, proceeded on the
Tarrytown road about one mile and concealed
ourselves in the bushes on the west side of the
road, and commenced playing cards three
handed, that is, each one for himself. We had
not been playing more than an hour, when we
heard a horse galloping across a bridge but a
few yards from us. Which of us spoke I do
not remember, but one of us said, ' there comes
a trader going to New York.' We stepped out
from our concealment and stopped him. ' My
lads,' said he, ' I hope you belong to our party.'
We asked him 'what party?' he replied, 'the
lower party.' We told him we did. He then said,
' I am a British officer, have been up the coun-
try on particular business, and would not wish
to be detained a minute,' and as a token to con-
vince us he was a gentleman, he pulled out and
showed us his gold watch ; we then told him we
were Americans. ' God bless my soul,' said he,
'a man must do any thing these times to get
along,' and then showed us Arnold's pass. We
told him it would not satisfy us without search-
ing him. ' My lads,' said he, ' you will bring
yourselves into trouble.' We answered, ' we did
not fear it,' and conducted him about seventy
rods into the woods. My comrades appointed
me to search him ; commencing with his hat, I
searched his person effectually, but found
nothing until I pulled off his boot, when we dis-
covered that something was concealed in his
stocking. Paulding caught hold of his foot and
TOWN OK IJROOMK.
'37
exclaimed, ' by G — d, here it is !' I pulled off
his stocking, and inside of it, next to the sole of
his foot, found three half sheets of paper inclosed
in another half sheet which was indorsed ' West
Point' ; and on pulling off the other boot and
stocking, I found three like papers, inclosed
and indorsed as the others. On reading them,
one of my companions said, ' by G — d, he is a
spy /' We then, asked him where he got those
papers? he told us, of a man at Pine's bridge,'
but he slid he ' did not know his name.' He
offered us his gold watch, his horse, saddle,
bridle and 100 guineas, if we would let him go;
we told him 'no, unless he would inform us
where he got the papers.' He answered us as
before, but increased his offer to 1,000 guineas,
his horse, etc.; we told him again we would not
let him go ; he then said, ' gentlemen, I will
give you 10,000 guineas' [nearly $50,000] 'and
as many dry goods as you will ask ; conceal me
in any place of safety while you can send to
New York with an order to Sir Henry Clinton
from me, and the goods and money will be
procured so that you can get them unmolested.'
[Paulding then told him, as he stated on the
trial of Joshua H. Smith, a few days after the
arrest] : ' No, by G — d, if you would give us
10,000 guineas you should not stir a step ; we are
Americans, and above corruption, and go with us
you must.' We then took him, about twelve miles,
to Col. Jamieson's quarters at North Castle."
The account of the capture is an old story in
history but should be ever new to Americans
and all lovers of manly principle. Mr. Williams
and his honored comrades were chided by the
emissaries of royalty as "roving renegades,"
and their motives* were questioned, while those
of them captives were applauded by pen and
tongue. We of to-day may look upon the com-
rades as sturdy yeoman, clad in homely attire,
burned by the exposure of sun and storms and
with minds and forms untutored by scholastic
advantages or courtly graces, while with Andre,
his mind, body and aspirations were the off-
spring of royal culture from the lap of luxury
and pretended virtue. The three were on duty
without pay to intercept " unlawful intercourse
with the enemy," and boldly wandered here and
*See Appendix.
there without disguise or wantonness. Andre
was on a mission degrading in the estimation
of Christian soldiery, sneaking in disguise to the
citadel of an honorable adversary and subtly
winning a weak and unsteady heart, fired by a
jealous and maddened brain, to betray all prin-
ciples of honor and every characteristic of pa-
triotism, for gold. And when the royal siren,
through the admired affability of his address
had accomplished his object, with assumed
name and garments he bent his course to de-
liver up to his commander that which he had so
dishonorably obtained, and bask once more in
luxury and the petted tamperings of the giddy
society of New York. But " halt ! " is the com-
mand, and when the three stepped forth and
their demands and nationality were made known,
then again the subtlety of the man so much ad-
mired and honored was brought in requisition.
But he had not met an Arnold this time, or
men whose appearance or principles were as-
sumed. "We are Americans!" was their in-
troduction, " what are you ? " Andre had already
told, but not possessing that steadfast patriotism
that filled the hearts of Williams, Van Wart
and Paulding, he disowned his country and
claimed allegiance to that, which the papers he
hid in his boots, were to enslave.
Again money, goods and undoubtedly British
glory were offered for the corruption of their
hearts, but again we say he had not met an Ar-
nold ! The pall fell over the hopes of Clinton,
treason of Arnold and the strategy and corpse
of Andre, while veneration and the blessings of
a grateful people and an immortal renown fell
upon the three brave and steadfast patriotic
yeomen ! Williams died on the 2nd of August,
1 83 1, at the age of seventy-seven, and was buried
at Livingstonville with military honors, where
his ashes lay until the 4th of March, 1876, when
they were removed to Rensselaerville, and on
the i gth of July following they were again dis-
turbed and now lie beneath an appropriate
monument near the stone fort at Schoharie,
particularly described in another portion of this
work. Mr. Williams left an only son, David W.
Williams, who retained the farm and who, with
the father has passed away leaving two sons,
William C. and Daniel, to perpetuate the family
name. The homestead is upon the mountain
138
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
north of Livingstonville and should give to the
elevation the name of Mount Williams.
LIVINGSTONVILLE.
This small yet picturesque village is upon the
Catskill creek and surrounded by giant hills,
whose rough appearance denotes unproductive-
ness. Yet, while the labor is greater in culti-
vating, we find their productiveness copes very
favorably with more level sections. The origi-
nal settlers were chiefly Yankees, whose fascina-
tion can only be satisfied by lofty hills, bubbling
springs and rushing streams, with herds of cattle
and sheep surrounding him and growing in value
while he without fear of the return of another
day enjoys the noon day nap and the thoughts
of others from his welcome newspaper or favorite
book.
This village contained but one house in 1812
and was not a center of business _ until about
the year 1820. Previous to that date the " Fris-
bee tavern" farther down the valley was the
center where the people of the neighborhood
met to hear and tell the news, obtain their mail
and cogitate upon the unjust oppressions of their
landlords, the Livingstons. That family, own-
ing a large tract of land within the town and
Albany county adjoining, stationed a relative,
Asa Starkweather, here in 1810 to look after
their interests in the sale and leasing of land
and collection of rents.
Asa Starkweather was a native of New Lon-
don, Conn., and a mechanic. He began busi-
ness in New York City but was unsuccessful
and settled here at the age of thirty-seven.
In 1820 he was appointed one of the dele-
gates to the State Constitutional Conven-
tion, in which he took an active part in de-
bate, especially upon the appointing powers.
In his speech the sth of October, 1820, he
said: —
"The principle cause of complaint by the
great body of yeomanry against the present
council of appointment has not specifically been
mentioned by any gentleman of the committee.
It is not because the person appointed happened
to be of different political principles ; nor be-
cause members of the legislature interfere with
the council and mingle their official duties with
political considerations; but because bad men
are sometimes appointed, who are in fact a ter-
ror to those who do well.
"The charity and good feeling of the farmers
induce them to believe that the respectable
council did not know their private characters :
consequently, the electors say, 'bring the ap-
pointments to the people.' Sir, by this they do
not mean to bring the appointments directly to
the ballot boxes ; they do not wish additional
confusion and turmoil there. But they want a
selection made, where the characters of the can-
didates are known ; and if the selection is made
by the Board of Supervisors, and Judges of the
county court, they must know the character of
every man they recommend, and they dare not
recommend a bad man, the ghost of public
clamour would haunt them in their dreams ; and
by this mode of selection the people would be
safe ; it is the best plan that has been suggested
and I shall vote for it. But let us for one mo-
ment consider the plan of election. It is a fact
that immoral men can bring more votes to the
polls than any moral, good man ; and if they
are not directly the candidates, they will have
their friend for a candidate, and by using their
influence and rallying their satellites, will lay
him under obligations to favor them in his offi-
cial capacity ; consequently a remedy for the
evil would not be found here. The Gentleman
from New York is opposed to the amendment,
because it gives to the executive the appointing
power, who is not responsible for the appoint-
ments.
" Sir, I am willing to give this power to the
executive, because we ask no responsibility
from him. He cannot do wrong unless he
travels out of the two lists of candidates, and
this he cannot do by the amendment proposed.
Sir, it has been urged that no possible good
could arise from having the Governor appoint
and commission the Justices of the peace. In
answer to this, as the executive is commander-
in-chief of the militia, and whose official duty
is to see that the laws are faithfully executed, it
is highly proper that every commissioned officer
should receive his authority from the chief mag-
istrate, and to whom he should be accountable
for the faithful performance of his duty."
TOWN OF BROOMK.
Mr. Starkweather was not placed upon any
committee and his views upon the various sub-
jects brought before the convention, did not
receive the approval of the majority. He ap-
peared to be strongly in favor of centralization,
and giving the right of suffrage only to property
owners, and men of lucrative positions. He
died on the loth of August, 1846, at the age of
sixty-three years and eight months, and was
buried in the old cemetery. His wife was Mary
Robinson, who died in April, 1862, in the sev-
enty-ninth year of her age. Beside them lie
Mrs. Starkweather's father and mother, James
and Sarah Robinson, who passed several years
with their daughter, in her secluded home.
Adam Mattice.— In our rambles to the new
cemetery, upon the hill-side, south of the vil-
lage, we were led to the grave of one of Broome's
representative men, Adam Mattice.
Mr. Mattice was a careful business man and
held various local offices in the town and gave
universal satisfaction to his people who elected
him to the office of supervisor in 1832 and '34,
when he made himself prominent as an official,
which gained for him the nomination and elec-
tion of sheriff in 1834. During his term of
office, considerable discontent was made mani-
fest by the Livingston tenants in this portion of
the County, but Mr. Mattice faithfully performed
his duties without incurring the displeasure of his
Anti-Rent neighbors. In 1848 he was elected
to the State Legislature from the Eastern dis-
trict with James Parsons, of Leesville, and in
1 86 1 was once more sent to the board of super-
visors.
Becoming an old man he retired from busi-
ness and official cares, and died at his home on
the loth of January, 1868, at the age of seventy-
five. His wife, Nancy Winans lived till De-
cember, 1 8, !874, when she followed her hus-
band at the ripe old age of eighty-two.
'39
The Presbyterian Church of Livingstonville
is the oldest religious organization in town, and
upon its organization in 1817 as a Congre-
gational church, was the only one of that denom-
ination in the County. Their meetings were
held in private residences and the school house
until theyear ,83,, when the present edifice was
erected.
The year previous it was changed to a Pres-
byterian organization. The first members were
seven in number, as follows:
George Stimson and wife,
Asa Bushnell and wife,
Rhoda Clark,
Sally Stimson,
Asa Starkweather.
The first elders were :
Asa Starkweather,
Joshua Bushnell,
Timothy Kelsey,
Asa Bushnell.
The present ones are : —
Robert Bortwick,
Arthur Bortwick,
E. W. Dutton.
Mr. Dutton to whom we are indebted for in-
formation in regard to this church, and present
clerk, states that S. R. Gray was the first pas-
tor, and B. D. Wyckoff the present, but is un-
able to give a list of those in the intervening
time.
Julius Dutton. — Among the early settlers of
this section was Julius Dutton who died July
27, i8?°r at the age of seventy-nine. Of him
the Schoharie Republican of that date says :
" Mr Dutton was eleven years of age when he
settled in Broome, from Litchfield county,
Connecticut. During a long and eventful life
he filled many responsible positions, always
discharging the trusts reposed in him with sig-
nal ability and fidelity. He was during a period
of thirty-nine years a member of the Presby-
terian church and thirty-eight years a deacon of
the same. He was twice married and was the
father of thirteen sons, eleven of whom, with his
widow survive him.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of this place
was organized about theyear 1824, by the Rev.
John Bangs, long a circuit preacher and pre-
siding elder in the New York conference. The
records not being accessible, we are indebted to
I4o
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the memory of Mr. R. Ellis, long a member of
the society and the present class-leader. James
Ellis, the father of our informant was one of the
leading ones in the organization.
The first trustees were : —
Elisha Humphrey,
Lyman Burchard
Henry Rifenburgh.
The first church building was erected down
the valley about one half a mile, in a pine
grove, and removed to the present site in 1845.
The membership is forty and supports in con-
nection a progressive Sabbath school.
DRAFT OF 1813.
The first quota drawn in 1812 for the defence
of the Northern borders against British invasion,
had become depleted by an epidemic that raged
fearfully in the camps, and the enemy making
extensive preparations for the campaign of
1813, the government was forced to call for
more men, and ordered a draft from the ranks
of the militia, requiring every fourth man. To
Mr. Ellis we are indebted for the list drawn
from this town. The militia company met at
the "Frisbee house," and the following were
drawn : —
Joseph A. Rawley,
Carly Robinson,
Amos Series,
Daniel Series,
Heman Roe,
Walter Winans,
Jeremiah Reed,
Bates Reed,
Peter Bunker,
William See,
Blaisdel Dickinson.
Peter Bunker was a deputy sheriff in 1819,
and while in office died at Schoharie.
SMITHTOWN.
Aaron and Giles H. Hubbard settled at this
place in the beginning of the century, and were
two well educated and enterprising men. The
latter was a graduate of Union College and
fitted himself for the law, but was called upon
to succeed Abraham Keyser as Sheriff of the
County. He received the appointment on the
9th of February, 1819, and served until Febru-
ary 12, 1821.
Aaron was elected to the Legislature in 1816
and '17, with Isaac Barber and Peter A. Hilton,
and again in 1819 with Jedediah Miller and
Peter Swart, Jr. Both of these gentlemen held
local offices, but at what time we are unable to
say as the early records of the town are not ac-
cessible. Aaron exchanged his farm with
Comfort Smith for four hundred acres of land
in " New Connecticut " or Ohio, upon which '
he removed, where the city of Cleveland now
stands. The exchange made the family im-
mensely wealthy, as they continue to hold .the
title to a goodly share of the original farm which
was divided into city lots.
Smithtown was the name given to the hamlet
after Mr. Smith became a resident.
The Christian Church of this place was or-
ganized, and a house of worship built in 1859,
under the patronage of Rev. Mr. Roberts. The
society are energetic and sincere in their liberal
views of belief, and call to their pulpit able
men.
FRANKLINTON, OR " THE VLY."
The Rev. Charles S. Duncan, an energetic
and thorough Methodist preacher, organized
the Methodist Episcopal Church at this place in
1828. At one time during Rev. Mr. Duncan's
pastorate, the congregation assembled to listen
to his sermon, when he became suddenly in-
disposed and sent his two sons (at present
living, Joel and William,) then mere lads, to
give the people notice that there would not be
any preaching. The boys considered them-
selves capable of leading in the services and
entered the house with the dignity of riper
years, and requested the people to be seated.
William led in a long prayer, and was followed
by Joel with an exhortation, after which a
hymn was sung and the congregation dismissed.
The society built the present edifice in 1845,
and it proved a nucleus around which the vil-
lage has grown and become a center for the
farming community to find mechanics and
tradesmen for repairs and domestic supplies.
TOWN OF BROOM I.
141
The " Vly " was drained by the farmers owning
portions of it nearly thirty years ago, which gave
to them valuable land in too great contrast to
the hill-sides that surround it. Here might be
obtained the best water power in the County by
building aqueducts at each outlet to hold the
water, so abundantly supplied by springs. The
enterprise and capital of the Eastern States
would here create a business that would soon
overbalance the whole town in value of produc-
tion by establishing factories of different char-
acters.
SUPERVISORS. "
The records of this town have not been kept
with that care they should have received, and
from time to time have been borrowed by piece-
meal and not returned. Being one of the first
towns formed, the early records could but be
interesting and valuable. We copy the super-
visors elected, from the earliest dates that
could be found : —
1830—8. Bortle.
1831 — Barent Stryker.
1832—8. Bortle.
1833 — Adam Mattice.
1834 — do
1835 — Joseph Scofield.
1836— W. J. Mackey.
1837— Joseph Scofield.
1838— do
1839 — Daniel Jackson.
1840— Henry Tibbetts.
1841— William W. Stewart.
1842— Hiram Mace.
1843 — A. Stanton.
1844 — Nelson Fanning.
1845 — Martin B. Thomas.
1846 — Philip Couchman.
1847 — Anson Clark.
1848— Wilkeson Wilsey.
1849 — George Cheritree.
1850 — Wilkeson Wilsey.
1851 — George Cheritree.
1852 — E. Benjamin.
1853 — Lyman Hulburt.
1854 — Ogden Benjamin.
1855 — James F. Connor.
1856 — Robert C. Leonard.
|SS7 — Ogden Benjamin.
1858— Robert C. Leonard.
1859 — E. Benjamin.
1860— E. A. Wightman.
1 86 1 — Adam Mattice.
1862 — E. A. Wightman.
1863 — James F. Connor.
1864 — Andrew Graham.
1865 — Hiram Sornberger.
1866— George W. Ellis.
1867— do
1868— R. Benjamin.
1869— do
1870 — Nelson Rust.
1871 — do
1872— Wilkeson Wilsey.
1873— do
1874 — Ira Benjamin.
1875 — Nelson Rust.
1876 — George A. Dutton.
i877 — J°hn H. Mattice.
1 87 8— Wesley Rifenburgh.
1879 — do
1880 — Erastus Almy.
1 88 1 — Myron Losee.
1882— do
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY.
1816 — Aaron Hubbard.
1817 — do
1819 — do
1828 — Henry Devereaux.
1845 — Adam Mattice.
1852 — Seymour Sornberger.
^55 — Wilkeson Wilsey.
1860 — John W. Couchman.
SHERIFFS.
Giles H. Hubbard, appointed February 9,
1819.
Adam Mattice, elected November, 1834.
COUNTY SCHOOL COMMISSIONER.
Nelson Rust, elected 1837.
BOUNDARIES.
By the act of 1813 the town of Broome was,
after the towns of Blenheim, Middleburgh,
Schoharie, Cobleskill, Carlisle and Sharon, thus
defined : —
142
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
" And all that part of the said County of
Schoharie bounded on the north by Middle-
burgh, on the east and south by the bounds of
the County, and on the west by Blenheim, shall
be and continue a town by the name of
Broome."
CHAPTER X.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF JEFFERSON.
WHEN SETTLED — BY WHOM- — INTEREST IN EDU-
CATION— FIRST TOWN MEETING — EFFORT TO
CHANGE THE NAME OF TOWN — HEMAN Hic-
KOK — JEFFERSON ACADEMY — DONATORS —
STEPHEN JUDD'S DONATION OF FARM —
TEACHERS IN ACADEMY — PRESENT SCHOOL —
TANNERIES — PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — MER-
CHANTS — PHYSICIANS — JUDD FAMILY — SO-
CIETIES—MASONIC—GRAND ARMY REPUBLIC-
METHODIST CHURCH — WEST KILL METHOD-
IST CHURCH — GALT'S HISTORY OF THE
METHODIST SOCIETY OF THE TOWN — REVO-
LUTIONARY INCIDENTS— SMITH STREET— TORY
CLAWSON — TAKEN PRISONER — SMITH FAMILY
— BATTLE AT LAKE — OFFICIAL — SUPERVISORS
— GENERAL APPEARANCE OF TOWN — THE
LAKE — TRYON COUNTY LINE — REBELLION —
AMOUNT OF TOWN BONDS ISSUED — BOUN-
DARIES.
'"PHE town of Jefferson was first settled by
_|_ New England people in 1793 and 1794,
whose energy made her lofty hills and winding
valleys prototypes of the old Berkshires of Mas-
sachusetts and the Lebanon hills of Connecticut.
When Stephen Marvin, Erastus Judd, James
McKenzie, Henry Shelmandine, Marvin and
Stephen Judd, Ezra Beard, James Hubbard,
and others of equal vim settled here, a spirit of
progression unlike that attending the settlers of
other towns, excepting the eastern part of
Wright, made itself manifest in two features,
that are to-day, and ever will be, the attractive
ones of the town. The first is the lively interest
in education, and the second the application of
those advantages derived, to the systematic pro-
gression of agriculture as shown in the general
appearance of the town and total production.
But a few years elapsed before others from
New England and the Hudson river counties
followed the Yankee pioneers and with them
took measures in establishing a separate town,
wherein their puritanic ideas of government
might be adopted without an amalgamation of
sentiment as when under the jurisdiction of
Blenheim, which was controlled by the "Scho-
harie Dutch," (so called).
A petition was forwarded to the Legislature
in January, 1803, for the formation of a new
town and upon the I2th of the following month
an act was passed to that effect and giving to
the territory thus set off, the name of Jefferson.
The First Town Meeting was held at the
house of Stephen Judd, then an inn, on the ist
day of March and the following officers elected
by ballot :—
Supervisor — Ezra Beard.
Clerk— William P. Hilton.
Assessors — James Hubbard, Stephen Judd,
Marcus Andrews.
Collector — John P. North.
Overseers of Poor — Stephen Judd, Andrew
Beard.
Commissioners of Highways — Joseph P. Nor-
thrup, John H. Pratt, Stephen Judd.
Constables — John Fletcher, Joseph P. Nor-
thrup, Jacob Jones, Morris Kiff.
Fence Viewers — Lewis M. Loud, Heman
Hickok, Stephen Judd, Elam Gibbs, Conrad
Snook.
Pound Masters— William P. Hilton, William
Carpenter.
Path Masters — Joseph P. Northrup No. i,
Stephen Judd, Isaac Hickok, James Hubbard,
Joseph McKinsea, Stephen West, Asa Morse,
Zadock Barrett, Benjamin Bruce, John Beach,
Heman Hickok, Morris Kiff, Martemus B. Van-
Buren, James Clark, Charles Near, William P.
Hilton.
TOWN OF JEFFERSON.
M3
Several years after, an effort was made by
when there are thirty shares subscribed, and
the citizens of a village bearing the name of Jef-
there shall not be less than five or more than
ferson, in the western part of the State, we
nine directors, and to hold their offices during
think, now Watkins, Chemung county, to
the pleasure of the majority of the company ;
change the name of this village and postoffice,
and the directors shall elect out of their num-
as mail matter was forwarded to the one office,
ber a President ; and the president shall have
that was intended for the other, and caused no
full power to call a meeting of the company, by
little trouble. Petitions were sent to the Legisla-
giving public notice ten days preceding the day
ture and Post Office Department from the west-
of meeting, by an advertisement to be put on
ern village, and counter ones were sent from
the door of the building, and it shall be the duty
this place, among which, was one drawn with
of the President to call a meeting of the com-
a map attached, representing the village to be a
pany by a written request of ten of the stock-
respectable sized city, with a large park, and
holders.
various public buildings, proving the western
name-sake to be but a little hamlet by the side
February 25, 1812.
of it. A long list of petitioners, including male
children, accompanied the whole. The case
was decided at the Department in Washington,
Rev. William Salsbury, i share $ 25.00
Stephen Judd, 12 do 300.00
Erastus Judd, 4 do 100.00
in favor of this place.
J
Asa At wood, i do 25.00
Among the early settlers was Heman Hickok,
Philip A. Koon, i do 25.00
whom it will be seen was a prominent man
Joseph L. Barnet, i do -5-°°
upon the first ticket elected. He was the first
Peter Decker, i do 25.00
school teacher and a very fine scholar, and took
Ezra Beard, 6 do 150.00
a deep interest in educational affairs. Through
Jacob Jones, 2 do 50.00
his influence the people were aroused at an early
Marvin Judd, i do 25.00
date to establish a first class school, which cul-
Edward E. Davis, i do 25.00
minated in the Jefferson Academy.
Grove Eggleston, i do 25.00
The Jefferson Academy : — The following sub-
Wm. Hanfield, i do 25.00
scription was drawn by Hickok, and presented
to the leading families of the County to raise
John Daley, i do 25.00
Joseph P. Northrup, 2 do 50.00
an amount of money, sufficient to build and
Augustus Judd, i do 25.00
establish a school, the year preceding the
Aaron Atchinson, i do 25.00
building, which was commenced in 1812.
Samuel Baker, i do 25.00
O*
Eph Potter, i do 25.00
"We, whose names are hereunto subscribed
Eph Warner, i do 25.00
for the encouragement of literature, the pros-
Benjamin Mony, i do 25.00
perity of the rising generation, and the good of
Charles Mason, i do 25.00
mankind, do enter into an agreement for the
Demas Judd, i do 25.00
purpose of building an academy, which is to
Freegift Patchin, i do 25.00
stand near, or on the ground known as the Mili-
David Wiltne, t do 25.00
tary Square, in the town of Jefferson, and we
Isaac Martin, i do 25.00
do hereby form ourselves into a company, and
Isaac M. Martin, i do 25.00
our subscription is to be signed in shares of
Abner Bissell, i do 25.00
twenty-five dollars each, and each share entitled
Jas. and Wm. Stewart, i do 25.00
to a vote, and we do bind ourselves, our heirs,
Stephen W. Judd, i do 25.00
executors and administrators, to pay to a board
of directors, or their agent, the several sums
The building frame was erected in the latter
annexed to our names, according to the order
part of 1812, and not having a sum sufficient
or direction of the said board of directors, which
to finish the structure, a subscription was taken
directors shall be chosen by the stockholders
to Schoharie and received the following signa-
144
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
tures and the sums set opposite their names
were subscribed and paid.
Harmonus Bouck, 15-75 Pd- $ 2O-°°
Wm. C. Bouck, X 15.00
Peter Swart, Esq., 10.00 pd 12.00
Isaac Marelen, Esq.,
Joseph Borst, Jun.,
John Gebhard, Esq., 5-°°
Henry Burke & Co., Esq., X 10.00
Henry Hager, Esq., I2-°°
Peter H. Hilton, Esq., S-oo
Heman Hickok, Esq., 12-°°
Peter Vrooman, Esq., $2.00 pd. 4.00
Michael Borst, Esq., X 5.00
Henry Mandle, 5-°°
Jacob Peek, 2.00
Benjamin Miles, i°.oo
Abram Keyser, Jun., X 2.00
Peter Swart, Esq., 5-°°
Jabez W. Throop, X 5.00
William Dietz, Esq., pd 2.00
George Sherwood, X 2.00
Joseph Bouck, 3-°°
John Hager, 500 feet pine boards, 5.00
Daniel Hager, 2.00
Peter N. Javill, i-oo
Peter P. Snyder, X 2.00
Jacob Gebhard, X 5.00
John Ingold, 10.00
Benjamin Waldren, 'X 2.00
Samuel Southworth, X i.oo
John Woolcott, X 2.00
Henry Shafer, i.oo
Jonah Hager, X i.oo
John Bouck, X i.oo
General Adam Vrooman, 3.00
Thomas Lawyer, Esq., 10.00
Stephen Lawrence, X 3.00
Barthomen Swart, 32 c pd 2.00
Isaac Best, Esq., i.oo
P. J. House, Esq., X 10.00
Asa Starkweather, X 2.00
Nicholas Feeck, X .50
George Danforth, Esq., X i.oo
M. Olover, Esq., X
Mr. Dow, X
By degrees the building was erected, and first
occupied by a school in 1817, although in the
interim the Rev. Wm. Salsbury taught a select
i.oo
i.oo
school at his residence. He was also the first
Principal of the Academy.
In 1 8 1 7 Stephen J udd gave a deed of one hun-
dred and eight rods of land, (the present vil-
lage green) to his brother, William Judd, for
the use of the Academy, which, as the writing
;ays, " was intended for the instruction and
education of youth in the arts and sciences."
The year previous Stephen Judd also made a
will in which he gave to his wife the aforesaid
mentioned one hundred and eight rods of land,
with others, for her natural life, and after her
death to become the property of the directors
of the Academy for its support. Upon the 8th
of June, 1821, the testator died and the wife
became owner of the land and remained so
until October, 1835, wnen she conveyed such
land 1o the "trustees or directors and their
successors in office." In November, 1824,
Stephen W. Judd, nephew of the testator,
petitioned to the Legislature for an act of cor-
poration, "to the end and for the purpose, among
other things, that it may take, hold, occupy and
possess, the lands aforesaid according to the
true intent and meaning of the last will and
testament of the testator." The act was passed
November 20, 1824, and said that " Marvin
Judd, Ezra Beard, Jesse Brockway, Abner Bis-
sell, Aaron Tyler, Jacob Jones, John Daley,
Russel G. Beard, and also such other persons
as now are, or shall hereafter become members
of the society, shall be and are hereby ordained,
constituted and declared to be a body corporate
and politic, in fact and in name, by the name
of the Jefferson Academy."
The building when fully completed, which
was about 1822, was forty-five feet square and
three stories in height. It cost about four
thousand dollars, and stood in front of the
present Union school-house. Although the in-
stitution was begun under very favorable cir-
cumstances, yet it did not seem to prosper. At
least, long intermissions would intervene with-
out school, and the building did not receive
needed repairs. While the school was in pro-
gress it was one of the best, and for those
early days well sustained in numbers of scholars.
The following list of teachers whom many will
remember with the most pleasing associations,
TOWN OF JEFFERSON.
conducted the school from time to time, but in
what years we are unable to tell :
Rev. William Salsbury, a highly educated
gentleman.
Ethan Pratt.
Hamilton Van Dyke, 1826.
Thomas McArthur.
R. R. Wells, and Miss — Norton, assistant.
Horatio Waldo and wife.
William Frazier and Miss — Norton assistant.
John Wolcott.
Bennett Boughton.
Adam Craig.
A. Reily.
Samuel Kinney.
Mr. Whittlesey.
Nathaniel Pine and daughter.
Rev. Charles Chapman.
Hale Joseph, or Joseph Hale.
Cornelius Ward.
Charles Smith.
Alfred Higby, and Miss Hotchkiss, assistant.
Miss — Smith.
Mr. Harper.
C. Ward.
Miss Christopher.
Mary Rodgers, the last teacher, whose school
closed in May, 1851.
In the will of Stephen Judd it was mentioned
that the property should revert to the heirs of
his brother, Freeman Judd, when the Academy
was not used for school purposes. Joshua H.
Judd, a grandson of Freeman, and son of
Stephen W. Judd, commenced proceedings
against the Jefferson Academy in November,
1851, for the recovery of the property devised
r the benefit of the school, on the grounds
that the trust imposed upon the trustees had
been broken. A heavy suit was the conse-
quence, in which the heir was the victor. An
appeal from the decision was made before Hon.
A. J. Parker, at the May Circuit Court of 1852^
but the decision was affirmed and the old Jeffer-
son Academy became a thing only in name.
In its stead we find one of the most pleasant
school buildings in the County, and within, a
Union School," formed in the spring of 1878,
that is of the same degree, consisting of two
departments under the supervision of first-class
teachers. In front is the one hundred and
eight rods of land that Stephen Judd early set
off for training grounds and lastly for the
Academy site. It is still the property of the
Judd heirs, but as long as the villagers use the
grounds as a park and they are not put to private
use, a promise is given that it will remain as it
is. It is the " Yankee feature " of the place,
as in most of the villages of the New England
States a pleasant green, filled with trees, many
prodigious in size, with "branches broad, and
shade most cooling" is to be seen, which to the
passing stranger denotes liberality.
Among the settlers that came to this town
during the years from 1800 to 1812, (and there
were many,) was Mrs. Sarah Minor, whose
courage under adverse circumstances, led her to
perform a task that is worthy of being noticed.
Her husband was a truant one, and deserted
his family, which numbered many children,
leaving no means of support but one cow.'
They lived in Duchess county, and finding it
useless to undertake to support her family in
that old settled section and open a way for their
future prosperity, she conceived the idea of
taking "her all" and locating in some of the
border settlements where land could be bought
cheap, and paid for in small installments. She
packed her small supply of clothing and started,
leading the cow with a rope, and, as the song
says, "children came tumbling after." She
concluded to settle in the north part of the town,
in a log-house that stood upon the place, and
being something of a genius as well as perfect
with the needle, she gave notice that " Tailoring
done to order," would be her avocation. She
" cut and fitted " as well as made all the gar-
ments for the pioneers of the town for many
years, and obtained a sumptuous living. The
oldest children were girls, who embraced every
opportunity of studying, and made themselves
competent to teach school, which at once
lightened the mother's labors in supporting the
younger children. Each one of the children
was early taught economy, and as they ad-
vanced in growth and strength, they were care-
fully put to work, and each grew to man and
womanhood and became worthy of their
mother's labor and care.
146
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Tanneries.— About the year 1816 a tannery
was constructed (but by whom we are unable
to say) in the hollow, south of the main street,
which, we are told by Mr. B. H. Avery, was
purchased by Zodack Pratt, in 1820. The
father of our informant, John Avery, then a work-
man in the proprietor's shop at Prattsville, was
sent there to manage the works, which he pur-
chased in a few years and con tinned the business
until the year 1845.
Another establishment of the kind was in
operation, during the same years, farther down
the stream and conducted by Eli Jones, who
was succeeded by his brother Chauncy, until
about 1846, when that enterprise also faded
from existence.
First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson. — -It
must not be thought that the strict Yankees of
this town failed in establishing, upon their ad-
vent here, churches, stores and other marks of j
civilization and conveniences, that have ever i
been indispensable to a true Yankee life.
Preaching was performed by ministers sent
by the Presbytery for several years, and after
the usual preliminaries in the formation of a
society, the people congregated and caused the
following to be entered upon their records.
" At a meeting regularly warned in the town
of Jefferson, for the purpose of ascertaining
people's minds and views as to the formation of
a church among them, and the meeting being
opened by a solemn address to the Throne of
Grace, the following persons whose names are
underwritten, presented themselves for exami-
nation, viz: —
Thomas Merchant,
Reuben Foot,
Nathaniel Merrill,
Joseph P. Northrup,
William Judd,
John Turner,
Mary Merrill,
Sarah Judd,
Rachel Atwood,
Sabra Agard,
Bethiah Baker,
Mary Wilson,
Hannah Baker,
Nancy Baker,
PhebeHurlburt,
Siene Foot,
Sally Atwood,
Sylvia Foot,
Judith Turner.
The above were organized and pronounced a
regular church of Christ, by Rev. Stephen Fenn
and Rev. William Bull, on the 25th of June,
1809.
The following have officiated as regular pas-
tors, and present a list of accomplished scholars
that have from time to time attracted the atten-
tion of the public by their masterly sermons.
William Salsbury, settled as the resident pas-
tor in 1810, and closed his services March 7,
1830.
He was followed by Rev. Stephen Fenn, in
the latter year, who died suddenly on the 26th
of September, 1833, leaving the society without
a pastor, until 1835.
William Frasier, A. M., then was called and
continued five years. It was during his term that
the church edifice was burned which was built
about the year 1811. The building stood upon
the green in front of the present site. Through
Rev. Frasier's business tact the present sub-
stantial structure was built in the years 1836
and 1837. During the interim, services were
held in the Academy.
Nearly one year elapsed after the close of
Frasier's pastoral duties, before another was set-
tled, for the reason that the society were waiting
for Rev. Salsbury, who had endeared himself to
the people, to again become their leader. He
officiated from 1841 to 1849.
He was succeeeded by Wm. J. McCord, in
1851, who remained four years.
Rev. Phineas Robinson came in 1857 and
closed in 1859, which left the church without a
settled minister until 1862.
A. S. Beard then was called and remained two
years. During the space of time from the going
and coming of the pastors, the pulpit was sup-
plied nearly every Sabbath by students and re-
tired ministers, under orders of the Presbytery.
Four years passed after Rev. Beard left, before
a resident preacher was settled, in whom was
TOWN OF JEFFERSON.
found Rev. A. Montgomery, who remained to
the year 1872.
He was immediately followed by Rev P. I.
Abbott.
Upon the close of the latter gentleman's ser-
vices in 1875, Josiah Markle followed in the
same year and closed in 1878.
Two years passed, in which time, several occu-
pied the pulpit, among whom was Irving White,
a student, when the present pastor, David Her-
ron, located.
Merchants. — The first store was kept in a log
house, but by whom is not known. Abner Bis-
sell commenced the business .about the year
1812, and was soon followed by one Schoelar,
who was succeeded by Hezekiah Watson in
1825, who kept a general assortment of goods
up to the year 1855, and identified himself with
the best interests of the place. During the
time Watson was in business, one Lyon was in
trade, and Joseph Crane and E. B. Fenn formed
a co-partnership which changed to " Crane &
Pratt." Adam P. Mattice established a trade
and associated Henry P. Mattice with him, and
conducted a successful business for several years.
G. W. Childs also embarked and soon connected
himself with B. H. Avery, under the firm of
Childs & Avery. After two years of such con-
nection passed, Avery withdrew and soon formed
the firm of B. H. & H. Avery, while Childs con-
tinued the business alone, for a while and
failed.
At that time Charles Twitchel and W. S.
Jones became associated and were soon followed
by " Rugg & Merchant," who changed the firm
to J. H. & B. B. Merchant.
Twitchel & Jones dissolved, and Jones con-
tinued the business alone for some time. The
Avery firm also broke connection and B. H.
Avery and Jones became partners, which was
changed at the expiration of three years by
Jones withdrawing and Avery stemming the
tide alone, which he did successfully for many
years, when his son William B. relieved the father
and connected himself with T. O. Burnett.
Young Avery died shortly after, and his place
was taken by a brother, Benjamin H. Avery
who purchased Burnett's interest, and conducted
the business alone as at the present time. Af-
ter the dissolution of Avery & Jones, the latter set
up in trade alone, which he continues at the
present time, with a general assortment of goods
such as are usually found in a country store.
The firm of J. H. & B. B. Merchant discon-
tinued business and one was formed under the
name of " Stevens & Shafer," and drifted to a
"Union store" — about the year 1855 or '56 — un-
der the management of G. W. Childs. Not prov-
ing, as others of the kind, a successful enterprise,
Childs purchased the stock in trade and formed
the firm of " Childs & Olmstead," which was
succeeded by the present substantial business
manager, Ezra Mitchell. There may have been,
from time to time, transient tradesmen whom
we have not noticed, but the foregoing have
been the leading merchants of the town, among
whom, by consulting the civil list, will be found
representative men, whose qualifications proved
them to be inferior to none, as public officials,
and worthy recipients of the confidence placed in
them by the people, as well as of the educa-
tional advantages founded by the early settlers.
Physicians. — We do not know for a certainty
who the first physician of the town was, but as
far back as 1816 we are creditably informed,
Dr. Davis and Dr. Burton were in practice,
and were followed shortly after that date by
Dr. Teunis Cooper. Eli Boice settled in 1820,
and remained until 1854, when he removed to
Warnerville, where he died in 1857. Drs.
Alexander White and William A. Laurens came
in 1850 or a short time before, and were suc-
ceeded by Drs. Flint and Watson, the latter of
Fultonham. A. A. Wood purchased the prac-
tice of Laurens in 1864, who in that year was
made a contemporary of J. D. Havens, who
located here. The present practicing physician,
Dr. R. Grant Havens, came the year after,
and was followed by J. R. Mathew in 1872,
who remained to the year 1874, when Dr.
Bartlett followed. The latter soon removed to
give place to Dr. R. Hubbell, who came in 1878
and still remains. Of the preceding list, Dr.
Cooper was in practice the greatest number of
years, having kept in the field until 1872, when
he died at an advanced age. The Doctor when at
the age of seventy-five met with an accident that
deprived him of an arm, which it was feared
148
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
would prove fatal, having arrived at an age
when the bones become brittle and obstinate in
healing. Upon the 4th of July, 1865, a cele-
bration was held in the village and a cannon
was used upon the occasion, in front of which
the Doctor passed as it was discharged. Having
his arm thrown out, the gun's charge took it off
below the elbow. Dr. J. D. Havens performed
the amputation and it proved successful, as the
stump became as sound as upon younger per-
sons. We cannot pass on without referring to
Dr. J. D. Havens, whose struggles in the pro-
fession were dampened by ill health and its
chilling adversities. He was born in this town
in 1834 and studied medicine and surgery in
the office of Dr. Alden March, of Albany, and
graduated at the Albany Medical School in
1861. He located at Albany and removed to
Jefferson in 1865, from whence he again settled
in Blenheim, where he was taken sick and
closed his life on the i4th of February, 1875,
in the forty-first year of his age. But few
young practitioners possessed the medical skill
of Dr. Havens, and had he lived in the enjoy-
ment of health, few would have been his super-
iors in the profession.
The Judd Family,— There were five brothers
bearing that name who settled in this town,
namely, Stephen, Freeman, Thomas, Erastus,
and Eben, beside a cousin, Marvin Judd, who
became one of the prominent men of the Coun-
ty. The family previously came from New
England, and a few of them settled in the
present town of Harpersfield, years before they
located here. Stephen, familiarly known as Cal
Judd, for many years kept an "inn" at that
place and became a large landholder, when he
removed to this place and became the "lord" of
the settlement. His brother, Freeman, as the
story is told, was a peculiar personage, and un-
doubtedly half-crazed, and spent a goodly por-
tion of his time in wandering around making
pretentions of skill in various trades, especially
in carpentry, also as a preacher, taking the
book of Revelations as the foundation of his
remarks, referring particularly to the "horses
and their riders." We are told that he claimed
to be the first white traveler in the neighbor-
hood of the village, unless it be those that ac-
companied the Indians from and to the valleys
of the Schoharie and Susquehanna during the
war. He claimed he passed the first night
beneath a hemlock tree that stood upon the
farm, later purchased by his brother Stephen.
"Uncle Free," as everybody called him, says
the manuscript of Peter R. Dyckman, a gentle-
man who has made himself familiar with the
early history of the town, used te measure timber
for building by pacing, and using a hatchet to
mark when he wished a mortise made, saying
" make a mortise somewhere hereabouts." In
some of his wanderings in a western county he
built what was called a saw-mill. Some time
after visiting that section, a farmer overtook
" Free " and invited him to ride. Being
strangers to each other and in the vicinity of
the mill Uncle Free asked " how does the mill
go?" The man replied not knowing with
whom he was talking, " It goes, curse my Maker,
curse my Maker — c-u-r-s-e m-y m-a-k-e-r."
" Aye," replied Free, " then it remembers its
maker yet ?" Taking the original Judd settlers
together, very few families possess the ability
and energy that they displayed, and still less
that make as proper use of them.
There is a tradition in the family that Daniel
Judd, an elder brother of Colonel Stephen's,
was murdered by the Indians during the Revo-
lution, and they carried his head to Canada
upon a pole.
The Jefferson Working Lodge No. 554, was
instituted in June, 1864, and chartered the
same month, 1865 with ten members, and is
one of the active lodges of the County, number-
ing at the present time sixty members. Soon
after its organization, a large building was
erected for lodge purposes, but the expenditure
being too great for the society to overcome, the
property was sold, and has since been rented by
the order in connection with that of the G. A. R.
The charter members were : —
O. D. Young,
L. H. Brewster,
S. L. Curtis,
S. L. Mayham,
Aaron Stevens,
David Stevens,
TOWN OF JEFFERSON.
149
Chas. Beard,
!•'.. G. Brockway,
Joseph Merchant,
John Stevens.
G. A. R. — This organi/ation was formed
December 10, 1879, and named Tyler Post No.
131, in honor of a townsman that laid his life
upon the " altar of his country." The charter
members were : —
Rev. C. H. Travis,
William Kennedy,
P. S. Tabor,
Robert Veley,
Benjamin Reynold,
John Lambert,
Edward Bruce,
George W. Evans,
Joseph S. Perry,
Isaac P. Nichols,
Wesley Spoor.
CHURCHES. — The Methodist Episcopal Church
of West Je/erson is the oldest organization in
the town, being formed in the fall of 1800, by
"circuit riders" as traveling preachers were called.
Services were held in private houses and the
forest, until 1816, when a special house forwor-
ship was erected, but for many years was not
lathed or plastered. The means of warming
dwellings at that time was by fire-places, and
not deeming it safe, the settlers' ingenuity was
taxed to provide other means. An old potash
kettle was obtained and set in masonry, inverted
and a hole pierced through the bottom from
which a stove pipe of their own invention and
make, protruded, and formed a convenience
similar to the modern box-stove. In 1850, the
old house was deserted and the present one oc-
cupied, being built in that year.
The First Methodist Episcopal Society.—
Through the kindness of Mr. Frank A. Gait
and Mr. A. W. Clark, we present the following
m regard to the First Methodist Episcopal
Society and others of this section :—
The First Methodist Episcopal Society was
organi/.ed in z8oo at West Jefferson, with about
twelve names. The first pastors were Zenas
Covel and Daniel Ireland. The house of wor-
ship was erected in 1817.
The Ftrs( Methodist /yV^yW Church of
trs,m Village was organized in 1819, with
tlmtecn members. Two years later the Jeffer-
son Circuit was formed, this being set off from
Sharon Circuit. The following named
places were included in the circuit, but have
since been made into separate charges, viz:_
Hunter,
Lexington,
Kust Jewett,
Windham,
Ashland,
Prattsville,
Gilboa,
Livingstonville,
North Blenheim,
Jefferson,
Stamford,
Summit,
Eminence, etc.
The present appointments are Jefferson, West
Jefferson, and North Harpersfield, the oldest
being West Jefferson, the pioneer church of
this section.
The first church which was built in 1844, was
removed to the present location in 1859 and
reconstructed in 1869, at a cost of $2,000. 'The
church property is valued at $6,000. The pres-
ent membership is one hundred and forty-eight.
Pastors since separate organization :—
1821— John Bangs and Henry Ames.
1822— John Bangs and Roswell Kelley.
1823— Jesse Pomeroy, Quartus Stewart and
C. Pomeroy.
1824— Daniel J. Wright and Quartus Stewart.
1825— Daniel J. Wright and John Wait.
1826— Friend W. Smith, D. Poor and John
Finnegan.
1827— Cyrus Silleman, Alexander Calderand
John Finnegan.
1828— Alexander Calder, Philo Ferris and
John Finnegan.
1829 — Philo Ferris and John Bangs.
1830— Eli Dennison and Paul R. Bronson.
1831— Eli Dennison and Paul R. Bronson.
1832 — Harvey Brown.
'833— Harvey Brown.
1834— Desivignia Starks and John Bangs.
'5°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
,835 — Klbert Osborne, John Bangs and R.
H. Bloomer.
,836 — Philip L. Hoyt and J. D. Bouton.
,837 — John Carver and Olif G. Hedstrom.
,838 — John Carver, Olif G. Hedstrom.
1839 — Aaron Rogers, Arad Lakin.
1840 — Aaron Rogers, Arad Lakin.
,841 — Reuben H. Bloomer, Daniel Bullock.
1842 — Daniel Bullock.
1843— Eben S. Hibbard, W. F. Gould.
,844 — Eben S. Hibbard, Amos N. Mulnix.
1845 — Addi Lee and John Bangs.
1846— Jason Wells.
1847 — Jason Wells, Orrin P. Matthews.
^48 — William Lull and Ezra S. Cook.
1849 — William B. Mitchell, Milo Couchman
1850— William B. Mitchell.
1851 — Edward S. Stout, James W. Smith.
1852 — Russell S. Scott, James W. Smith.
1853 — Zepaniah D. Scoby.
,854 — Orrin P. Matthews.
1855 — Orrin P. Matthews.
,856 — Asahel M. Hough.
1857 — Asahel M. Hough.
1858— Noble Lovett.
1859 — John F. Richmond, Noble Lovett,
superannuated.
1860 — John F. Richmond, Noble Lovett,
superannuated.
1 86 1 — Charles Palmer.
1862— W. V. O. Brainard.
,863— W. V. O. Brainard.
1864— Orrin P. Dales.
! 865— Orrin P. Dales.
,866— Edwin P. Pierce.
1867 — Edwin P. Pierce.
1868— J. P. Burger.
1869— J. P. Burger.
1870 — J. P. Burger.
1871 — William D. Fiero.
1872 — William D. Fiero.
1873 — George Woodruff.
1874 — George Woodruff.
1875 — Lorenzo G. Niles.
1876 — Lorenzo G. Niles.
1877 — Lorenzo G. Niles.
1878— C. H. Travis.
1879— C. H. Travis.
1880— C. H. Travis.
,88 1— William Blake.
The Presiding Elders since the organization of
the Prattsville District are :—
1853 — Seymour Van Dusen.
1854 — Seymour Van Dusen.
1855 — Jarvis Y. Nichols.
1856— John R. Beach.
1857— John R. Beach.
1858— John R. Beach.
1859— John R. Beach.
1860— Paul R. Brown.
1 86 1— Paul R. Brown.
1862— Paul R. Brown.
1863— Paul R. Brown.
1864— William Goss.
1865 — William Goss.
,866— William Goss.
1867 — William Goss.
,868— Thomas W. Chadwick.
1869— Thomas W. Chadwick.
1870 — Thomas W. Chadwick.
1871— Thomas W. Chadwick.
1872 — Aaron R. Sanford.
1873 — Aaron K. Sanford.
1874 — Aaron K. Sanford.
1875 — Aaron K. Sanford.
1876— John E. Gorse.
1877 — John E. Gorse.
1878— John E. Gorse.
1879 — John E. Gorse.
1880 — Lucius H. King.
1 88 1 — Lucius H. King.
The West Kill Methodist Church.~t^ class
was formed in 1816, as a branch of the above
church, and called The West Kill Methodist
Episcopal church, under the preaching of Rev.
Arnold Scofield, and held their meetings in pri-
vate houses and the school house until 1854,
when the present edifice was erected. The
same clergyman, who was assisted in his
pastoral labors by Rev. N. Bice, formed the
Methodist church of Jefferson village, as before
stated, in 1819.
At a later date, as the country became more
settled and for the convenience of residents
that usually attended church service on foot for
miles, each Sabbath, the neighborhood of Morse-
ville in the northern part of the town organized
a class as the " Methodist Episcopal Church of
Morseville," under the labors of Rev. Harvey
TOWN OF JEFFERSON.
'5'
!
Brown. The organization was effected some
time in 1832, and during the following ji-ar a
house of worship was begun and made ready for
occupancy in 1834, at a cost of nearly $1,200.
RtvohttiOnary Incidents. — During '-he Revo-
lution, there was not a single civilized white
residence within the present territory of the
town. But a short distance from the county
line, in what is now called "Smith street," was
located a family by the name of Clawson, upon
lands now owned in part by Henry Van Buien,
Edward Dayton and Charles Lamb. Clawron
made himself obnoxious as an inveterate Tory.
It was at his house, that Patchinandhis brother
captives were taken, as intimated in his narra-
tive, elsewhere in this work. The prison-
ers were jeered at by two buxom daughters
of Clawson's who fancied they would l;e pleased
to relieve them of their checkered lives, and in-
sisted upon Brant's permission to allow them the
honor. One of the prisoners named Chris John
Richtmyer, escaped the following night and re-
turned to the Schoharie valley and reported the
events of that day, when a squad of scouts made
the " affable" family a visit and "cleaned the
house." At the close of the war the property was
sold under the confiscation act and we believe
was purchased by the Smith family. If not, it
soon came in that family's possession and gave
the name of "Smith Street" to the settlement.
The sugar bush in which the captives were
at work when taken, was but a short distance
to the southeast.
Skirmish with Tories and Indians. — It was
upon the banks of the small lake on the south
border of the town that Captain Hager with his
militia force, and Captain Hale with a few
eastern troops, overtook the Tory Crysler and
his party that murdered Isaac Vroman near the
upper fort. This skirmish was the only one
which occurred during the war that was disgrace-
ful on the part of the patriots within the borders
of our County. And much to our regret, it
occurred under the command of the best officer
here in service. The enemy was overtaken
early in the morning, a short distance from their
encampment, but not without being apprised of
the patriots' approach. They had stationed
themselves upon the brow of a knoll and
formed a half circle, in the center of which
Captain Hager and force were expected to
march; but bcaiing to the It ft, he came in
front of their right line, whtn they sent a volley
of bullets that would have done fatal work had
they not been fired too high. Captain Hager
instantly saw the enemy's position and ordered
Captain Hale to flank to the right and charge,
which would have turned the enemy's left, as they
had not time to re-load and perhaps did not in-
tend to, but retreat. Instead of obeying orders,
being in the rear of Hager's company, Hale
turned to the left (which brought him out of
the range of the Indians' position) and made a
retreat. The Indians saw the opportunity and
quickly reloaded, but the keen eye of Hager
saw his dangerous position, and he ordered his
men to drop as the Indians fired the second time,
but two of the brave patriots fell, not divining the
order quick enough. Hager ( rdered a retreat
as the circle began to draw around them, and
overtook Hale some distance below, and then
made a great mistake in not ridding earth and
the cause of freedom, of an inveterate coward.
Getting in front of them he was ordered to halt,
(and undoubtedly German invectives were
pretty freely used in reprimanding the villain,)
and to renew the charge. Without waiting to
form in order, Hale carelessly turned about and
would have marched into the jaws of death with
his force, had not Hager seen the sprig's incom-
petency and ordered him back. It was thought
that Hale was incapacitated to act through
fear. The patriots' force was formed in line at
the camping grounds, (as they expected the In-
dians saw their approach, retired to gain a
position for defense,) and marched cautiously
along the trail, but were fired upon unexpected-
ly; which frightened the young captain out of his
wits if he ever had any. The patriots came to-
gether as ordered by Hager, and were consult-
ing as to the next movement, when the crackling
of dry sticks and rustling of disturbed leaves
drew the attention of the party to the back
trail, when the presence of Colonel Vroman
with a force of nearly fifty men infused cheer in
their hearts.
A pursuit was decided upon, but the enemy
could not be found. They had taken to the
forest and eluded the search of the patriots.
'52
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
After spending nearly the day in the vicinity,
the force numbering about one hundred and
twenty men according to historian Simms, re-
turned to the upper fort with solemn tread, as
two of their brave companions, Joachim Van
Valkenburgh and James Sackett, were lifeless
and bleeding corpses, the former of whom was
known as one of Schoharie's bravest scouts.
The facts relating to that engagement were
taken from one Richtmyer and Pollock, who par-
ticipated, and were kept in manuscript, which we
are assured is a genuine statement of the affair.
OFFICIAL.
Justices. — The first justice of the peace elected
by the people at their annual town meeting was
John Avery, in the spring of 1833. At that
time there were eighty-six persons in the town
" liable " as the records say, to serve as petit
jurors.
From the well kept records we have drawn the
names of the supervisors that have served, with
the date of service, which are as follows : —
1803 — Ezra Beard.
1804 — Stephen Judd.
1805 — Heman Hickok.
1806 — do
1807 — do
1808— do
1809 — do
1810 — do
1811 — do
1812 — do
1813 — Marcus Andrews.
1814 — Marvin Judd.
1815 — do
1816— Abner Bissell.
1817 — Ezra Beard.
1818— do
1819 — do
1820 — Marvin Judd.
1821 — Abner Bissell.
1822 — Marvin Judd.
1823 — do
1824 — John Daley.
1825 — do
1826 — Isaac Buckingham.
1827— do
1828— John Daley.
1829 — Enos Minor.
1830 — • do
1831 — Benjamin Bruce.
1832 — do
1833 — Hiram Judd.
1834 — Ezekiel Gallup.
1835 — Benjamin Hickok.
1836— do
1837 — Samuel E. Turner.
1838— do
1839— Ezekiel Gallup.
1840 — Hezekiah Watson.
1841 — Levi Gallup, Jr.
1842 — do
1843 — Asahel Cowley.
1844— David P. Stevens.
1845— do
1846 — Levi Gallup, Jr.
1847 — do
1848— Clark Franklin.
1849— Alfred S. White.
1850 — David Young.
1851 — Samuel R. Griggs.
1852 — Jesse Brockway.
1853 — Benjamin Smith.
1854 — John Ruland.
1855— David W. Gallup.
1856 — David Young.
1857— Alfred S. White.
1858— do
1859— Elijah Danforth.
1860 — Beriah H. Avery.
1 86 1 — William A. Loughran.
1862— James T. Treadwell.
1863 — William A. Loughran.
1864— John W. Gibbs.
1865 — William S. Jones.
1866 — George Mattice.
1867— do
1868 — Charles Mayham.
1869 — George Mattice.
1870 — Charles Mayham.
1871— Stephen J. Tyler.
1872 — do
1873 — Charles Mayham.
1874 — Beriah H. Avery.
1875— Ezra Twitchell.
1876— do
1877 — William S. Jones.
1878— do
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
'53
1879 — William S. Jones.
1880 — Ezra Twitchell.
1881— do
1882— Moses W. Wilcox.
Ezra Twitchell resigned in 1881. The town
was not represented at the annual meeting of
the board. Moses W. Wilcox was appointed to
fill vacancy and elected in the spring of 1882.
The surface of the town is uneven, broken
principally by the West-kill, the outlet of Sum-
mit lake and a tributary of the Schoharie.
Along this stream the Aborigines early formed
a trail to reach the lake and Charlotte. Dur-
ing the Revolution it was frequently traversed
by them with captives, while at other times the
Harpersfield course was taken to reach the
Susquehanna. The sheet of water lying upon
the south line still bears the Indian name Ut-
syantha, and we trust a name will never be
thought of that will be considered more appro-
priate. At some point upon the northwest
bank an angle was made in the Colonial line
between old Tryon and Albany counties. The
line ran from the northeast corner of Old Dor-
lach patent in Carlisle to this point, giving the
western part of the town to Tryon and the
eastern to Albany.
During the Southern Rebellion this town
sent a large number of volunteers, and
was prompt in filling its quota by bounty at
each call for men by the President, and in con-
tributing necessary articles for the comfort of
the " Boys in Blue."
The amount of bonds issued for bounty pur-
poses during the war, as near as can be ascer-
tained, was $29,811.39.
The limits of this town have only been de-
fined by the act of 1813, and are as follows: —
"And all that part of the said County of Scho-
harie.beginning at a point in the northern bounds
of Blenheim patent in the east line of the
third range of lots in said patent, and running
thence along the northerly bounds of said pa-
tent to the northwest corner thereof, thence con-
tinuing the same line to the bounds of the
County, thence along the same southerly and
easterly, until it intersects a line running south-
erly from the place of beginning, between the
third and fourth ranges of said lots, thence
northerly along the said line so intersected to
the place of beginning, shall be and continue
a town by the name of Jefferson."
CHAPTER XI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SUMMIT.
BEAUTY OF SCENERY— SIGNAL STATION— WEATH-
ER SIGNAL — HON. SEYMOUR BOUGHTON —
TRADITION OF THE LAKE- — JOHNSON AND
BRANT'S HALT— EARLY SETTLERS-BROWN AND
OTHER BUSINESS MEN — CHARLOTTE VALLEY
—SERVICE TRAGEDY — MURPHY'S OWN STATE-
MENT— MURPHY'S PURCHASE — ACT OF 1777
— CONTROVERSY IN REGARD TO THE SERVICE
FARM — ABRAHAM BECKER — SUIT GAINED —
SERVICE'S AFFAIR CONTEMPLATED — SETTLE-
MENT OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE TOWN —
SEMINARY — ITS HISTORY — FACULTY ETC. —
DAIRY INTEREST — ELISHA BROWN — AS-
SEMBLYMEN — SHERIFFS — JOHN LAWYER —
S. J. LAKE — ISAAC W. BEARD — JOHN II.
COONS — CHURCHES — FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
— SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH — REFORMED
CHURCH OF EMINENCE— METHODIST — FREE
METHODIST— LUTHERAN OF LUTHERANVILLE-
LUTHERAN OF BEARD'S HOLLOW — TOWN
VOLUNTEERS — MEDICAL FRATERNITY — FIRST
TOWN MEETING — RESOLUTIONS — REPORT OF
1880 — OFFICIALS — EMINENCE.
IN reaching a point on the road from Rich-
mondville to Summit village, the traveler
may form an idea of the origin of the name
given to the town by looking down upon the
surrounding country that stretches a panorama
of beauty and grandeur — before the eye, scarcely
equalled. And when he ascends Mount Whar-
ton, a little to the west, and gains the height
'54
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
of twenty-two hundred feet above sea level, the
hills in the distance, that seemed of prodigious
heights and precipitous sides, as traversed, ap-
pear to be miniature ones, of easy ascent, placed
where they stand as obstacles, to vary the scene.
Even the peak of Karker Mountain of Carlisle,
from which, it was thought by the early settlers,
nearly half of the hemisphere could be seen,
vainly rears itself, like a small cone far below.
The state surveying party under Horatio Sey-
mour Jun., in the summer of 1880, placed a
Stan Hello signal upon this mountain, and gave
it the name of Mount Wharton, after the owner
of the land— J. B. Wharton.
Here, the clouds which to-day, seem to be at
as great height above us, as when we stand in
the valley below, often rest upon this mountain
as a hazy veil, shutting from view its venerable
peak, to those in the valleys below, who often
catch a glimpse of it, to prophesy the future
weather in the absence — perhaps of a barometer
or Webster's Almanac, as tradition has told
them, the appearance of the peak will tell with as
much accuracy as that renowned pamphlet.
Upon the very cheek of this mountain, in a little
furrow, is found one of those sheets of water,
whose beauty makes it a libel to call a pond,
and which is too small in acreage, to claim that
of lake.
Pleasure and health seekers have found rare
sport here in fishing and rowing seasons, as the
water is kept lively by the finny tribe, and pleas-
ure boats have been placed upon the silvery
sheet, which add much to the attraction of the
place; as to "dip the oar" has a peculiar fas-
cination by which but very few refuse to be
allured.
Our earliest recollection of this resort, is,
when but a youth, we sat beside the late " Squire"
Boughton, and vainly tried to force the obsti-
nate " bullheads " to bite after our patience was
exhausted in coaxing, while he, with ease and
grace swung out and lured the largest to his
well-filled basket.
The Squire's inward chuckle occasionally found
vent, and upon one of those (to us) mortifying
times, his boast rang out long and loud, that his
basket would hold no more. But not content
he swung out again and his successful hook,
fearful, perhaps, it could do no better, caught
the handle of the basket, and to the joy of our
crushed feelings, basket and fish were thrown
rods from the shore and disappeared to the bot-
tom, while the Squire, without a word, sought
his home.
Seymour Boughton was a venerable man. He
removed to this place from Charlotteville, and
represented the town in the Board of Supervisors
in 1833-34-36 and '53, and the western dis-
trict in the Assembly in the years 1840 and '45.
Serving many years as Justice of the Peace and
desirous of being competent to perform the
duties of the office intelligently, he studied law
earnestly, and became quite proficient in trying
civil cases, after his term of office expired.
Many cases were hotly contested by the Squire
and his neighbor, Thomas W. Furguson, whose
legal ability was nearly the same, which pro-
duced a vast amount of fun, and attracted large
crowds to witness.
Mr. Boughton was a thorough business man,
to whom one quickly became attached by his
whole-souled hospitality and gentlemanly bear-
ing. He was the youngest of nineteen children
and removed with his father, Shubel Boughton,
from Danbury, Connecticut, in the early part of
the century, and settled at Charlotteville. The
Squire built the present Van Buren house of
that village as a " tavern" and was engaged in
the business many years. All the houses of that
day in this section, were built of logs and upon
putting up a frame building the Squire was cen-
sured as being extravagant, and when he painted
the same, his economical neighbors imagined he
was bent on wasting his property. He ground
the paint in a potash kettle with a large iron
ball, and applied it to the building himself. It was
the first framed house in the present territory of
the town. Mr. Boughton died on the nth day
of June, 1872, at the age of eighty-one, leaving
but two sons Harvey and Seymour Jun., to per-
petuate his family name.
In referring to Mr. Furguson, in connection
with Mr. Boughton's legal career, we are led to
here state that the former, although not enjoying
the advantages of the latter in an official point
of view, was an apt adept in pettyfogging, and
gave the legal fraternity many warm receptions.
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
'55
The family removed to this place from Cortland
county, N. Y., at an early day, and were in-
telligent and progessive citizens.
Tradition of t/ie Lake. — In turning our
thoughts to the lake, which seems characteristic
of all visitors at this place, an old legend is re-
called that refers to the name of the body of
water. It is indeed, not only a " thrice told
tale" but a thousand, and in giving its sub
stance we exceedingly regret that we do not
possess that romance, which gives color and
effect to the tale to make it interesting and im-
pressive. It is said that Utsayantho was the
name given to the miniature sheet, after an un-
fortunate Indian maiden, "whose untutored
mind" was suddenly surprised at the disappear-
ance of her " family cares." At a time anterior
to the advent of the whites, that maiden with
stalwart frame and uncombed hair, through in-
discretion, became a mother, upon the bank of
the lake. A consultation of the several chiefs
was held and the little innocent was thrown into
the lake, which received the mother's name by
order of the godly chiefs.
Such is the simple narrative. The lake upon
the southern border of the County, and head of
the west branch of the Delaware river, is spoken
of in old maps and documents as Utsayantha,
while this one is not referred to ; at least, not by
the name of Utsayantho. Whether, in the In-
dian tongue the two words are the same, we are
unable to say. For a long time it was called
" Jack's lake" but owing to its elevation and the
town to which it belongs it is well for the plain
to give it the appropriate name of " Summit
Lake;" while our modern "esthetes" now
call it " Utsayantho" for the benefit of romance,
and imagine Utsayantho, or the Jefferson lake,
was named after the maiden's treacherous lover.
Its outlet flows to the south and empties into
the " West Kill," in the town of Jefferson. An
Indian path from the Charlotte, led to the lake
and followed its outlet to the Schoharie creek,
along which the Indian traversed for time un-
known. Upon the banks of the Summit lake,
tradition tells us, Johnson and Brant halted, in
their march in 1780, to devastate the Schoharie
valley. As they appeared at Breakabeen early in
the morning of October i7th, undoubtedly they
were here upon the i6th, and enjoyed a repast
of fresh fish, to strengthen them for the occasion.
It was not until after the Revolution closed
that this town was settled, and the eastern part
a few years later than the western. Those set-
tlers were mostly from the Hudson river coun-
ties and the eastern States, verifying the truth,
that while the Germans and Dutch choose the
low lands, the Yankee climbs upon the hills, and
" pitches his tent." One of the early settlers of
this locality, was a Mr. Brown, from Connecti-
cut ; who, while in his native town engaged in the
manufacture of buttons. He was a shrewd busi-
ness Yankee and turned his mind and hand to
everything that had a tendency to gain money,
and was called " Button Weaver Brown." In
all local legal troubles he officiated as a petti-
fogger and business man, which gave to him a
precedence in note, over other settlers. He
died at an early day and left in his stead, a son
Harvey, who engaged in the mercantile business
and was for many years Justice of the Peace,
beside being a Captain in the Militia service.
Dexter Brown, of another family, built a log
house and kept the first " tavern," in which all
law suits were held for many years, beside giv-
ing " entertainment for man and beast " that
strolled up the hills to replenish their stock of
liquors. It must not be thought that those early
settlers were content to delve daily among giant
tree-stumps and stones without any other means
of support, as they were too " Yankeefied." On
the contrary, they engaged in other pursuits,
such as making potash and whiskey. Who the
first distiller was we are unable to learn, but
Levi Ives did a large business in that branch as
early as 1805. His customers were scattered
over the country and drove the establishment
to its utmost capacity, to meet their wants. An
order from " Yankee Pete " Snyder was taken
to Ives by his son, in 1812 for a " load of his
best whiskey" at two shillings per gallon.
After Ives, followed Henry Rifenbark in the
business, who came from Columbia county in
1802. His son Hiram is still living, having passed
three score years and ten, bearing the marks of
a scald from hot mash, while manufacturing
"fire water." Benjamin Rider soon followed
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Brown in the inn business, upon the grounds
now occupied by " Rider's Hotel." The first
building was partly of logs and partly frame, the
latter giving the establishment a superiority over
Brown's.
As the country became more thickly settled
and business more brisk, the times demanded
better accommodations, and from lime to time
the old log houses have disappeared and others
at greater cost and convenience have taken their
places. About the year 1840 a tavern was built
upon the hill, in the west part of the village by
Warner, and afterwards purchased by Wm.
T. Moak, of Sharon, who continued until the
year 1854, when the property changed hands,
and was soon transformed into a private resi-
dence, and at a later date divided and partly
removed.
The Charlotte Valley.— A short distance to
the west of the village of Summit is a spring
from which the Charlotte river proper takes its
rise. Along its course several rivulets unite and
form one of the main tributaries of the noble
Susquehanna. The ancient Indian path to the
Susquehanna from the Hudson and Schoharie
rivers followed this stream and during the Revo-
lution many hundred hearts, ladened with the
deepest sorrow, were forced to follow it as cap-
tives, on their journey to Niagara and Canada,
not knowing but each moment they would fall
victims to the savages' cupidity or Tories' ven-
geance and knowing that each step was drawing
them nearer and nearer the dreaded gauntlet
and confinement.
Nearly four miles down the valley from the
County line, upon the farm, in part owned by
Philip Mitchel, lived the man Service, against
whom the patriots made the charge of being an
agent of the Crown, and a dangerous enemy to
the colonists. Service, with other families,
settled there several years previous to the war,
and were prosperous farmers.
He owned a large tract of land, and when
hostilities commenced he refused to take sides
in the contest, fearful of losing his lands. The
outspoken Whigs accused him of disloyalty to
their cause, and a complaint to that effect was
made by them to the Committee of Safety, sitting
at Kingston, also to that of the Schoharie set-
tlements. The British agents knew his inten-
tion of neutrality and undoubtedly imposed cer-
tain offices upon him to give a shade of loyalty
to the crown. Being situated upon the trail,
almost daily used, and at a point, where sup-
plies for the subsistence of squads would prove
convenient, he was called upon quite often to
furnish them, by both the British and Patriots.
But each faction was, as political parties are
to-day, "delicate to a fault" and he, who by a
single act or word, however trivial, displayed the
least favor to their enemies, was at once con-
demned, and scarcely any after act could at-
tone for so doing.
An order was given for his arrest and Captain
Long, Murphy, Elerson and Tufts were entrusted
to carry it into execution. Various stories have
been related of the affair and published from
time to time, but none of them were dictated
by Murphy or his companions, and were simply
reiterations of gossip subject to the usual ad-
ditions that the imagination of the speaker and
writer is disposed to make for the pleasure of
his auditors. As we before intimated, Sigsby's
pamphlet purporting to be the life of Murphy,
was made up of erroneous statements, without
doubt, supposed to be facts by the writer. Our
informants, the children of Murphy, with minds
as vigorous, at their advanced ages, as if but
forty, assured the author that their father felt
aggrieved at the erroneous tales that were re-
lated of him. and many hundred times repeated
the facts of the Charlotte tragedy to them, as
we are about to relate them.
To verify their statement, we have abundant
proof, gleaned from other families that were
daily conversant with both Murphy and Eler-
son, of their truthfulness. Upon the arrival of
the party at the house of Service, they at once
made the object of their visit known, as he was
standing beside his door. Service replied that
the accusation was ill-founded and refused to
accompany them to Schoharie. They pro-
duced a letter written to him that had been in-
tercepted (it being an order for Service to pro-
vide a party of Tories with bread upon a certain
day,) to prove his disloyalty to the Con-
tinental cause, and then assured him if
he would give himself up and accompany
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
'57
them to Schoharie without any trouble, they
would pledge themselves he would not be hurt.
But their orders were to take him dead or alive,
and they were going to do it. A parley of
words followed, when Mrs. Service and two
daughters rushed out and took an active part.
Service caught up a broad-axe lying near and
hurled it at the party who assured him 'they
would shoot if he repeated the act. The
women undoubtedly became fearful of such
consequence, and caught hold of the men and
exclaimed, " Run, father ! Run father ! " upon
which he ran around the corner of the house
towards the brook. Tufts and Murphy soon
followed, and when in clear view of him assured
him they would shoot if he did not return. Not
heeding their warning, as he crossed the brook
and was ascending the bank, Murphy and Tufts
fired together, upon which he fell and soon ex-
pired. They did not examine the body to see
if both balls took effect, and consequently
could not tell whether one or both caused his
death. The case as thus recited, is very differ-
ent from that of Sigsby's and others, as will be
at once seen by those readers that are familiar
with his pamphlet. As told by him, the shoot-
ing of Service was but a cool murder, which in
this day and age is condemned, and not con-
sidered as adding heroism to our acts. Mr.
Sigsby was a young man of promise, with in-
tentions the most commendable, and chronicled
the case as related by hundreds, but was im-
posed upon by many-tongued tradition in his
efforts to perpetuate the valor of a worthy
patriot.
In the year 1787, the lands of Service were con-
fiscated and the property passed into other hands.
It has been said and the impression seems to
be firmly made, that Murphy received a portion
of those lands for the shooting of Service, but it
was a mistake. Murphy purchased a farm in
after years in the Schenevus valley but it was
not a part of the Service land. It will be
noticed in the Fulton Chapter of this work that
Murphy married a Peek, an only child, and that
the family were in fair circumstances, financially,
for those days, and upon the death of Mr. Peek,
the sum of seven hundred dollars was left by
him for his widow, as pocket money, to purchase |
small comforts that the care of the daughter and
son-in-law might not apprehend. Mrs. 1-Wk
being one of the true daughters of economy
and gain, as all were at that time, and solicitous
for the future of her grandchildren, insisted
upon Murphy taking the money and investing
it in land for the children's benefit. The lands
along the Schenevus being low in price and at-
tractive to him, he made a purchase, and in af-
ter years, settled his daughter, Mrs. Sands, upon
the farm, with whom he lived at times.
In the year 1777 the Continental Congress
passed an act to the effect, that if an owner and
occupant of land should prove disloyal to the
colonial cause, by giving aid to the enemy and
bear arms against the patriots and vacate such
lands during the struggle, they should become
the property of the government, but if posses-
sion was retained, the owner should not be mo-
lested in his title. Hence, we find many invet-
erate Tories still held their lands after the war
closed, while less active ones were stripped of
their homes. Service was buried upon his land
within a few feet of the boundary line, and in af-
ter years, when the fact became known to the
late Abraham Becker, of South Worcester, he
instituted a suit for the recovery of the property,
under the act of 1777, claiming, that possession
was held by the burial of Service. After a long
litigation the lands were recovered, and sold by
the heirs of Service, who are of the best families
of that section. As would naturally be sup-
posed, the family smarted long under the oppro-
brium of Tory given to Service, and looked upon
the transaction as murder-without a cause. He
was accused of being with Brant in the Coble-
skill valley in 1778, and participating in other
invasions, which the family from first to last de-
nied and to many proved conclusively, to be false.
But that he gave or sold supplies to invading
forces and parties with prisoners going to Ni-
agara cannot be denied, as the captives upon their
return, verified the truth. Patriot scouts, also,
many times replenished their rude haversacks at
his house in the fore part of the war, but were
refused, as the troubles increased. There was
perhaps a just reason for the latter act, as the
scouts were destitute of money and seldom, if
ever, paid for what they obtained. Service was
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
fearful of losing his lands like thousands of oth-
ers, if he chose the colonial cause, and situated
as he was, upon the trail daily traversed, he
could, or dare not refuse the King's subjects,
and without doubt was well paid for every
morsel of eatables, as the British government
was lavish with its gold where it would cast a
shade of loyalty.
He might have been honest in his intention
of neutrality in the beginning but, as we of to-day,
he saw perhaps an opportunity of making riches,
and step by step was led along in feeding In-
dians and Tories until orders were sent ahead
for him to supply while the patriots watched
him more and more, and at last reported
him to the Committee of Safety. The times
and situation of the border made stern meas-
ures a necessity, and as the war progressed
the border actors of both sides became less
civilized — unused to the promptings of charita-
ble, social etiquette, they often strangled mercy,
under the plea of necessity, while their vul-
gar passions were let loose to do brutal woik.
Many times, no doubt, the patriots gave their
enemies as much reason to look upon them with
abhorrence, as did the Tories, as we find equally
as harrowing tales told by their descendants,
against the patriots. The western part of the
town was settled by the Van Buren, Van Hosen
and Boughton families, about the year 1797,
and previous to the formation of the town by
act passed April 13, 1819, was a part of Jef-
ferson.
Nothing of importance occurred in this part
until the year 1850, when the New York
Methodist Conference erected by subscription
and donations a large building for school pur-
poses, to accommodate nearly three hundred
boarding students, under Rev. Alonzo Flack,
as Principal, and Miss Helen Flack, Preceptress,
with eleven assistants.
After two years of unparalleled success, an
examining committee reported to the Confer-
ence that "the institution has had a career of un-
exampled prosperity." " Though it was opened
only two years since, it had during the past
term more than three hundred and fifty students
in actual attendance." "The number would
have been still greater if accommodations could
have been furnished." " As a new building has
just been erected, more than five hundred can
be provided for next term." The building was
placed upon the north side of the street, nearly
in the center of the village, and was an oblong
of three stories in height. Additions were built
upon each end in 1852, running back, and were
no sooner furnished than occupied by five hun-
dred students.
Being over-crowded and extremely prosper-
ous, in the season 1855, a building four hundred
and eighty feet in length, four stories in height,
with basement, was erected upon the south side
of the creek, upon the hill-side. The new
structure was intended for a college, and at
one time eight hundred students were in attend-
ance in both buildings.
The faculty in 1852 was increased to seven-
teen teachers beside the principal and pre-
ceptress. An incendiary laid the north build-
ing in ashes in 1856, and in the year 1867, the
south structure also was reduced to ashes. Not
being daunted by misfortune, a large hotel was
purchased and fitted conveniently for a school,
under the management of Professor Solomon
Sias and six associates. The school closed
some time in 1875 and was not revived. Dr.
William Lament during the last years of school
was the principal.
The question will naturally be asked years
hence, as is frequently done now, " Why were
structures for such purposes, built in back
places, away from public thoroughfares ? "
The idea was prevalent that vice, such as lures
away the youth, only existed along the thorough-
fares ; and their catalogues and other advertise-
ments made a special point to that effect, as-
suring parents that their " children would be
free from the evils that clustered along them."
The first board of trustees was divided into
three classes.
Of the first were : —
Jacob Hoffman,
James S. Wood,
Amos Smith,
Hiram Van Buren,
Abram Becker.
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
Of the second were : —
James Howie,
Peter H. Mitchell,
Hiram Warner,
Aaron Rifenburgh,
Stephen Stillwell.
Of the third were : —
Thomas W. Lament, M. D.,
Luther F. Hartwell,
William H. Adams,
John D. Multer,
Amasa Dingman.
The officers of the board were : —
Thomas W. Lamont, President.
Luther F. Hartwell, Secretary.
Jacob Hoffman, Treasurer.
James S. Wood, Steward.
For many years the farmers of this town have
been engaged extensively in dairying, and have
supplied the markets with butter that will cope
with any other. Upon the lofty hills, the most
succulent grasses grow and from their sides are
springs of the purest water, that add materially
to the quality of the dairy products, while the
dairymen spare neither pains nor expense to
produce a choice article. For many years
Elisha Brown of this town was a large dealer
in such products, and gained the reputation in
the New York market, of furnishing the best
quality of butter, the year through, of any buyer
in the State. Its keeping qualities were highly
spoken of and it is said to improve, through the
use of modern conveniences upon scientific
principles. Mr. Brown was long known as
" Butter Brown " and was considered one of the
most expert judges of the article to be found.
He removed from Connecticut to the town of
Jefferson, and from thence to this place. Mr.
Brown was Supervisor of the town in 1862, and
held the office of Justice of the Peace for sev-
eral years. He died highly respected as a
Christian, and business man. Mr. Brown was
followed by his son James as a produce dealer,
who still holds the butter trade, which ex-
ceeds that of any other place in the County.
Mr. Brown represented the town in the Board
of Supervisors in 1873, 1874, 1875 and 1876,
and was elected to the assembly in 1877, which
position he filled satisfactorily to his constituents,
and creditably to himself as a legislator. Mr.
Brown was preceded in that body by Samuel
Baldwin in 1828, and Watson Orr, in 1834,
Seymour Boughton, in 1840, and 1845, James
S. Wood, in 1854, and William C. Lamont, in
1859 and 1862, from this town, each of whom
were sagacious, yet honorable representatives,
through whose political career, none spoke of
guile.
Beside furnishing such worthy representatives,
the town has not been backward in adding to
the list of officials such men as Treat Durand,
John Moran, John Sawyer as sheriffs of the
County, whom we remember as far back as
1850, as being the business and progressive men
of Summit village. The former was a dealer in
horses and real estate, while Mr. Moran was
connected in the manufacture of wagons, with
an old resident as "Jackson & Moran," and
near by, Sheriff Sawyer made the anvil ring by
his vigorous strokes. While we recall those
days of honest labor, that made the village
prosperous and pleasant, and wove a net of
union and happiness around the hearthstones,
the thought of the sudden death of Mr. Sawyer
casts a gloom over the mind and chills the
pleasant musings of " the times that were."
While returning to his home in Richmondville,
from a visit to the village with a sister, in May,
1879, in descending the hill a short distance
below, the horse became unmanageable through
a defect in the harness and ran off a steep bank,
throwing Mr. Sawyer upon the ground with
great violence, dislocating the spine and other-
wise injuring him internally. He lived but a
short time and was buried at Richmondville by
the Masonic Brotherhood and a host of friends,
with imposing marks of honor and respect.
With Sawyer, have also gone two others that
were prominent business men of the village at
that time, S. J. Lake and Isaac W. Beard who were
engaged in the mercantile business, the former
at the corner and the latter, in the building oc-
cupied as a wagon shop upon the hillside. Mr.
Lake was in business for many years, and none
enjoyed a better reputation as a strict, honest
business man than he. He identified himself
i6o
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
with the best interests of the place, and when
he retired it was with the regret of the com-
munity. Isaac W. Beard also kept a gen-
eral assortment of merchandise, and did a large
business. He was twice elected supervisor of
the town beside holding other local offices and
was a faithful official. The County Clerk's of-
fice has also been officially supplied by Loring
Andrews, generally considered to have been
without a superior in the performance of the
duties of that office, always courteous and sys-
tematic, and who took especial pains in the
collection and preservation of old documents.
John H. Coons was also elected to that office
from this town and proved a very efficient
officer.
CHURCHES. — The oldest organization in the
town is the First Baptist Church situated a
short distance from Charlotteville. Through
the kindness of Mr. W. C. Hicks, whose father
was long an officer of this church, we were fur-
nished with the following sketch, taken from the
published " minutes of the forty-ninth anniver-
sary of the Worcester Baptist Association," held
on the nth and i2th of June, 1879.
"The Baptist Church of Jefferson and the First
Baptist Church of Summit occupied the same
field and used the same church-book from 1805
until 1827. When it ceased to be called Jef-
ferson and took the name of Summit the records
do not say.
"A council was called at the house of Elam
Northrup in Jefferson, by Baptist brethren of
South Hill and Charlotte River to advise and
counsel them in matters of importance, Septem-
ber 26, 1805.
"The delegates were as follows : —
"From Kortright : —
Elder Warner Lake,
Elisha Sheldon,
Samuel Grenell.
"From Worcester : —
Elder Miah French,
Charles Round,
Thomas Hudson,
Joshua Woodsworth.
"From Bristol : —
Elder Levi Streeter,
Edmund Richmond,
John Hicks.
"Organized by electing Elder W. Lake,
moderator, and John Hicks, clerk. After ma-
ture deliberation the^council unanimously judged
it for the honor and glory of God, and the con-
venience of said brethren, to give them the
hand of fellowship as a sister church. The arti-
cles of faith were those of the Worcester church.
" Extract from their Covenant : — We sol-
emnly covenant, each one of us, in the presence
of God, angels, and men, to give ourselves re-
newedly to God without reserve. That we will
do all that in us lies to oppose sin in ourselves
and all others, viz., all evil whispering or back-
biting, or taking up a reproach against any per-
son, especially those who profess Christianity.
Avoid all recreation, as spending your time idly
at taverns or elsewhere."
" Trustees elected Jan. 26, 1806.
" The first names on the record are : —
Carpenter,
Brown,
Lincoln,
Braman,
Fuller,
Cleveland,
Lavelly,
Northrup,
Knowlton.
The following were the pastors: —
J. French,
— Carr.
J. Winis,
E. Crocker,
J. Mead,
J. Beaman,
- Barrett,
E. Spaffbrd,
J. Ingalls.
"How long each one preached for the church
is not known. Elder Mead was with them some
time.
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
I'M
"First mention of salary is in 1815 — for Elder
Mead, $50.
'•The following served as Deacons : —
Chase Hicks,
Levi Lincoln.
"The following served as Clerks : —
J. Carpenter,
E. Northrup,
H. Albert,
S. Stillwell,
M. Beaman,
R. Lavelly,
E. Osborn, Jr.
"For twenty-seven years meetings were held in
dwelling-houses, school-houses and barns.
''The minutes of the Rensselaerville Associa-
tion say that the Jefferson church was a mem-
ber of that body up to 1818.
"The Summit church belonged to that Asso-
ciation in 1820.
"The town of Summit was formed from Jef-
ferson and Cobleskill in 1819.
"Probably, therefore, the old Jefferson church
took the name of Summit church immediately
after the organization of the township."
In a foot-note they say : —
" Thirty-nine members were dismissed from
the Summit church to join the new constituted
church in Jefferson." In another foot-note
they say : — "The Jefferson church joined the
Association this session," (1828). So the old
Jefferson church was the parent of the Summit
church, and the Summit church the parent of
the present Jefferson church, inasmuch as
thirty-nine of her constituent members were
from the Summit church.
"April 15, 1826, a council was called to ordain
James Ingals.
"The Summit church was a member of the
Worcester Association in incipient organization,
October 14, 1830.
"Incorporated under the name of the First
Baptist Church of Summit. Recorded in
County Clerk's book, at page i of Religious
Corporations, December 14, 1831.
"In 1832 the meeting-house was erected, and
a general meeting was appointed for its opening
the third Wednesday in November.
"Reckoning 1840 as the first decade the
smallest number of members were fifty-seven ;
largest, one hundred and seven ; average,
eighty-nine.
"The following were the pastors : —
J. Smith,
E. Spafford, .
A. Butler,
I. Powers.
"The following served as Deacons : —
Joseph Lincoln,
J. S. Martin.
'•The following served as Clerks : —
E. Osborn,
E. Northrup.
"The first Licentiate :—
Harvey Cornell, July, 1837.
"Second decade from 1840 to 1850 : —
"Our history is incomplete. The largest num-
ber ascertained is one hundred and twenty-one
in 1843. In 1844 a notable difficulty occurred
which sorely tried the lovers of Zion. Church
action began in January and continued to
August, 1845.
"In 1850 voted that we raise $100 to paint
and repair our house.
"The following were the pastors: —
I. Powers,
H. Maine,
C. Preston,
C. Purrett.
"The following served as Deacons : —
H. Van Buren,
J. S. Martin.
"The following served as Clerks : —
E. Northrup,
D. L. Rider.
"In 1845, December loth, C. Preston was or-
dained.
"Third decade, from 1850 to 1860 : —
"Our information is meager. The number
reached one hundred and twenty-seven ; aver-
age, ninety-five.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
"The following were pastors :—
F. Jones,
E. Spafford,
W. Covey,
R. H. Spafford,
H. Cornell.
"The following served as Deacons : —
J. S. Martin,
H. Van Buren.
"The following served as Clerks :—
D. L. Rider,
A. Fancher,
H. Lincoln.
L. J. Lincoln was licensed, July 25, 1855.
"Fourth decade, from 1860 to 1870: —
"The church gained in numbers and in-
fluence. Average, one hundred and nine.
"The following were the pastors :—
H. Cornell,
J. Lyon,
D. Corwin,
W. M. Hallock.
"The following served as Deacons : —
L. H. Robbins,
A. Fancher.
"The following served as Clerks : —
H. Lincoln,
D. G. Mann,
B. F. Wilcox.
"From 1870 to 1879: —
"The following were the pastors :
W. M. Hallock,
J. Smith,
I. Powers.
"The following served as Deacons : —
L. H. Robbins,
B. W. Gage.
"The following served as Clerks : —
B. F. Wilcox,
W. C. Hicks.
"Meeting-house rebuilt in 187 8, and dedicated
November 27th, same year. Present pastor,
I. Powers. Present number, one hundred and
thirty-one; average, one hundred and twenty.
Whole expense of building, .$2,500.
"Her dead outnumber her living. Of the
pioneers on this field (clergy and laity) not one
remains. Of twenty original names on present
record, one only (E. Osborn) is known to be living.
Of the forty-seven baptized here between 1840
and 1843, twenty-seven only are living. Twenty
gone to swell the chorus of the skies. On this
field they struggled for the right, fought for the
true, have won and wear the crown.
" Not lost, but gone before;
The Bible was their guide;
They toiled, they watched, in faith they pray'd —
They're safe for evermore,
Safe on the other side."
The Second Baptist Church was located at
Summit village, and was organized in 1839 with
twenty members, principally resident members
of the Jefferson or parent church. The now
deserted edifice was built in 1840, and regu-
lar meetings were there held for several years,
but the society becoming small, in 1878 they
were discontinued. But very few of the original
members are now living. The first pastor was
Rev. Ingraham Powers, who was thereafter con-
nected in pastorate with the First Baptist
Church of Charlotteville.
The Reformed Church of Eminence. — This
society was organized by the classis of Scho-
harie in 1831, and re-organized January 30,
1855, under the pastorate of Rev. W. G. E.
See. The church edifice was commenced in
1833 by the Reformed Society, and for its com-
pletion and interest on the debt incurred it was
sold to the Methodists, by whom it was finished,
and occupied by both societies until 1854. At
that time the Methodists built a new one across
the street in Blenheim, and the Presbyterians
repaired the old building and have occupied it
since. The first pastor was Rev. William Sals-
bury, of Jefferson, and was followed by Revs.
Lee, Shaver and Miller.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Summit.
is a spirited organization, but we have been un-
able to procure a historical sketch of the same,
from the fact that upon each visit the records
TOWN Of1 SUMMIT.
'63
were not accessible, owing to absence of the
official in whose keeping they were placed, and
the forgetfulness of those who were entrusted
with the task of giving the points of history.
The Fie,- MctlwJist Church of Charlottei'ille.
—This society has the honor of being the first
organization of the kind in the County. The
first meeting for the election of trustees was
held March 16, 1878, and the following were
chosen : — •
D. L. Rider,
George Berner,
William N. Eckerson,
Sylvester Truax.
William A. Hawks was the first pastor, and
was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev.
R. M. Snyder.
The edifice was built the same year of the
organization, and is a neat structure that adds
much to the appearance of the place. It is to
be hoped that the societies of this order will exert
such an influence over other denominations as
to cause their church seats to become free,
that all the poor as well as the rich, may enter
the house of God and sit to worship without
paying " tribute to Caesar," inasmuch as that
Christian idea is the ground-work of their or-
ganization.
The Lutheran Church of Summit. — The edi-
fice in which this society worships is at Luther-
anville in the west part of the town, in the
midst of an industrious and prosperous com-
munity. The organization was effected in 1823
through the labors of its first pastor, the worthy
George Lintner. In 1836 the church building
was erected and remodeled in 1858, and will
seat three hundred and fifty. The first officers
were from the Neer, Lape, Fredindal and Mor-
rison families, the first settlers of the neighbor-
hood. The pastors were as follows: —
Rev. George Lintner,
P. G. Cole,
— Slimser,
Nicholas Van Alstine,
Benjamin Diefendorf, (eighteen years),
Samuel Bruce,
J. S. Paul,
S. W. Young, at present officiating.
The Lutheran Church of Beard's Hollow. —
This church is under the Frankean Synod, and
was organized May 6, 1865. The edifice was
built in 1862, by the Baptists and Lutherans in
union, but was purchased by the latter Febru-
ary 16, 1867. The first deacons were David
Dox and George Lape, and at the time of the
purchase of the property, Samuel Hodson,
Robert S. Fuller and David Dox, were trustees.
The only regular pastors that have performed
service here were Samuel Bruce and Jacob S.
Paul. Other pastors have occasionally preached
as supply.
BEARD'S HOLLOW.
While here, we will refer to this place, as
having been the first settled in the eastern part
of the town. Killian Ritter we are assured set-
tled here as early as 1 794, and was soon followed
by Jacob Beard, who settled in that portion of
the valley, now lying in the town of Richmond-
ville. We will speak of the whole in connec-
tion with Summit.
Jacob Beard was a German and settled upon
the farm now occupied by Hiram Mann about
the year 1795. Here he reared a family of
four sons, John, Andrew, Jacob and Philip,
and it was from this family the valley derived
its name. In 1802 Michael, the father of the
present David Dox and progenitor of the
different families found in the hollow, settled,
being a son of George Dox, Sr., who settled
at Richmondville, as stated in that chapter
of this work.
In 1 800 an extensive business was carried on
in the manufacture of grindstones upon the
hills east of the hollow, which were taken
to all parts of the country. The enterprise
slackened and but little was done for several
years, when it was again revived and as late as
1825, large numbers were manufactured, but the
business was at last abandoned as the immedi-
ate country was supplied and they were too
heavy to cart to distant points for profit.
LUTHERANVILLE.
This hamlet was for a long term of years
called "Tar Hollow." We are assured by
Jacob Wilcox and others, although we have no
official proof of the fact, that a Deputy Sheriff
164
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
by the name of Whittaker, during the anti-rent
troubles of 1844 and 1845 was here taken by
the anti-rent settlers, while in the performance
of official duties, in the collection of a debt,
and treated to a good coat of tar and feathers.
Our informants assure us, the tar and feathers
were placed upon a stone-boat and taken to a
convenient place, where the deputy was strip-
ped of his clothing and besmeared with the tar,
from head to foot, and then covered with feath-
ers. We believe it was the only instance in the
County, where such measures were taken
and carried out. Since those exciting times,
no place can be found, where more law-abiding
citizens reside, than throughout this neighbor-
hood.
TOWN VOLUNTEERS.
During the late Rebellion, eighty-two enlisted
in the Union cause, mostly in the 44th and 46th
Regiments, and braved the hardships of camp
and field, with but eight desertions, mostly to
re-enlist and draw the heavy bounties, that were
given to induce a speedy repletion of the volun-
teer ranks. Many fell in battle but more by
the destructive typhoid fever that continually
lurked around the encampments, and caused
four-fold more deaths, than were reported by
gun and sword.
MEDICAL FRATERNITY.
We have groped somewhat in the dark
in obtaining an accurate list of the physi-
cians that have settled and practiced with-
in the limits of the town, and find none
previous to Doctor Birch who was here in
1830. He was succeeded by Doctors Eastman,
Hynds, Loucks and Miner, who we believe
was contemporary with Dr. C. W. Havens, who
settled in 1840 and still continues to practice.
After Miner, came Dr. Cornell who was follow-
ed by Dr. Spaulding and the present acting Dr.
Beard, while Dr. Tibbetts is located at Emin-
ence. While Summit village or " Four corners,"
as it was for a long time known, stood thus in-
dependent of sister towns and villages, in the
medical profession, yet at Charlotteville, Dr.
Wm. Lamont settled in 1825 or 1830, and in
connection with Dr. Van Alstine of Richmond-
ville often encroached upon the territory, right-
fully belonging to the above, and carried away
the palm in many intricate cases. Doctors Near
and Smith, during Dr. Lament's residence, were
also located at that place and were succeeded
| by the present Dr. George Berner and Dr.
Sperbeck.
EMINENCE.
The early settlers of this locality were of
Dutch descent, and their Yankee neighbors
distinguished it as " Dutch Hill," by which it
was known until the postoffice was established
in 1851, when it was named "Eminence."
Peter Harder was one of the first settlers and
was the father of the present Harders of the
County, whose enterprise as successful business
men places them in the front rank. Reuben
and Minard Harder commenced the mercantile
business here when they were young men. The
latter was appointed the first postmaster.
Harder brothers sold their stock in trade to
J. M. Cornell, who sold to Wood & Curtis.
Curtis purchased Wood's interest, and in 1866
sold to J. L. Burrows, the present occupant of
the "lower" or north store. It was the only
store up to the year 1869 or 1870, when T. O.
Burnet commenced the upper one and was in
trade for a while, and closed out, leaving but
one again to furnish goods for a large territory.
James A. Burnett purchased the property -and
still remains, keeping a general assortment, as
does Mr. Burrows, of goods usually found in a
country store.
Upon the formation of Summit, the road
passing through the hamlet from north to south
was taken as the east line at this point, and
thought to be near the old Tryon and Albany
county line.
FIRST TOWN MEETING. — The first town
meeting was held at the house of Martin Hoff-
man, in March, 1820.
It was resolved, " That sheep shall not be
free, commoners and if rams are allowed to
ramble at large between the first of September
and the first of December, they shall be forfeit-
ed." A bounty was voted for the killing of
bears and wolves, ranging from five to ten dol-
lars per head. By the vote of the people, we
find upon a schedule of the town's indebtedness
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
1*5
bearing date 1821, the sum of twenty dollars
was raised for the support of the poor. Fence
viewers and school inspectors received twenty-
five cents per day for actual service, and we
suppose were then docked, for time wasted.
We will here give the schedule of taxes for
the year 1880, which will undoubtedly be as
amusing to the tax-payers sixty years from now.
as the foregoing of sixty years ago is to us. We
copy from the Supervisors report of 1880.
Dr.
To amount raised for roads and
bridges, $ 150.00
To amount raised for support of
poor 250.00
To amount audited by
board of town auditors $543.99.
To amount audited by
board of Supervisors. . . 248.60.
To amount dog tax 90-50.
Total 883.09.
Supervisor's fees 8.84.
To amount payable to Su-
pervisors 891.93.
To amount state tax 1,252.88.
To amount school tax 10.45.
To amount county tax. . ..1,720.48.
To amount due poor de-
partment 43. 80.
Dr. To County Treasurer.. 9.94-
Total 3.°43-55-
Total amount payable to
County Treasurer 3.043.55.
Grand total $4.335.48.
No. names on tax list, 372.
SEWARD GALLUP,
Collector."
SUPERVISORS.
The early records of the town are not access-
ible, having been carelessly "lent out" and not
returned, therefore we can only trace the list as
follows : —
1831 — Jacob Hoffman.
1832 — Jacob Hoffman.
1833 — Seymour Boughton, Sen.
1834 — Seymour Boughton, Sen
1835 — Letolia Bruce.
1836 — Seymour Boughton, Sen.
1837 — Daniel Baldwin.
1838 — F.dmond Northrup.
1839 — John Loucks, Jun.
1840 — Thomas W. Lamont.
1841 — Thomas W. Lamont.
1842— Isaac W. Beard.
1843 — Isaac W. Beard.
1844 — Jacob Hoffman.
1845 — Jacob Hoffman.
1846 — Hiram T. Comstock.
1847 — Parley Brown.
1848— Parley Brown,
1849 — Joseph S. Wood.
1 850— Joseph S. Wood.
1851 — Robert Crapser.
1852 — Minard Harder.
1853 — Seymour Boughton, Sen.
1854 — David L. Rider.
1855 — John H. Coons.
1856 — James Barger.
1857 — James Barger.
-1858 — Samuel Near.
1859 — David C. Jackson.
1860 — Samuel R. Griggs.
1861 — William Lamont.
1862 — Elisha Brown.
1863 — Charles W. Havens.
1864— Miles Hartwell.
1865 — Parley Brown.
1866 — Parley Brown.
1867 — James Terpenning.
t868 — Howland Baker.
1869 — James Barger.
1870 — James Barger.
1871 — William Lamont.
1872 — William Lamont.
1873 — James H. Brown.
1874 — James H. Brown.
1875 — James H. Brown.
1876 — James H. Brown.
1877 — Stephen Stil well.
1878 — Seymour Boughton, Jun.
1879 — Seymour Boughton, Jun.
!88o — David Crowe.
1881 — David Crowe.
1882— F. P. Beard.
i66
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIII-
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FULTON.
FIRST PURCHASE OF LAND BY ADAM VROMAN
ADAM VROMAN AND FAMILY-INDIAN DEEDS
—CAPTAIN VROMAN— INDIAN CASTLE— COL-
ONEL PETER VROMAN-SWART FAMILY-PETER
SWART — His MANUSCRIPT— DEATH— CRYS-
LER FAMILY-MRS. JOHN BOUCK -HENRY HA-
GER_!N MCDONALD'S CAMP— CAPTAIN HA-
GER AT BEMIS HEIGHTS— UPPER FORT— EX-
EMPT VOLUNTEERS— INVASION BY CRYSLER-
MURDER BY BEACRAFT— PRISONERS-BURN-
ING OF CRYSLER'S MILL— SAD DAY OF 1780-
RELEASE OF PRISONERS— OTHERS TAKEN TO
NIAGARA AND MONTREAL— RETURN HOME-
BRANT'S COURSE THROUGH CHERRY VALLEY-
CONSENT TO WRITE A LETTER — MESSEN-
GER DISPATCHED WITH IT— CRYSLER'S INVA-
SION—MURDER NEAR THE FORT— ENGAGE
MENT WITH CAPTAIN HAGER — RICHARD
HAGADORN WOUNDED— CONFLICT AT THE
LAKE— JOHNSON'S AND BRANT'S INVASION-
MARY HAGADORN— THE INDIANS VISIT THE
SETTLEMENT AGAIN— No INJURY— TORIES'
Loss BOUCK FAMILY AND ISLAND — WM. C.
BOUCK — His LIFE— INCIDENT FROM NEW
YORK DAILY NEWS— THE GOVERNOR'S CHIL-
DREN _ TREMAIN'S TRIBUTE — INHABITANTS
OF 1788— TIMOTHY MURPHY— His LIFE AND
HISTORICAL INCIDENTS— CHILDREN— DEATH--
EXTRACT FROM ATLANTIC MONTHLY— TOWN
FORMED— PATRIOTISM OF 1812— PETERS-
BURGH — BREAKABEEN— FIRST LANDS SET-
TLED — FULTONHAM — CHARLES WATSON —
WEST FULTON — CHURCHES— POLLY HOLLOW
REFORMED CHURCH — PHYSICIANS— SUPER-
VISORS— BOUNDARIES.
/"pHAT portion of the town known as Vro-
mansland was the first settled, and is
the best land in the County. Adam Vroman,
as before stated, purchased it of the Indians in
I7 1 1 for one hundred gallons of rum and a few
blankets, and estimated the tract to contain
four hundred acres. In 1 7 1 5 Vroman came t
the valley to settle his son, Peter, but by
threatenings to kill him and the bold demolition
of his house by the Germans of Weisersdorf,
he was frightened away, and the settlement
was delayed till the season following. Adam
Vroman descended from a prominent family of
Holland, and was a son of Hendrick Meese
Vroman, who was killed in the Schenectady
massacre of 1690. He was born in Holland
in 1649. Rev. R. Randall Hoes, of New
Rochelle, N. Y., a descendant, says :—
"He was naturalized in the province of New
York in 1715-"
His will is dated September 12, 1729, and
was proved June 13, i?3°- He died On h'S
farm in Schoharie, (Vromansland,) February
25, 1730, and was buried in Schenectady, and r
was thought upon at least fair authority, that
his first wife was Engeltie Bloom, probably o
Long Island. His second wife was Grist
Ryckman, widow of Jacques Cornehse Van
Slyck, in 1691. His third wife was Grietje
Takelse Heemstreet, married January 13, 1697,
in Albany. His children numbered thirteen.
They were as follows, from the manuscript of
of R. R. Hoes :—
Barent baptized in 1679; married daughter
of Takelse Heemstraat, 1699.
Wouter, born in 1680; married daughter of
Isaac C. Hallenbeck, of Albany, 1707.
Pieter, born May, 1684; married Griesje Van
Alstine, of Albany, February, 1706.
Christina, baptized October 18, 1685 ; mar-
ried Teunis Swart, October, 1710.
Hendrick, born in 1687 ; married first -
second, Maria Wemp; was high constable in
Albany in 1705.
Johannes, baptized May 30, 1697, i
bany.
Maria, born September i, 1699; man
Douw Foda.
Bartholomew, born blind ; married Cathanna
Slingerland, widow of Hendiick Van Slyck.
Timotheus, born November 8, 1702.
Seth, married first, Geertney Van Patten;
second, Eva De Graff.
TOWN OF FULTON.
167
Jacob Meese, married Sara Meyndertsen,
October 30, 1742, daughter of the Patroon.
Eta, married Joachim Ketelhuyn, January
25. *73°-
Janetje, married Harmon Van Slyck, and we
think after, Johannes Lawyer.
Rev. Hoes also gives us Adam's third son's
children. As from Peter came the different
families bearing the name in the valley at the
present time, we give them as follows : —
Adam, Barent, Cornelius, Engeltie, (Mrs-
David Zielie,) Abraham, Jannetie, Pieter,
Meese, Isaac, Geerting, (Mrs. Josias Swart,)
Lidia.
Adam Vroman had a deal of trouble with
the Germans, who, he complained to the
Governor of the province several times, "set
the Indians up against him." The Germans
apprised the Indians of the fact that Vroman
had cheated them in the number of acres, and
he again bought the tract in 1714, (April 30,)
and called it eleven hundred acres, and in the
following August obtained a royal grant for the
whole. There is no doubt that Weiser and his
followers had an eye to the land, and committed
all manner of depredations, and influenced the
Indians against him, at least the Indians were
not yet satisfied, and the matter was not settled
until the 3oth of March, 1726, when he re-
purchased the whole tract, and to make a sure
transaction the conveyance was given " in be-
half of all the Mohaugs Indians," and after
giving the boundaries, it said "let there be as
much as there will, more or less, for we are no
surveyors." All deeds given by the Indians of
the valley were executed by the three tribes of
the Mohawk, whose ensigns were a turtle, wolf,
and bear, the former sometimes holding a toma-
hawk in its claws. The Germans learned by
experience that Vroman could not be frustrated
in his designs, and after the exit of Weiser to
Pennsylvania they began to cultivate a friendly
feeling towards each other. How many of
Adam's children settled upon the land we are
unable to learn, but we know at least of three,
Peter, Wouter and Christina. Wouter or Wal-
ter, seemed to be the favorite son, as he re-
ceived more than the others.
Where David Vroman now resides, Adam
intended to reside, and upon the west of him
Wouter was located, his land running from the
mountain to and across the " Dovegatt."* All
the land east of Wouter's was called the
Bowery, and was conveyed to him on the i2th
of February, 1731.
Each of these had sons, and perhaps other
brothers' sons came, as in a few years quite a
number of the family were here. Author Simms
refers to four sons of Peter, — Cornelius, Samuel,
Peter and Isaac, — that were noted for their
strength. Having a saw- mill, he states two of
them could easily carry a good sized log on the
carriage. Cornelius being the strongest, upon
a wager of strength, drew twelve heavy men in
a sleigh upon bare ground, one and one-half
feet, and drew by the end of the tongue. It
will be seen that Peter did not have a son
named Samuel, and as Isaac was born in
November, 1722, if such did show their
strength, they were children of another
Vroman, — perhaps Adam's brother. As will
be seen, Christina, a daughter of Adam,
married Teunis Swart, and his son, Jacob, the
father of Judge Swart, followed him, in the pos-
session of the farm given to him by Adam, as
did the Judge, who afterwards removed to
Schoharie. The Swarts settled a few years
after the Vromans, and were connected with
them in all enterprises for many years. During
the French wars those families took an active
part, especially the Vromans, and held promi-
nent positions in the militia ranks. Peter, the
son of Adam, was commissioned Ensign in
1731, and was promoted to Captain between
that date and 1739. The. original commission
is now in the possession of A. G. Richmond, of
Canajoharie. His grandson, Peter, (son of
Barent) was commissioned Captain sometime
in 1754 or 1755, and was highly recommended
by Sir William Johnson to Governor Golden,
to be promoted to Major in Colonel Jacob
Sternburgh's regiment, as before stated. The
latter officer to distinguish himself from
other Peter Vromans of that day, usually wrote
his name Peter B., conveying the idea of, son of
* The Dovegatt is the Dutch name given to a minia-
ture bay that runs from the main stream into the inter-
vale in the shape of the Roman letter L.
1 68
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Barent. When the Revolution commenced he
was commissioned as " Colonel Peter Vroman."
The grandfather, Peter, (Ensign and Captain)
having died in 1771, Colonel Peter dropped the
" B." Perhaps he did so to shield himself from
being recognized by the British Government as
the former commissioned Captain. In case of
his being taken prisoner under his former full
name, he would have been treated as a deserter.
A nephew of Adam made himself promi-
nent as a Surveyor, and purchaser of large
tracts of land. His name was Isaac, and he
surveyed the " Dorlach grant " in Seward and
Sharon in 1730, and drew a very concise map of
the same which is now in the hands of Tiffany
Lawyer.
During the anticipated trouble with the
French a castle was built in Vromansland
by the orders of Sir William Johnson, and called
a "fort." It was built in 1753,* and stood uPon
lands now occupied by David Vroman, east of
the stem of the Dovegatt, and in the convey-
ance of lands from the Indians to Vroman and
from him to his son Walter, the site was reserv-
ed as also was a narrow strip along the back-
water, opposite the fort. The latter was for
a burial ground.
There were three castles or forts in the val-
ley, but this was the largest and most impreg-
nable, owing, undoubtedly, to the fact that the
greatest number of Indians and whites were
located in this vicinity. At the time these forts
were built, there were also others constructed
for the Onondaga, Oneida and Seneca tribes,
and upon the back of the statement, made, of
the fact of their being built, by Sir William
Johnson, to the Board of Trade, there was a
memorandum of dimensions which was, with-
out doubt, that of the forts, (unquestionably
they were all built alike,) which we will here
copy verbatim : —
" 100 ft. square the stockad5- P [pine] or O K
[oak] 1 5 ft. long 3 of wch at least to be sunk in
the ground well pounded and rammed & ye 2
touching sides square so as to lay close. Loop
holes to be made 4 ft. dis« 2 Bl. H«5 20 ft. sq.
below & above to project i£ foot over ye Beams
well roofed & shingled & a good Sentry Box
* Doc. Hist. Vol. 2, of 4 Vols. page 422.
on the top of each, a good Gate of 3 Inc oak
PL & Iron hinges & a small Gate of Oak Plank
of same thick8-
"Endorsed, Fort Johnson, May 28th, 1756."
Judge Brown in his " Brief sketch, &c., of
Schoharie," of this Fort and Indians says : —
"Here they (the Indians) all settled together
the whole Karigh Ondonte tribe. Their chiefs
that remained in my time (1757 he came to
Schoharie) were Seth Hauzerry, Joseph Hanelir
and Aggy Aweer, together with their squaws of
the direct line of Karigh Ondonte, namely—
Lisquet, Wawly and Caroline, who always pre-
tended to have exclusive title to the soil and
King George, I suppose, caused a Piquet Fort
and some Barracks to be built thereon,
which was done by one young Johannes Becker
for the sum of eight pound. Here they gave
names to three particular hills — namely Onisto
Graw, Conegena and Mohegan, by which they
continue to be named this day."
From this fort, Captain Peter B. Vroman pro-
ceeded with a body of militia to Oswego in
1759, and was employed in building a road to
the Three Rivers. Vromansland being the
birthplace of Colonel Vroman and that historic
ground lying within this town, perhaps it would be
well to here give a few of the many prominent
points of his life, beginning with the commence-
ment of the Revolution.
We find he represented the Schoharie district
at the "Provincial Convention," to elect dele-
gates to the Continental Congress in April, 1775,
although the "New York Civil list" does not make
mention of the fact. He was sent as a delegate
to the Council of Safety many times, and was
Member of Assembly during the four sessions
of 1777 and 1779, also m J786 and J787- His
prompt action under the most adverse circum-
stances during the war as an officer, and the
courage displayed upon the i7th of October,
1780, at the middle fort were characteristic of
the man, and were worthy marks of a true pa-
triot and unflinching soldier. The Colonel had
but one heir, Angelica, who married a Peter
Vroman, that held a commission as Major in
the beginning of the century. He removed from
Vromansland in the year 1777 to the middle
TOWN OF FULTON.
169
fort, and after the invasion of 1780 he pur-
chased the Eckerson mill near the lower fort
and lived at that place until his death, which
occurred on the zgth of December, 1793, at
the early age of fifty-seven.
The Swart family were descendants of a prom-
inent family in Holland in an official and mon-
etary point of view. The first that came to this
country were two brothers, Frederick Cornelius,
and Teunis Cornelius, some time prior to the
year 1660. They were business men and held
public positions in Albany and Schenectady for
many years. The Judge was the most promi-
nent member of the family in this County, and
in order to give a correct idea of his public life
we will copy from a manuscript left by him,
now in the possession of our friend Rev. R.
Randall Hoes : —
" I was enrolled in the militia at sixteen years
of age, (this was' the lawful age for enrolling at
that period) served as a private six months;
then I was appointed a corporal, served in that
capacity about one year, then I was appointed
sergeant in Capt Hager's company; 1778 I was
appointed Ensign in said company, in the room
of John L. Lawyer; 1786 I was promoted to
first Major of the regiment, in 1798 I was pro-
moted to Lieut.-Colonel Com't. In 1784 I was
appointed Justice of the Peace, without my
knowledge. In 1796 I was appointed one of
the Judges of the county, which office I have
resigned in 1818 : In 1798 I was elected mem-
ber of Assembly, the next election I was solic-
ited to stand again as a candidate which I
utterly refused; 1806 I was elected a member
of Congress.
" I was afterwards again requested to stand
as a candidate for Congress, which I refused,
when John Gebhard, Judge Shepherd and Boyd
(Thomas) were candidates. Gebhard and Shep-
herd met with their friends at the court house
for one of them to give way; no arrangement
could be made: They both signed a written
declaration to give way in case I would accept
a nomination, which I also refused. 1816 I was
elected a Senator. At the expiration of my
time I was again requested to stand a can-
didate for the Senate, which I also refused. I
never craved or requested an office.
" I was one of the first that signed the com-
pact and association. 1776 I turned out to
Stone Arabia to check the progress of the en-
emy and Tories. In the fall of the same year
I turned out to Albany, from thence to Fort
Edward, from thence to Johnstown, to check
the enemy. 1777, in the spring, I turned out
to Harpersfield, from thence to the Delaware,
to take up disaffected, from there home.
Three days home, I went down the Helleburgh
to take Tories. After we had together about
twenty-five of them, went to Albany and de-
livered them in jail. A few days after, went to
Harpersfield, from thence to Charlotte river to
take McDonald, and send him to jail. In Au-
gust, 1777, was one of the thirty-two that made
a stand to oppose McDonald and his party. I
was one of the two that risked our lives to
crowd through the Tories' guns to go to Al-
bany for assistance ; was taken prisoner by the
Indians and Tories, and the same evening made
my escape. I was one of the six councillors
that went from the stone house across Scho-
harie Creek into the wood in a cave, to consult
what measures to adopt— secrecy at that time
was the best policy. Did not McDonald and
his party come down as far as my house, and
there encamp till next day, and destroy every-
thing ? I had left home. The same day Mc-
Donald and his party were defeated and fled
into the woods, and went off to Canada, and
about twenty-six from Breakabeen went with
him. What would have been the result if our
small party had made no resistance, and had
tamely submitted? McDonald would have
marched through Schoharie, and in all proba-
bility reached Albany. What was the conse-
quence as far as he came down ? Was not the
farm of Adam Crysler confiscated ? Also the
farm of Adam Bouck and brothers ? Also the
farm of Frederick Bouck ? Of Bastian Becker,
John Brown, Hendrick Mattice, Nicholas Mat-
tice and a number of others that were indicted?
And a number more that had joined McDon-
ald and fired upon our men."
Judge Swart was born January 13, 1752.
He married Cornelia Becker (Low Dutch), by
whom he had several sons and daughters, as
follows:— Jacob, John, Peter, Martin, Maria,
Mrs. Peter I. Hoes, Ann, Mrs. Jacob H. Hager,
170
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
afterwards Mrs. Nicholas Russell, of Cobleskill,
and Nancy, Mrs. David Swart, of Orleans
county, N. Y. He passed his last days upon
the " Beller farm, " near Schoharie village, and
there died on the jd of November, 1829.
At some period before 1750, the Crysler
family settled upon the farm now owned by
Mrs. John S. Lawyer. The name has been
differently spelled, as Kriesler, Krisler, Chryslir
and Crysler. We will adopt the modern or lat-
ter method. We are of the opinion that the
head of the family was Geronimus, and at the
beginning of the Revolution, he was dead and
left four sons and at least one daughter, Mrs.
John Bouck, of Schoharie village, also Adam
Baltus, Philip, John, and William. Adam re-
tained the old homestead and was the owner of
a gristmill built several years before the Revo-
lution. Geronimus became interested in a por-
tion of the " Dorlach" grant and removed with
Philip, John and William upon it, and the three
latter were residents of it in 1777.
The family at one time owned a large tract of
land in this town, of which the Boucks became
the owners. As the law passed by the Conti-
nental Congress, was to the effect that those
who remained loyal to the Crown, and left the
property during hostilities to give aid to the
colonists' enemies, should forfeit their lands, this
property was seized and passed into other hands
upon the close of the war. While Adam and
brothers were demons in human form, through
that struggle, yet the former was not a down-
right Tory more than any other British officer,
who had sworn allegiance to the government
and enrolled himself in the army as a soldier,
before the war commenced. Having thus done,
his government was the crown, while a civilian
must consider himself to be of that government
that has absolute power over the State or prov-
ince of which he is a member, and in opposing
by force or giving aid to the enemy, gains the
title or epithet of " Tory."
It was otherwise with Crysler. He was a
British officer, having received a commission in
1768. We have already in Chapter III, given
the movements of Captain Crysler and his
brothers during the war, and it is therefore
needless to repeat them here, as they are a stain
upon our history that will overbalance anything
that has been brought forward against other white
savages of that memorable epoch. While they
were participants and instigators of atrocious acts,
the sister, Mrs. John Bouck, was one of those
women whose Christian graces adorn society
and win the love and admiration of their fellows.
She lived to a good old age, and died about the
year 1810, leaving a large circle of friends, whose
children still refer to her Christian life.
Beside the families already mentioned as being
the first settlers of the town were the Peeks,
Baxster, Youngs, Mattice, Larroways, Keysers,
Beckers, Browns, Hagadorns, Vanloan, Henry
Hager, and Boucks, although the latter at a
much later date than the former. At the time
the invasion was made by McDonald and Crys-
ler, Henry Hager, then an aged man, was the
only patriot left in the upper part of the settle-
ment to communicate the fact of their presence
to the people below.
In starting out near sundown, to carry the
news he walked within the enemy's lines, and
upon finding out his situation, pretended to the
sentinel to be in quest of the blacksmith.
After giving an order for some piece of mechan-
ism he was again allowed to pass the pickets on
his pretended return home, but in reaching a
bend in the road that hid him from the belliger-
ents, he made a circuitous route and reached
the house of John Becker, where were assembled
his son and Captain Jacob Hager with a small
company of militia. The Captain had marched
to the relief of Schuyler, and had been ordered
back for supplies, which seemed Providential at
that time as the valley was defenseless, with
none but the aged and women, of the patriots'
side, to resist a foe. The two messengers first
sent for assistance, were of this town, Peter Swart
and Ephraim Vroman, who, ere the war closed,
keenly felt the vengeance of the foe. Hager,'
with the very few patriots surrounding him,
urged the citizens to turn out for defense but
they showed their true colors, and refused to
heed his orders, and finding it was useless to
coax and still less to compel, other messengers
were sent to the committee at Albany, until their
call was answered as before stated. After the
skirmish in Crysler's neighborhood with such fa-
vorable success, the ire of Captain Hager was
TOWN OF FULTON.
aroused, and the weak-kneed were forced to a
realizing sense of what they had to do, and were
kept under strict surveillance as long as the war
lasted.
Many followed Crysler to Canada, outside
of his force in action that day, while others re-
turned after a few days march, pretended peni-
tence, but were, as others, forced to do much
against their wishes. Captain Hager was early
in the field upon duty and remained in active
service until the close of the war.
Upon the retreat of McDonald, Capt. Hager
returned to Saratoga with his force and was at
the battle of Bemis Heights, and from thence,
marched with a detachment of militia to the
Delaware and Charlotte to arrest the disaffect-
ed, that had been more bold upon the prospect
of the success of British force, than before. At
no time during the struggle were there as many
arrested and confined or forced to give bail for
their "good behavior towards the patriots," as
immediately after the surrender of Burgoyne
and retreat of St. Leger. The militia drove
matters to a crisis with the timid, as well as the
evil disposed, and during the Captain's whole
military career we fail to find an instance where
his passions gained control of his judgment,
and led him to commit rash deeds, that were to
his discredit as a soldier and a Christian gentle-
man. His bravery and military skill were con-
ceded by Johnson, Brant, McDonald and Crysler
to be undaunting, as upon several occasions a
conflict was evaded when it became known that
the Captain was in command. The second com-
pany which he commanded was the most
active of any, and consisted of fifty-five all told,
with Martinus VanSlyck as First Lieutenant,
Johannes W. Bouck, Second Lieutenant and Pe-
ter Swart. Ensign, and during the war, arrested,
tradition says, two hundred and fifty Tories, and
delivered them to the Colonial authorities.
Upper Fort. — As hostilities had actually com-
menced in the valley and invasions were daily
expected, the upper fort was built in the fall
of 1777, as were the middle and lower, by the
labors of citizens and soldiers. The summer of
1778 found them finished, and this one the
most impregnable of the three, stood near the
village of Fultonham, upon the present farm of
Mrs. Lawyer Bourk, then owned by John Peek.
( >t i-s construction. Simms says : "One side of
the inclosure was picketed in, .while on its other
sides a breast-work was thrown up of timbers
and earth, some eight or ten feet high, and suf-
ficiently thick to admit of drawing a wagon
upon its top, with short pickets set in the out-
side timbers of the breast-work. A ditch sur-
rounded the parts thus constructed. Military
barracks and small log huts were erected in the
inclosure to accommodate the soldiers and citi-
zens. Block-houses and sentry boxes were
built in the northwest and southeast corners,
each containing a small cannon to guard its
sides. From its construction, this fortress
probably better merited the name of fort than
either of the others, although some have stated
that a moat partially surrounded the middle
fort." The same author says, " In June of 1777
Congress resolved to establish a corps of invalids,
consisting of eight companies, each to have one
captain, two lieutenants, two ensigns, five
sergeants, two drummers, two fifers and one
hundred men. to be employed in garrison duty."
A company of this kind was formed in Scho-
harie in the fall of 1777, or early in 1778, of
which Teunis Vroman, who had served in the
French war, was Captain, Peter Snyder and
Martinus Vroman, Lieutenants, and John L.
Lawyer its Ensign. This company, which was
mostly in the vicinity of the upper fort was
called Associate Exempts. The most direful
invasion of the whole of the Schoharie settlements
up to the year 1780, was made in Vromans-
land on the 9th of August of that year, by a
party of Indians, supposed to be seventy-three
and six Tories, led by the infamous Crysler, as
will be seen by consulting his official report
found in Chapter III. Of that affair Simms
says, that Captain Hager sent a scout consist-
ing of Coonradt Winne, Leek and Hoever to
reconnoiter in the western part of this town
with instructions not to fire upon the enemy if
seen, but return immediately to the Fort. But
when in the vicinity of " Sap bush," a white
man, painted as a savage, was seen and being a
tempting mark for Leek, he leveled his rifle and
shot him, which brought the whole force in view
and caused a precipitate flight of the scouts.
They became divided, and only Leek reached the
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIR COUNTY.
fort, the others being chased to the sovnh. Not
arrivilll, ;„ time to give the alarm to tne .
the savages pounced upon the Vroman
ttl'ement about ten o'clock in the morning, m
three divisions. Captain Hager had gone to
his farm (which lay in the present town c
Blenheim as has been seen) to draw m some
hay leaving Captain Teun.s Vroman of he
'Exempts' in command. The latter unfor-
tunately also had returned to his house to draw
in wheat accompanied by his family to do the,r
housework.
The command then devolved upon Lieutei
ant Ephraim Vroman who also, with h.s wife,
four children and two slaves, went to his arm
and left the garrison under Lieutenant Will
Harper, with less than a dozen men.
All of these Vromins lived in the one neigh-
borhood and were without doubt the most in-
dependent of any in the whole valley,
when all were busily engaged in their excellent
harvest or general house-work that the demons,
like vultures, pounced upon them. Captain Vro-
man was unloading wheat at the time they mad
their appearance, and immediately descended
from the load and was met by an Indian who
cleft his skull with a tomahawk and "stood
upon his shoulders while tearing off his scalp."
Mrs. Vroman was washing in a narrow passage
between the house, and workhouse when she
was surprised and stricken down, after two blows
had been inflicted. Her scalp was rudely torn
off and the torch applied to the house, barns,
barracks and everything that fire could con-
sume. The Captain and wife both had pre-
sentiments that morning, that something dread-
ful was about to occur, and ere noon-day they
lay mutilated victims of a civilized government's
hired emissaries.
The author was informed by Andrew Loucks,
then in the fort, that Mrs. Vroman remarked
when leaving the fort in the morning, " This is
the last time I intend to go to "my house to
work." Peter, one of the sons, fled upon the
first alarm and hid in the bushes, but one of the
blacks betrayed him and he was taken prisoner.
He was taken a short distance, and while crying to
return, the notorious Beacraft caught him "and
placing his legs between his own, bent him back
and cut his throat, after which he scalped and
hung him across the fence." This affair, the
reader will remember, Captain Patchin refers to
in his narrative, of which the Tory boasted.
The division that entered the settlement at
Colonel Vroman's residence was led by Brant
himself, "who hoped to surprise the rebel Colo-
nel." That officer had removed to the middle
fort in the early part of July together with his
family and, there being no one upon the prem-
ises, the invaders applied the torch and passed
on to Lieutenant Vroman's. His family (says
the author) '-consisted of himself and wife, his
sons Bartholomew, Josias E., and daughters Janet
—four years old, an infant— Christina, two Ger-
mans, Cresihiboom and Hoffman, and several
slaves. The latter, however, were at work near
the river and escaped." Lieutenant Vroman
ran to the house, caught up the infant and ran
to the cornfield at the foot of the Ouistagrawa,
followed by his wife leading the daughter. " He
seated himself against a tree and his wife con-
cealed herself a few rods from him in the thrifty
corn." " His family would, without doubt, have
remained undiscovered, had Mrs. Vroman con-
tinued silent ; but not knowing where her hus-
band was and becoming alarmed, she rose up
and called to him in Low Dutch, 'Ephraim,
Ephraim, where are you, have you got the
child?' True to the love of a mother,
her own safety was not thought of, but the
deep, yearning solicitude for the child's safety
triumphed, and gave the direction to the
unerring "bullet from Seths Henry's rifle to
pierce her body." "He then tomahawked and
scalped her while the Tory. Beacraft, crushed the
skull of the four year-old daughter with a stone
and drew off her scalp." The historian says
that as Seths Henry approached Mrs. Vroman
to take her scalp, he said, "Now say— what
these Indian's dogs do here?" repeating her own
words, spoken after her marriage nuptials
were performed, as Henry and other In-
dians crowded into the kitchen and at which the
wily warrior took offence. "While Mrs. Vro-
man was being scalped, another Indian ap-
proached the Lieutenant and thrust a spear at
his body, which he parried, and the infant in his
arms smiled, another thrust was made and par-
ried which again caused the child to smile. At
TOWN OF FULTON.
'73
the third blow, which was also warded off, the
little innocent, then only five months old,
laughed aloud at the supposed sport, which
awakened the sympathy of the savage, and he
made Vroman a prisoner."
The sons and Gorman laborers were also
captured and taken to Canada. John Vroman
was also captured with his wife and children.
The house was set on fire, but extinguished.
Adam A. Vroman tied to the upper fort, three-
fourihs of a mile distant, after being twice fired
upon by the enemy. He had a pistol, and
when the Indians gained upon him, he pre-
sented it. and they fell back, but renewed
the chase when he set forward. He was pur-
sued until protected by the fort. On his ar-
rival he was asked how he had escaped. His
answer was, " I pulled foot." From that day to
his death, he was called " Pull Foot " Vroman.
His wife was made a prisoner.
Simon Vroman who resided above, was taken
prisoner, as were his wife and son Jacob, a boy
three years old. John Daly, aged over sixty,
Thomas Mereness and James Turner, (young
men), Albey Eliza Stowits, a girl of seventeen,
the wife of Philip Hoever, the widow of Cor-
nelius Vroman, and several slaves not mentioned,
were also captured in Vromansland, making
the number of prisoners in all, about thirty.
The five persons mentioned were all that were
killed at the time. Abraham Vroman, who
happened to be in Vromansland with his
wagon, on which was a hay-rack, when the
alarm was given, drove through the valley and
picked up several of the citizens. On arriving
at the residence of the Svvarts, who lived in the
lower end of the valley, he reined up and called
to Mrs. Swart, who was standing at an oven a little
distance from the house : "Cornelia, jump into
my wagon, the Indians are upon us !" She ran
into the house, snatched up her infant child (now
Mrs. David Swart,) from the cradle, returned,
and with her husband bounded into the wagon
which started just before the enemy, tomahawk
in hand, reached their dwelling. Vroman had
a powerful team, and did not stop to open the
gates that then obstructed the highway at each
line fence but drove against them and forced
them open. He drove to the middle fort which
also was fully garrisoned.
" The destructives burnt at this place nine
ihi't-Hings and the furniture they contained, with
the barns and barracks, which were mostly filled
with an abundant harvest. Ninety good horses
were also driven with their owners into captiv-
ity. Large slices of meat were cut from the
carcasses of the cattle and hogs and strewn along
the valley, or hung across the backs of some of
the horses, to serve as provisions for the party
on their way to Canada."
Before Seths Henry left the settlement, he
placed his war club, which he believed was
known to some of the citizens, in a conspicuous
place, and purposely left it. Notched upon
it were evidences, as traced by the Indians
on similar weapons, of thirty-five scalps a.n& forty
prisoners. We have thus been particular to
copy author Simm's narrative of the massacre,
as tradition has taken from the events of the
day much of deepest interest, and intimated
that many of the sufferers of that day were
tinctured with Toryism. The author's authority
was the best, it being from many of the captives
at the time, and those whose patriotism could
not be doubted, such as Teunis, son of Captain
Teunis Vroman, Josias E. and Bartholomew E.
Vroman, sons of Ephraim Vroman ; Maria,
daughter of John Vroman, and afterwards wife
of Frederick Mattice; Henry Hager, Mrs.
Susannah VanSlyck, daughter of Samuel Vro-
man ; Lawrence Bouck, Lawrence Mattice and
Angelica, daughter of Colonel Peter Vroman,
the wife of Major Peter Vroman.
We will continue the author's account of the
day's events : —
" On the arrival of Leek at the upper fort,
after being so hotly pursued, John Hager, (son
of Henry and brother of Capt. H — ,) then at work
on his father's place, hearing the alarm gun of the
fort, mounted a horse and up and informed
Captain Hager that the buildings were on fire
in the valley below. The hay on his wagon,
which was unloading in the barn, was quickly
thrown off, and a few of the inhabitants of that
vicinity that were taken into it were driven into
the woods and concealed near Keyser's Kill.
" The enemy on leaving Vromansland, pro-
ceeded with their booty and prisoners directly
up the river. A grist-mill, owned by Adam
'74
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Crysler, and standing on 'the Lower Breakabeen
i-n-L'k. ;is called in old conveyances, which runs
into the Schoharie, was sacked of the little flour
it chanced to contain, and then set on fire,
the Tories, with the enemy, declaring that the
Whigs of Yromansland should not be longer
benefited by said mill. The Indians on their
arrival in that part of Breakabeen burned every-
thing in their path within the present limits of
the town.
" Henry Mattice and Adam Brown, both
Tories, accompanied the enemy from Breaka-
been of their own accord.
" The loth day of August, 1780, was one of
sadness and mourning for the citizens of Vro-
mansland, some of whom had lost near rela-
tives among the slain, and al! among the cap-
tives, either relatives or valued friends ; while
the destruction of property to individuals was
a loss, especially at that season of the year
when too late to grow sustenance for their
families, to be most keenly felt and deplored.
" The burial of the dead took place the day
after their massacre, on the farm of John Peek,
near the fort, where their ashes now lie in neg-
lected graves. The bodies of Captain Vroman,
wife and son, were deposited in one grave, and
that of Mrs. Ephraim Vroman and her daughter,
in another. The remains of the former body
presented a most horrid appearance. Left by
her murderers between the burning buildings,
her flesh was partly consumed, exposing her
entrails.
" When the dead body of Mrs. Ephraim
Vroman was first discovered in the cornfield, it
was evident that she had partially recovered,
and had vainly endeavored to staunch the flow
ing blood from the wound in her breast, first
with her cap or some portion of her dress, and
afterwards with earth, having dug quite a hole
in the ground.
" The destroyers of Vromansland proceeded
on the afternoon of the same day about fifteen
miles, and encamped for the night. The scalps
of the slain were stretched upon hoops and dried
in the presence of the relative prisoners, the
oldest of whom were bound nights. As the
party proceeded along the east bank of the
Schoharie, in the afternoon of the first day,
after journeying some six miles, Brant permitted
the wife of John Vroman with her one infant,
and that taken with Kphraim Vroman, to return
back to the settlement. On the morning after
the massacre the line of march was again re-
sumed, and when about half way from the
I'atchin place to Harpersfield, Brant yielded to
the repeated importunities of several of his fe-
male captives, and perhaps to the seasonable
interference of several Tory friends living near,
and permitted all of them, except Mrs. Simon
Vroman with several male children — nearly one
half of the whole number of prisoners, to return
to Schoharie. Brant led the liberated captives
aside nearly half a mile to a place of conceal-
ment, where he required them to remain until
night. The female prisoners, when captured,
were plundered of their bonnets, neckerchiefs,
beads, earrings, etc , which articles, of course,
they did not recover. Word having been sent
to Schoharie that those prisoners had been lib-
erated, Major Thomas Eckerson, Lieutenant
Harper, and Schoharie John, a friendly Indian,
who lived at Middleburgh during the war, met
them not far from where Mrs. Vroman had been
left the preceding afternoon, with several horses,
and placing three persons on a horse, they con-
veyed them to the upper fort where they arrived
just at dusk." * * *
The greater part of the Schoharie prisoners
were taken to Niagara, where they remained
until November, when they proceeded in a ves-
sel down Lake Ontario.
" The prisoners were conveyed down the St.
Lawrence in bateaux, and some of them suf-
fered much for the want of suitable clothing,
being barefooted, although the ground was cov-
ered with snow where they encamped on shore
over night. They arrived at Montreal about
the first of December, from which place, after a
few weeks stay, they were removed nine miles
farther, to an old French post, called South
Rakela, where they were confined until the
summer following, and then exchanged for other
prisoners. While confined at the latter place,
their provisions consisted, for the most part, of
salt beef and oatmeal, the latter being boiled
into puddings and eaten with molasses. When
an exchange was effected, most of the Scho-
TOWN OF FULTON.
'75
liarie prisoners, with others, were sent on board
a vessel at the head of Lake Champlain, where
they were landed, and from which place they
returned home on foot via Saratoga. They
arrived at Schoharie on the 3Oth of August, af-
ter an absence of a little more than a year. Mrs.
Hager was gone about eighteen months."
While the date of the foregoing massacre does
not agree, as given by Simms, with that of Crys-
ler, yet it must have been the same. Both
agree upon the number of scalps taken (as ex-
pressed by Crysler,) but not in number of pris-
oners. We learn through the family of Ephraim
Vroman, that the party, instead of going from
Harpersfield, direct to the Susquehanna, pro-
ceeded from the former place to Cherry Valley,
and while there, Vroman asked the privilege of
the officer, by whom he was held, to write a let-
ter to his friends in Schoharie, about some busi-
ness of importance. The officer refused, and
Brant being at the place, and hearing his desire,
obtained permission for the captive to do so, and
when finished, sent a runner back to Vromans-
land with it, for which act of kindness, Lieu-
tenant Vroman always entertained a marked
respect for the chieftain, much to the displeasure
of his neighbors, who, in their unreasonable con-
clusions, marked him as a Tory. While we will
not deny but that Brant was of the invading party,
yet since Crysler has claimed the honor of being
one also, we will give him the credit, and
also be suspicious of his being the leader, and,
in Indian disguise palming himself off for the
warrior, Brant. At one other time, in the year
following, an invasion o/ the same ground was
made by Adam Crysler, but supposed by the
inhabitants to be accompanied by Brant. In
his report of the affair, he says : " It was on
the loth of November 1781, and he at the head
of twenty-eight 'Aughquagas' killed one man
near the fort and drove off fifty head of cattle,
a number of horses and burnt two houses, and
in their retreat the Rebels turned out to the num-
ber of thirty and overtook them about four miles
from the fort. Being fired upon they returned
the compliment and killed one man, when the
Rebels retreated aud pursued them the follow-
ing morning with 150 men, and overtook them
about twenty-three miles from the fort, when a
skirmish occurred in which the ' Rebels ' lost
' four men and seven wounded.' "
Author Simm> disagrees with the Captain's
report in the date and also in the number of
men brought in action, which is not of great
moment. Exaggerations were often made, and
much that occurred upon each side was not
told, as is the case in all warlike conflicts, as
also in less serious moral, political and religious
skirmishes. The savages had been harbored
near for several days, watching an opportunity
to make a successful strike, and to find the fort
left in a defenseless condition. Early in the
morning, just at day, of either the ist or loth
of November 1781, they suddenly appeared
and killed Isaac Vroman and after taking
plunder from his son Peter's house — with whom
Isaac was staying — they retreated up the valley.
Peter escaped to the fort and apprised its in-
mates, numbering only a few, of the invasion,
and after a few hours delay, a squad of militia
followed on after the savages, and when near
Governor Bouck's late residence, were fired upon
by them as they lay in ambush, mortally wound-
ing one man as stated by Crysler and Simms.
After returning the compliment, the militia re-
treated, carrying their dying comrade — Richard
Haggidorn — off the field, and to the upper fort.
The same day, Colonel Vroman was made ac-
quainted with the affair, and he dispatched
from the middle fort, under Captain Hale, a
company of sixty regulars that were there sta-
tioned f>r the winter, and ordered Captain
Hager of the upper fort to join Hale, with the
force under him and proceed in pursuit of the
Indians. Captain Hager, who was in command,
marched up the stream and encamped for the
night in the present town of Blenheim, and early
the following morning overtook the enemy near
the lake in Jefferson, where a skirmish occur-
red.
At the time Johnson and Brant invaded the
Schoharie valley in October, 1780, but little in-
jury was done within the limits of the town for
two reasons. They had slyly gained the valley
opposite the "upper fort" early in the morn-
ing and intended to approach the " middle "
one, unobserved, and pass down without molest-
ing property. But their coming was known by
I76
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the patriots, and vigilant watch kept up, and
tlu-y no sooner passed the fort than one of
the Feek family discovered their presence,
while after his cows near the creek. They had
gained nearly a mile north of the fortress, by
the time Feek reported his discovery to Cap-
tain Hager. No sooner did he learn the fact,
than the small ten-pounders blazed forth from
their sulphurous mouths the approach of devas-
tation, crime and death, to the dwellers of the
valley, who dared breathe a declaration of in-
alienable right" to "life, liberty and the pursuit
of happiness."
The other reason was that the invaders of
the loth of August of the preceding year, had
left but little for them to destroy. The harvest
of 1700 had been mostly secreted in the woods
upon the hillsides, and much escaped the torch.
No sooner did the little cannons echo the doleful
news, than the middle fort responded, ''We are
ready," and the pent-up hatred that filled the
bosoms of the enemy, burst forth with flaming
torches, and satanic whoops over the charred
and bloody trail of a neighbor-kinsman and
professed Christian, Adam Crysler, and finished
the work of desolation, directly along the stream,
with exultation, and poured down upon the
quiet hamlet of Middleburgh, where they were
received by as brave and determined a band of
patriots as ever a nation boasted. With what
excitement the force in the upper fort must have
listened to the roar of musketry, from the con-
flict below ! But they were undaunted and
prepared to defend their castle, to death or vic-
tory ! Here, where now no mark is left to guide
the visitor to the hallowed spot upon which the
fortress stood, was, upon that eventful day, dis-
played valor, not excelled in American history.
Although we have referred to the act in Chapter
III of this work, let us not forget, through
displeasure of repetition, the example of Amer-
ican female bravery in the bold stand of Mary
Haggidorn, at the gate of the pickets, with spear
in hand, to repel an attack. The garrison at
that time did not contain many over one hun-
dred, but they were a brave and unflinching
band, and under Hager, would have given the
enemy a warmer reception than they received at
the middle fort, we think, as the Captain was a
plucky man and had the faculty of pushing busi-
ness that was entrusted to him. The fort he
commanded was also better adapted to such
occasions than the middle one. The enemy, in
small numbers, stealthily appeared in the neigh-
borhood after the murder of Isaac Vroman, but
little was to be gained, as the few remaining in-
habitants either st;iyed at the fort or removed to
more populous sections until the war closed.
No portion of Schoharie suffered during the
war as did Vromansland, and no doubt the
Tory settlers above looked upon those fine
farms with a jealous eye, and expected their re-
ward for their treachery in becoming the pos-
sessors of them. But fortune's fickle goddess
turned the scales and the poor deluded villains
lost their own by confiscation, and were
obliged to seek homes in a strange land, under
the protection of the Crown for which they had
forsaken manhood and principle.
The descendants of those sufferers, that lin-
ger upon the grounds made historical by their
patriotic deeds, can but faintly appreciate the
social and political blessings they enjoy and the
''Peace that smiles on all around."
bequeathed to them by such noble fathers.
May they consider each spot hallowed, and the
priceless trusts confided to them, sacred.
The Bouck Family. — The Bouck family came
to this town at a very early date, William Bouck
having been the first settler bearing the name.
Christian, a Palatine immigrant of 1710, was
no doubt the progenitor of the family, and
he may have settled with the Palatines in
the valley in 1713, but it is doubtful. We
believe one of his sons, William, to have been
the first one of the family in Schoharie, the
father going from the camps to Albany, where
he settled. William was the progenitor of the
family under notice. He, in company with
Nicholas York and Jacob Fred Lawyer, pur-
chased 2,945 acres of land, including the
Island, in 1755. The lands were partitioned
June 5, 1759, the island becoming the property
of Bouck, who in course of time settled his
three sons upon it. Christian received that part
now occupied by Hon. Charles Bouck, John
north of it, while William, Jr., settled upon
HON. CHARLES BOUCK.
QOY. WM. C. BOUCK.
Charles Bouck son of the late ex-Governor
Bouck, was born upon Bouck's island Septem-
ber 7, 1829. In his youth he attended the
district school, in which his distinguished
parent was so punctual in attendancCj and
the Albany City academy where he passed
an academic course of studies. Not aspiring
to high life — but inheriting the natural charac-
teristics of the family, he chose agricultural
pursuits. He married a daughter of Benjamin
Best and settled upon the old homestead and
extensively engaged in such productions as are
peculiar to the soil and climate.
Mr. Bouck's choice of life was well made, as
a more productive soil and romantic spot than
the Bouck farm and its surroundings, is hard
to find — particularly in the latter feature. Upon
the west stands the bold Panther mountain in all
its primeval grandeur and appearance, with the
Schoharie river running at its base — whose wa-
ters after tumbling and tossing over craggy cas-
cades and disturbing rapids — idly flow, as if
reluctant to break the reverie in which nature
seems to be enwrapped — and do honor to the
associations that here cluster, so full of modesty
and unassuming dignity. Around the island
clings a halo of pleasing remembrances of a
people's just and active chief magistrate— whose
honesty and simplicity of greatness that won
reverence and renown were here infused from
the heart of a humble and exemplary father and
the yearning soul of a Christian mother. Quiet
and unostentation reign as they did in the active
life of the Governor, while the genial hospital-
ity of Mr. Bouck and family is truly refreshing
to the many that yearly visit the Island House.
Being thus content to pass his life, Mr. Bouck
has but few times felt constrained to accept
public positions. In 1859 and 1865, he was
elected by his townsmen to the board of Super-
visors by almost an unanimous vote. In 1878
he was sent to the Legislature and served upon
several important committees. In each public
position the performance of the duties attend-
ing them were characterized by faithful and
earnest regard for the people's interest, and free
from scheming peculations for farther official
promotions.
BENJAMIN BEST.
Mr. Benjamin Best was for many years one of
the leading business men of the County. He was
born in Columbia county, N. Y., on the i6th
of February, 1785, and was a son of Jacob
Best, who, together with two brothers, emi-
grated from Germany. One of the brothers
remained in Columbia county ; another set-
tled in western New York, while Jacob located
in Schoharie.
The subject of this sketch early decided up-
on an education, and embraced every oppor-
tunity to improve himself, and prepare for a
useful and active business life. When but a
young man he formed an acquaintance with
many of the leading public men of the day,
among whom was Governor Morgan Lewis, who
appointed him his sole agent in the superin-
tendence of his landed property in the County,
which position he held forty years. He was also
receiving agent of the Alexander property, the
same term of years, which covered the exciting
Anti-Rent days.
As proof of his sagacity as a business man,
and honor as a gentleman, he engineered the
business relating to the estates through without
trouble or incurring the enmity of the landlords
or tenants. He was a person of strict integrity,
great precision of character, and commanded
universal respect. At the age of forty he mar-
ried Katy, daughter of Timothy Murphy, and
settled upon the farm now occupied by Abram
Spickerman, where he resided until the time of
his decease.
Mr. Best was a staunch Democrat, and held
the office of Justice of the Peace, fifteen suc-
cessive years, and rejected other positions of
public trust proffered him. Among the many
political friends and workers in the interest of
Governor Bouck and his promotion, none were
more firm and enthusiastic than Mr. Best.
He died at the homestead, February 13, 1868,
leaving a wife and four daughters : Mrs. Charles
Bouck, Mrs. James Ferguson, Mrs. Abel S. Hall,
and Mrs. F.dwin Hoyt.
TOU'N OK Id, TON.
•77
the south. The lands were held by the fainilv
intact until 1795 or 17'X'' u'R'n John disp
of his part and removed to Scholurie Village.
and became Assistant Jud^e "I the ( 'ounty.
\\'illiam. Jr., familiarly called Wilhelmus, reared
a family as follows: William \V., Frederick,
Tobias, Mrs. Simon Hager, Maria and Mis
Jeremy Berner. Christian remained upon his
portion of the estate until 1X56, when he died
at the age of eighty-three, having lived an event-
ful life and reared a son who was to preside as
the Chief Magistrate over his native State and
perpetuate the family name by a long political
•r free from ostentation and corruption.
William, the progenitor, was an aged yet robust
man during the Revolution and was taken pris-
oner by a party of Indians under the command
of Seths Henry in July, 1780. After the fact
became known at the upper fort, Captain
Hager sent a squad in pursuit and overtook
the party in the present town of Jefferson, the
following day. The Indians, finding the patriots
were greater in numbers than their own, fled
precipitately, leaving their prisoners together
with their booty in the hands of their pursuers.
Those taken with Mr. Bouck were negro ser-
vants who had accompanied him from the fort
to the farm. The old gentleman was then a
widower, his wife having died in 1770. Upon
the hill near William Mitchell's residence stands
an ancient tombstone, marking her resting
place, and from it we learn she was born in
Amsterdam, but the date, being so crumbled
we were unable to decipher it.
Judge Brown says, " Johannes Earhart, Wil-
helmus Bouck and Elizabeth Lawyer were the
first white children born in Schoharie." It may
be possible, but we would have more faith in
the assertion if he had said " the first German
children born at the Camps," as we are yet to
find proof of either the Lawyer or Bouck
families coming to Schoharie before the year
1720 and 1730. To harbor the idea that
the Germans lived here from 1713 to either of
those dates, without issue, is acknowledging
insanity or ignorance of their customs. From
the first, the family has been a very prominent
one of the County, especially in a political sense.
William C. Bouck was born in the old family
mansic n. upon the Island, on the 7th of Jann
1 786, and was bapti/ed by the good old Dominie
U'.u kenhager ' of the same year. \\<
early labored upon the old homestead, but was
not negligent <t hisstiidus. The first English
school in the town was commenced in the
neighborhood in 1795, which the coming Gov-
ernor, at the age of nine years attended. We
here copy the register of the school bearing
date November 23, 1795, kindly furnished by
our friend John Gebhard, Jun. The teacher
was Isaac, litishnell, a. New England "school
master," whose wages were "£io this quarter:"
Kll/abeth li'iiick 17 days.
Caty Bouck 36 do
Benj. Best 53^ do
Isaac Best 50 do
William W. Bouck 39 do
Ered Bouck 37 do
William C. Bouck 59 do
Joseph C. Bouck 40 do
Cornelius Acker 55 do
Polly Barnard 37 do
Caty Whitney 48 do
Betsy Vroman 55 do
It will be seen that the future politician at-
tended the greatest number of days. His first
public position was clerk of the town, and next
as supervisor of Schoharie, and after filling sev-
eral such local offices he received the appoint-
ment of sheriff of the County in 1812, holding
the same one year only, as the following season
he was elected to the State assembly and re-
elected in 1815 and 1817. In 1821 and 1822, he
was State Senator, where he became connected
with the Clintonians in the interests of public
improvements, especially the Erie Canal enter-
prise and received the appointment by the Gov-
ernor and Legislature as Canal Commissioner,
March 29, 1821, which office he held until 1840,
when political influences led the Whig legislature
to remove him and place one of that political
sentiment in his stead. In the latter year he
was the Democratic candidate for Governor, but
was defeated by Wm. H. Seward, but upon
being again nominated in 1842, he was elected,
and made one of the most economical and
watchful Governors the people have been fortu-
nate to elect. A vast amount of humor was
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
indulged in during both campaigns, but nothmg
"disturb the confidence all part.es reposed
in his administration. Being brought up under
ne economical customs of the early settlers of
he County he infused the principles m every de-
partment over which he had control. His man-
ierwas plain and unpretending, yet dignified
and graceful and won the confidence of every
one he met.
As we have referred to his economical habits,
the message which may be found in Chapter IV
plainly shows that they were carried in his oi-
ficiallifeto the interest of the State. One of
the chief characteristics of the man, was fear o
setting a bad example, or one that would .
courage wastefulness, extravagance, and dishon-
esty The New York Daily News relates an
incident in the life of Wm. C. Bouck, while dis-
char^ing the duties of Governor of the State.
Another periodical that copied the article, re-
ferring to it says-" A perusal thereof cannot
fail to impart a high degree of satisfaction to
those who, residing in the same county prior
and subsequent to his administration, know how
genuinely characteristic they are of the ' good
old man, now gone to his rest.' "
Would that all men in office would be as
careful not to set a bad example as was Gov-
ernor William C. Bouck.
The New York News says: The late Gover-
nor Bouck, than whom a truer, .better man never
lived, said to a friend of ours, after he had dis-
charged the duties of the Chief Magistracy of
the State about one year: "When I first en-
tered upon the office, 1 was so engaged in try-
ing to reconcile conflicting opinions, produce
harmony in the party, and please everybody,
that I paid no attention to my household ex-
penses. At the end of the first three months,
my quarter's salary was paid and my bills due
were presented. To my utter dismay, the lat-
ter exceeded the former. ^During my entire life
I had made it a point never to spend more in a
quarter than I had received from my earnings.
I believed that to be a good rule, and that, as
Governor of the State, I should not transgress
it and set a bad example, which might be the
means of ruining thousands. I began to cast
about to see where I could cut down rny ex-
penses. The State officers had hired the house
I occupied without consulting me, and the State
paid the rent. I had nothing to say or do m
that particular. The State officers who, because
I was a country farmer, took particular pains to
instruct me, told me I must bring my best span
of horses and carriage from my farm in Scho-
harie and ride in it, or I would degrade the
high office to which the people had elected me.
They also said I must have a colored waiter to
attend the door of my residence, and a head-
cook and three or four assistants in the kitchen,
and two or three chambermaids, besides a coach-
man to drive my carriage. 1 remembered that
during the entire quarter I had not found time
to ride in the carriage with my family, except
to church on Sundays, and then the coachman
could not go to church, having to take care of
the team. This I did not believe was doing ex-
actly right, or setting a good example. I thought
that myself and family could walk to church, as
the distance was not great. We thereby would
appear not to feel above others who walked,
and as the Governor's family, would be setting
a better example than by riding. My wife also
proposed to dismiss the chief cook and all the
assistants but one, and she would supermten,
the cooking as she always had done on A
farm ; and my daughters proposed to .
the chambermaids, and they would do the cham-
berwork. No sooner was this agreed on than
accomplished. The large bays and carriage
went back to the farm in Schoharie, and the ex-
tra help were all dismissed. Everything worked
like a charm. The colored door-man whom
retained assisted in waiting on the table. The
State officers and my city friends did not observe
but that all was as first arranged when they
called. We walked to church, and greeted
kindly all we met there, and enjoyed the servi-
ces without thinking that the coachman could
not attend them. We reduced our expenses to
within my salary. I felt better immediately,
feel better now. I can discharge my duties
better ; and when my term of office expires and
I return to private life, I shall feel that when I
was Governor of the State I did not set an ex-
ample of extravagance in any respect which
might be the means of ruining any one."
TOWN OF FULTON.
179
In 1846 he was elected a delegate to the
Constitutional Convention, and the same year
entered the Assistant Treasurer's office of New-
York City and held the position until the year
1849, when he retired to private life upon the
Island. He married Catharine Lawyer, by
whom he had eight children — Mrs. Lyman
Sandford, Mrs. Erskine Danforth, and Mrs.
George Danforth, of Middleburgh, Hon. Ga-
briel Bouck, of Wisconsin, long a member of
Congress from that State, and Hon. Charles
Bouck, of this town, who retains the paternal
homestead with all its pleasant surroundings,
James of Schenectady, Joseph of New York, and
Christian of Brooklyn.
We cannot close without copying the tribute
paid by the late Lyman Tremain, to the char-
acter of Gov. Bouck, in an oration delivered by
him at the dedication of the monument erected
at Binghamton, in honor of the late Daniel S.
Dickinson. He said : —
" In 1 842 he was elected Lieutenant-Governor
upon the same ticket with Mr. Bouck, who was
elected Governor. William C. Bouck — Daniel
S. Dickinson ! How fragrant are the memories
of these two men ! The misconceptions arising
from political animosities have passed away-
Differences of opinions are now forgotten, and
we can do full justice to their great worth and
spotless integrity ! Who would dare to think of
peculation, dishonesty or corruption in connec-
tion with these honored names ? Their repu-
tation is the property of the State, and every
true son of New York is entitled to share in the
honor and lustre which such men reflect upon
its good name. In the severity of their morals,
the justice of their conduct and the unsullied
purity of their private and public characters,
they may be justly regarded as the Cato and the
Aristides of the State."
The Governor died at his residence in April,
1859, at the age of seventy-three.
Inhabitants in 1 788. — It may be of interest to
the reader to know who were the inhabitants of
the town after the war closed, and prosperity
again began to bloom.
We here present a road warrant dated in 1 788,
which refers to the road leading from the Mid
dleburgh bridge to Bouck's Island, along which
were settled nearly all of the inhabitants at that
day.
John Bouck,
Christopher Bouck,
John Crysler,
Peter Peek,
Michael Brown,
Martinus I. Vroman,
Peter A. Vroman,
Jacob Sucraft,
Jacob Feek,
Johannes Feek,
Martinus Van Slyke,
Peter Swart,
John Vroman, Jr.,
Ephraim Vroman,
Bartholomew Hagadorn,
Johannes Rickart,
Jonas Vroman,
Harmanus VanValkenburgh,
Ganeson Becker,
Nathan Becker.
" Sirs — You are hereby ordered to warn and
set to work the persons rated on the within list
on the road or highway in your ward or beat
whenever it wants Repairing. Given under our
hand this 24th Day of May, 1788."
PETER ZIELIE, } Com'rs
JOHN MYRES, > of
JOHN M. DIETZ. ) High'ys.
To JOHANNES BOUCK,
Overseer Highways.
Timothy Murphy. — Of this man much has
been told and written that has had a tendency to
give a false idea of his true character. Among
the old families of Schoharie, with whom he was
familiar, are the most erroneous stories of his
exploits that can be imagined, which are repeated
with the greatest confidence of their truthful-
ness.
While they regard him with veneration as a
hero, yet the tales they tell make him nothing
less than a cool, intrepid murderer, who escaped
the censure of the people under the plea of ne-
cessity in behalf of freedom. We have taken a
deal of pains to learn his true character and
exploits, and find that such was not the case,
i So
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
but that he was a kind-hearted man, and true
patriot, and instead of being a "loud-mouthed
Irishman " as insinuated by many, that he was
reticent of his services, yet prompt in their exe-
cution. From his children, three of whom are
yet living in the full enjoyment of mental facul-
ties, and others who were well acquainted with
the hero, many long since dead, we obtained the
facts of his life, which we will give without re-
peating many small incidents that have been the
ground- work of "thrilling tales" as told and pub-
lished many times by his admirers and which are
of no consequence in a rational view of his life.
The mother of Murphy was an Englishwoman
and married a Simms. He soon after died and
the widow, then living in Ireland, in course of
time married the father of our hero, and emi-
grated to America. They settled in New Jer-
sey, where Timothy was born, and when he was
four years of age they removed to Wyoming,
Pa.
Murphy lived with a family until he was six-
teen years of age, when he enlisted in the Co-
lonial cause for five years and joined General
Morgan's corps of riflemen. He was in
all the engagements in which the corps
participated, including that of Brandywine,
after which he was ordered to the north
to assist General Gates in the repulsion of
Burgoyne, at Bemis Heights. It was upon that
hotly contested ground that Murphy was called
upon by Gen. Morgan to perform an act that
the over moralists condemn, as a breach of chiv-
alry, and uncalledfor murder. To the mind of
Morgan the defeat of the British depended upon
the capture or death of Gen. Fraser, against
whose corps his own was contending. To cap-
ture him. being impossible, he commanded
Murphy and a few other riflemen to slay him,
at the same time expressing his admiration
of the man, and regret of the necessity of such
an act. Murphy and another man climbed into
a tree and took a careful aim. Fraser fell as
Murphy's rifle was fired and no doubt his bullet
did the fatal work.
His command, seeing their gallant leader fall,
soon broke in confusion and made a hasty re-
treat, which gave to the patriots a glorious vic-
tory. Morgan, as stated, was censured for the
act, but since the death of one man, although
he be clothed with epaulettes, saved the lives of
hundreds and perhaps thousands, besides break-
ing one of the strong links in the chain of po-
litical servitude, that was binding many thousand,
we cannot see the enormity of the offence, more
than in the shooting of a common private in bat-
tle. After the surrender of Burgoyne, Murphy fol-
lowed Morgan to the south and was engaged in
the battle of Monmouth. Repeated appeals of the
patriots of Tryon county and Schoharie valley,
for assistance in repelling expected invasions, to
the general government through the committee
of safety, caused a detachment of Morgan's
riflemen and a small regiment of Pennsylvania
troops to be sent to Albany under the command
of Col. Wm. Butler, and be assigned to different
points, as most needed. In the fall of that year
(1778) Butler was sent to Schoharie, for winter
quarters, and with him came Timothy Murphy,
who at once found plenty of work to do, and for
which he was peculiarly adapted. He at once
became a scout and with other brave patriots
traversed the hills and valleys of the border, to
arrest the disaffected and intercept communica-
tions and forage for supplies.
He was a superior marksman, fleet on foot,
and cautious, yet courageous. He became in-
timate with the leading militiamen of the valley,
who understood Indian strategy and warfare,
and with them proved a terror to the dusky war-
riors. The situation of affairs throughout the
border required promptness on the part of the
patriots. But few were unshrinking and faithful
in the cause of freedom compared with the many
that wavered, and necessity required the few to
be strict, firm and active. The time of coax-
ing and arguments had passed, and stern force
had to be employed. Murphy was used to
strict military discipline and saw the necessity
of it, or at least its rigid enforcement among
the Tory element, which they construed as "bul-
lying" brutal, and when brought in collision
with the Indians, he studied their mode of
warfare, and met them with their own cun-
ning. Having a two-barrelled rifle, a thing un-
known to them, they superstitiously thought he
was a devil, capable of shooting as many times
as he wished without loading.
He accompanied Butler in 1779 to join Sulli-
van at Tioga, to devastate the Indian country,
TOWN OF FULTON.
181
and without doubt performed the greatest feat
of his life in escaping from the grasp of the
maddened savages. When the main army was
nearing the present village of Geneseo, then an
Indian settlement, Thomas Boyd, a Lieutenant
of the Pennsylvania regulars, sent to Schoharie
the year before, was sent with a party of twenty-
seven, in advance to reconnoitre, and upon
their return to camp were intercepted by a force
of one thousand British and Indians, within a
few miles of Sullivan's advanced guard. The
party was surrounded, and true to their valor,
made an attempt to break through the enemy's
lines. After repeated attempts, which laid
many of the savages lifeless, and also seventeen
of their own number, Murphy broke through,
and with the fleetness of a deer bounded from
his pursuers. Boyd and others made an at-
tempt to follow, but were unable to run as fast
as Murphy, and were taken captives. The
greatest acts of cruelty were practiced upon
them by the infuriated savages and demoniac
Tories. But seven of Boyd's command returned
to the camp. Murphy dodged his pursuers for
a considerable distance, when he became tired
and secreted himself in the tall brakes that cov-
ered a low piece of ground he was to cross.
While there he spied several Indians looking for
him, but without success, and after becoming
rested he again started for the camp but was
surprised by an Indian when within a short
distance of the American lines.
They both took to trees, and after making
several ineffectual attempts to get a shot at each
other, Murphy placed his hat upon the end of
his gun and held it one side of the tree, as if
to get a glimpse of his antagonist, when the
Indian fired and ran up to take Murphy's scalp,
but the man was there himself unhurt, ready
to receive him, and soon had his scalp in his
pocket and was maKing tracks for the camp.
Upon his return to Schoharie, he was again
employed as a scout, and soon became ac-
quainted with one of the valley girls, whose
charms conquered his stubborn heart and laid
the foundation of a romance that was as inter-
esting as his tragedian life, and changed the
garrisons' and residents' fear of savages to
pleasure for a season. John Peek lived upon
the farm now owned in part by Mrs. Lawyer
Bouck, and was a well-to-do farmer, possessing
but one child — a daughter — of whom the par
ents were proud, and doted upon as their pro-
tector and staff in their declining years. Hut
Margaret, meeting with the notable Timothy,
whose fame as a sagacious warrior was upon every
one's lips, and whose general appearance was
attractive, became favorably impressed, and
allowed her warm heart to accede to her lover's
appeals, much against the parents wishes.
Murphy was denied the freedom of visiting her,
which was known to the Middle garrison and
residents, who became interested in the case
and did everything to help their comrade and
protector along in his new role of adventurer.
The couple met clandestinely and agreed upon
an elopement. Murphy was to meet Mar-
garet upon a certain evening, on the opposite
side of the river, and "take her captive" to
the fort, from whence they were to proceed to
some point to be married.
Margaret upon the evening appointed, with
cheery heart milked the cows, leaving one un-
touched, and after carrying the milk to the
house returned again to the yard to milk the
stray one. But seeing the coast was clear, as
desired, she passed down the lane to the river
and crossed over where the " Murphy mill " was
afterward built. Timothy was rather dilatory
for the first time, she thought, and was not
there, but soon appeared and crossing the river
the couple crossed the mountain and gained the
"Clauver" road and proceeded on foot to the
middle fort, where the garrison was in waiting
to receive them, ere the parents were aware of
their daughter's absence. As the hearts of the
occupants of the fort were jubilant in behalf of
the couple's success, the protracted stay of Mar-
garet excited the parents fears and cast a gloom
over their hearthstone. The father and mother
anxiously called for their daughter, but received
no answer. Upon finding the milk-pail hanging
upon the fence, they surmised the truth and
hastily sent a messenger to the fort to learn of
her safety, and if not there to obtain assistance
in finding her. But naughty Margaret was
there and refused to quit her " captor" to return,
but anxiously awaited the marriage ceremony.
The couple, in company with several others
went to Schenectady and were married, and re-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
turned to the fort where a general jubilation
was enjoyed in honor of the event. When the
parents found their daughter was married and
her husband's intention of removing to Penn-
sylvania, they concluded to forget, forgive,
and receive Murphy as their son-in-law. Mur-
phy had no idea of leaving the valley, but he
knew it was one way of softening the parents
hearts and bringing about an amicable -settle-
ment. After the war closed they settled upon
the Feek farm, where Margaret died in 1807, at
the early age of forty-four. She had nine chil-
dren, three of whom are now living, in the full
enjoyment of their mental faculties, at advanced
ages! Catharine (Mrs. Benjamin Best) is now
eighty-two, and is a type of the early settlers ol
the valley in muscular vigor, mental tenacity
and patriotic sentiment. She has been a widow
several years and finds a home that makes her
declining years full of pleasure, with her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Charles Bouck, at the homestead of
her father's early friend, the late Gov. Bouck.
Elizabeth, an elder sister, widow of the late
Benjamin Foster, resides with a son, Mr.
Thomas Foster, at Gloversville, and is now seven-
ty-nine years of age, full of the vigor of younger
years. Mr. Peter Murphy, now of this town, is
the only remaining son of the patriot, and like
his sisters, exhibits a remarkable tenacity of fac-
ulties. They retain a vivid recollection of the
father's explanation of events, and deeply regret
the erroneous statements made of the patriot's
exploits. The remainder of the nine children
were: John, Polly, (Mrs. Wm. Banks,) Thomas,
Cornelius, Jacob and Jenny, (Mrs. Eben Fos-
ter,) who have "laid their armor down" and
joined the father and mother, after lives crowned
with usefulness and respectability.
On the 27th of June, 1818, the patriot passed
away at the age of sixty-seven, and was buried
upon the "Murphy farm." In 1873 they were
removed to the Middleburgh cemetery, and an
effort is now being made to erect a monument
over them, expressive of his worth, and the
veneration of a grateful people.
From a communication published in the
Atlantic Monthly, we think, about the time of
the corner-stone ceremonies at Bemis Heights,
we extract the following in regard to the shoot-
ing of General Fraser : — " Brigadier-General
Fraser, who up to this time had been stationed
on the right, noticed the critical situation
of the centre, and hurried to its succor with
the Twenty-fourth Regiment. Conspicuously
mounted on an iron-gray horse, he was all ac-
tivity and vigilance, riding from one part of the
division to another, and animating the troops
by his example. Perceiving that the fate of the
day rested upon that officer, Morgan, who with
his riflemen was immediately opposed to Fra-
ser's corps, took a few of his sharp-shooters
aside, among whom was the celebrated marks-
man Tim Murphy — men on whose precision
of aim he could rely— and said to them ' That
gallant officer there is General Fraser. I admire
and respect him, but it is necessary for our
good that he should die. Take your station in
that cluster of bushes and do your duty.'
Within a few moments a rifle-ball cut the crup-
per of Eraser's horse, and another passed
through his horse's mane. Calling his attention
to this, Eraser's aid said, ' It is evident that
you are marked out for particular aim ; would
it not be prudent for you to retire from this
place ? ' Fraser replied, ' My duty forbids me
to fly from danger.' The next moment he fell
mortally wounded by a ball from the rifle of
Murphy, and was carried off the field by two
grenadiers.
" Upon the fall of Fraser, dismay seized the
British, while a corresponding elation took pos-
session of the Americans, who, being re-enforced
at this juncture by General TenBroeck, with
three thousand New York militia, pressed forward
with still greater vehemence. Up to this time
Burgoyne had been in the thickest of the fight,
and now, finding himself in danger of being sur-
rounded, he abandoned his artillery and ordered
a retreat to the ' Great Redoubt.' This retreat
took place exactly fifty-two minutes after the
first shot was fired, the enemy leaving all the
cannon on the field, except the two howitzers,
with a loss of more than four hundred men, and
among them the flower of his officers, viz., Fra-
ser, Ackland, Williams, Sir Francis Clarke, and
many others."
The patriotism displayed in 1780, was renew-
ed in 1812 by the children of those heroes, and a
goodly number entered the service upon the
Canadian border. Among the few of such
TOWN OF FULTON.
'83
now remaining, is . Harvey Efner, living at
Fultonham at the age of eighty-eight, in the
full possession of his physical and mental powers.
Athough sixty-nine years have come and gone,
working the great changes that our country
so fully presents, and pleasing to us of to-
day, yet the incidents and scenes of those
distant years as recalled by the veteran, re-kin-
dle the sparkle of the eye and animate the
spirit to exclaim. " Those were the days and
times." Mr. Kfner vividly recalls his comrades
who went forth with him, and relates many
pleasing incidents connected with their soldier
life. He was in Captain Philip Bartholomew's
company of which Noah Dibble was Orderly
Sergeant and Isaac Barber was Ensign, The
fellow privates were Peter Saquendorf,' David
Schofer, Henry Herron and Cornelius Vroman.
Valentine Efner was Major. The Efner family
came over about the year 1760. They con-
sisted of the father and four sons, three of
whom, William, Joseph and Henry, settled in
Schoharie, and John in Saratoga county. They
were worthy men and their children like them
were true patriots and have been useful in so-
ciety as intelligent and honored citizens.
PETERSBURGH.
The lofty hills of Fulton were once covered
with giant timbers of all kinds, peculiar to the
county, but particularly with hemlock, that
grew solid and straight grained. After the
giant pines had been extravagantly wasted, and
become scarce, hemlock took its steid in the
manufacture of lumber and shingles, and that
which was found upon the hills, was sought for
the latter purpose from far and near. Peters-
burgh hill, was for a long time the center of the
shingle trade, as they were manufactured there,
and to such an extent that but little else was
done by the settlers. They being the only
product were called, " Petersburgh Currency r
The bark was sold to the tannery at Middle-
burgh and the hill, and those near were soon
stripped of their surplus timber and gave room
for berry bushes to grow luxuriantly, to which
for several years the people of adjoining towns
resorted, in their season for their winter store.
But industry made a bold strike and the
grounds were soon cleared, and to-day present
farms, that for productiveness, will cope with
any other. Among them, are those of the
Kings, Warren Cornell, Miles and Lansing
Nobles, Caleb Hess, Jacob Scott, Lansing Sit-
terly and others near.
BREAKABEEN.
The correct name of this locality is Braka-
been, given by the Germans, owing to the broad
flats being covered with brakes— a species of fern.
The word has been somewhat changed, but not
materially. The name was given in early times
to a long stretch of the valley from Vromans-
land to the south and not confined to one lo-
cality as now. Without doubt the first settlement
of Germans was made to the south of Vromans-
land and very soon after Adam Vroman removed
his son Peter upon his land. The Germans were
jealous of his possession and he of theirs and with-
out doubt the lands Vroman complained to Gov-
ernor Hunter, that the Germans were buying of
the Indians, were those to the south of his tract,
at and near Crysler's Hook, and the upper hamlet
of Fultonham. But we will refer more particu-
larly to that settlement after we dispose of the
present locality known as Breakabeen. One of
its early settlers was the Keyser family, the
oldest representative now living being Barent
Keyser of Blenheim.
In the commencement of the Revolution but
three houses were to be found at this place,
and the Keyser residence was one which stood
near that now owned by Charles Mann. There
were three sons living at home, Abram, Barent
and John, and owing to the treachery of the
Indians living near, the family removed to the
upper fort. Barent was taken prisoner while on
a scout and was taken to Canada where he
died in captivity. John, then but fourteen years
of £ge, was sent from the fort to get the cows
and was taken captive by a party of Indians
and hurried off to Canada from whence he re-
turned at the close of the war. Abram was at
that time still younger. He located in after
years at Schoharie village and was the father
of Abraham Keyser, once sheriff of the County,
and State Treasurer from 1826 to 1838. There
had been more than the three residents at this
1 84
place, but when Sir William J°hMOn
he titles of the settlers in 17 59, and declared
iose null that were obtained from the Ind.ans,
Shout a purchase from the Government, a few
living here also quit their lands and removed
elsewhere, not wishing to pass through another
season of "land trouble."
The most prominent family that settled at
this place soon after the close of the Revolu-
tion was Benjamin Waldrons. He came fro,
Bethlehem, Albany county, as a mill-wnght, an.
was first employed upon the building o f the
Peter Borst gristmill, now known as the Davis
Mill" of Middleburgh. He soon after married
as.ster of Peter Borst, "Tauty,"and settled
here in !79S °r .796, and immediately built a
eristmill where the Bergh mill now stands. J
next settlers were Philip and Abram Bergh of
Kneiskern's dorf, Joseph Zeh and Michael
Borst of Middleburgh, who were full of enter-
prise ' for those days, and founded the village
Philip Bergh purchased ahalf interest m the mill
of Waldron, and in 1838 the whole, and rebuilt
what is the present structure. In 1808, Wal-
dron opened his house as a tavern which was
the first in the place. A few years after, George
Hilts engaged in the same business where the
present Hilts family resides, farther up the
creek. David Mattice also commenced to
"entertain roan and beast" about the year
1830, and was succeeded in a few years by
Peter Burget, whose widow remains in the old
stand.
To close the hotels of the village we will refer
to the present " Loucks House" that was first
opened by Henry Parslow, about the year 1850.
It has been occupied by several proprietors
since that date, the last being George Loucks,
who took possession in the spring of 1882.
After a useful life as a miller and mechanic
Benjamin Waldron passed away leaving the fol-
lowing children who have also died and in their
turn left prominent families who are now the
actors in the business arena and remain to per-
petuate the genius of the pioneer mechanic;
Henry, Mrs. Abram Bergh, John B., and David.
Michael Borst, long an " inn" keeper at Mid-
dleburgh came here about the year 1815, and
' built a tannery near the present bridge which
-
was removed by John B. Waldron in 1 850, who
built a foundry in its stead, which is still in op-
eration and owned by his son Charles.
This part of the valley being as thickly popu-
lated as now, and the hamlet being a mechani-
cal center, it was necessary for the convenience
of the people to have a store, at which the com-
mon necessities of the household could be sup-
plied. The stores of that period were of small
proportions as well as variety of goods, as the
people's wants were few beyond what their labor
could supply.
Among the considered "real" necessaries
were rum and whiskey, which were kept at all
stores up to within the last thirty years, and
from which as much "profit and loss" was
derived as any other commercial commodity.
The " loss " was usually attributed to that por-
tion the proprietor individually used, the extent
and amount of which was rated according to
the bodily proportions attained and flush of
countenance. Undoubtedly a consolation was
found in the truth of the adage that "there is
no loss in which there is no gain."
One Breffle came about the year 1800, and
opened a small store, and was followed by Pasco
Noxin and in connection with his tavern,
Michael Borst succeeded the latter. Borst was
followed by John Myers, and later by Peter W.
Becker, who kept a larger stock and greater
variety of goods. They in turn were succeeded
by the following, who may not have been in
business as here placed, but were located as
merchants : —
Peter Snyder and Brown,
Becker & Mattice,
Luther Em pie,
Sidney Bergh,
William Jones,
Stephen Nelson and John Mahan, the
latter two being in business at the
present time.
We find Nicholas York was granted a tract of
land in 1723, lying to the south of Vromans-
land, taking in " Crysler's Hook," and running
down the stream to the south bounds of Vro-
man's Patent. There seem to have been others
connected with him in the transaction, but men-
TOWN OF FULTON.
•85
tion was not made of them in the grant, we
have been informed from good authority. Per-
haps those living upon it at the time, were silent
partners for some reason known only to them-
selves, and were the Peeks, Mattices, Hagadorns
Cryslers and others.
The Crysler family possessed a fine property
at this point, which was confiscated and passed
into the hands of the Boucks. The Revolution-
ary mill stood near the present site of the steam
saw-mill, and was, without doubt, the first one
built above Middleburgh, and did the grinding
for Vromansland and other settlements near.
Crysler burned the mill himself, that the rebels
might not enjoy its use. After the war closed,
another was erected upon the bank opposite
of the " lockey," * and was fed by a race-way
from the small stream above, but for some rea-
son it was used but a short time, and John
Bouck built the present structure in front of
Mrs. Lawyer's house, as early at least, as 1795.
By consulting Chapter III, it will be seen in his
report to the government, that Crysler provided
eatables for the Indians, and perhaps a few
Tories, while waiting for the coming of Brant
or some other assistance. His house stood at
the foot of the mountain, west of the present
buildings, and he could have kept the savages
in the woods back of it, and not have been
detected for a long time, particularly at that
time when Crysler was not suspected and the
people were busily employed between their
military duties and individual avocations.
FULTONHAM.
The locality referred to is now known as Ful-
tonham, and is one of the historical spots of the
valley, owing to the " Upper Fort " being located
here, and undoubtedly was the site of a German
settlement or "dorfmade between the year
1714 and 1718, by additional settlers or some
of the families that came with Weiser. Their
purchase was from the Indians and it was the
one of which Vroman complained to the Gov-
ernor, as before stated. The settlement was
more upon the intervale than now and the oc-
casional pieces of pottery, kettles and other
* Lockey is a name given by the Germans to a small
swamp or pond fed by springs.
equally as enduring articles of household use,
that have been plowed up from time to time in
various places are the relics of the old dorf.
The fact is obvious that there were seven dorfs
in the valley in 1718 as stated by John Freder-
ick Hager and referred to in Chapter 1 1. One
of those dorfs was here located and in giving
the number of the inhabitants, for the census of
1718, he counted in the Low Dutch Vroman
family, with this settlement and called them all
Germans.
Here were the Hagadorn, Peek, Jonas,
Laraway, Crysler, (at that time spelled Kries-
ler), Van Loon, Hiltsinger, (Hilsinger,) and
Mattice families with perhaps others. The de-
scendants of these families with whom the writer
has conversed, trace their ancestors back to
Breakabeen, at a very early date. By referring
to the Chapter upon Middleburgh, the reader
will find three other dorfs located, which, with this
one in the writer's opinion, were the first "dorfs"
in the valley, and formed in the year 1713 and
1714. At a later date— 1730— there was quite a
collection of families, and it was known as Breaka-
been, and as earlyas i7soand 1754, the settlers
of Cobleskill, Sharon and Seward.obtained apple-
trees, at this place, and transplanted them upon
their lands. By the language of Rev. Gideon
Hawley, we are led to believe the Low Dutch of
Vromansland held religious meetings at this
place, or near. He says in his narrative of 1753 :
" We went and had a meeting at the Mohawk
village, where I preached, &c. In the afternoon
I went to the Dutch meeting in that vicinity."
The Mohawk village was at that time at the
Dovegatt, and " that vicinity" was Vromansland.
We would not be surprised to learn it to be a
fact, that they had a rude meeting house, in which
missionaries of the "Low Dutch Reformed
Faith " preached, years before the Schoharie or
Middleburgh churches were organized. Hawley
says : — " I have been at their meetings when
the boys, through the service, and even at the
celebration of the Lord's Supper, have been
playing bat and ball the whole term, around the
house of God"
Fultonham is pleasantly situated in the center
of a very rich farming community, and has been
quite a business center.
1 86
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Charles Watson was a merchant at this place
for many years, and the leading business man of
the town. He was the first supervisor of the
town of Fulton, and held the same position again
in 1841. In 1830 he was in the State Assembly
with Abraham L. Lawyer, of Cobleskill, and was
elected justice of the peace soon after, which
position he held many long years, and was the
stepping stone to the judicial bench of the Com-
mon Pleas Court, which he attained in 1838,
and held till the Constitution of 1 846 took effect.
Other prominent positions he often held, but
one, the perfect confidence of his townsmen,
outweighed them all. After his death, which
occurred January 29, 1872, the Canajoharie
Radii said: — "Where is another man in any
county, who has measured calico, weighed tea,
and counted eggs for more than a half century,
that has paid one hundred cents on a dollar,
and never lost a customer ? "
Charles Watson was a son of Charles Watson
who came from Albany county in the beginning
of the century, and engaged in the mercantile
business in a small way, and kept an inn.
His residence here and business gave to the im-
mediate neighborhood the name of Watsonville.
The father died when Charles was but a lad
attending school, and Mrs. Watson engaged her
brother-in-law, Harvey Watson, to superintend
the business until young Charles attained age
and education. Vroman Watson, a son, is the
only one of the family living, and removed from
the town and engaged in business elsewhere.
Upon the death of Charles Watson, Alonzo
and Charles Best, as " Best Brothers," suc-
ceeded in the business, and were followed by
Albert Rosecrans, the present proprietor.
Henry Best, cousin of the "Best Brothers," was
engaged in the upper or Fultonham store,
for several years, and was followed by
"Chamberland Brothers," Thomas Foster.
Hiram Safford, Charles Best, and the present
occupant, Charles Borst.
WEST FULTON.
This settlement was for many years called
Byrneville, after a heavy purchaser of lands
lying here, but more familiarly known as Sap-
bush Hollow, and generally represented to be
one of the worst places within the range of
many miles. Very fine maples originally were
standing along the stream, to which many of
the early residents of the surrounding country
resorted in the season, to make sugar, hence
the name of Sap-bush was given to the hollow,
which it retained until the postoffice was estab-
lished, when " West Fulton" was ordered to be
engraved upon the stamp.
In looking over the surrounding country with
its lofty hills, deep ravines and rocky surface
but little could have been seen in early days to
have encouraged a settlement. But the supe-
rior timber drew the poor but industrious
pioneer to eke a living by making shingles, lum-
ber and staves as well as burning coal, and be-
times clearing small patches of land for neces-
sary grains and grasses. Many that thus com-
menced became discouraged, perhaps, and re-
moved to more " genial climes." Others came
in their stead, enlarged the clearings and soon
owned large farms, principally through the
manufacture and sale of shingles. To-day,
after the lapse of eighty years from the first set-
tlement, the valley presents a pleasing change,
upon which the hillsides, seem to smile with
their fieWs of waving grains and luxuriant
grasses in their season. Peter Smith, the man
always hungry for more land, purchased a por-
tion of the Michael Byrne tract, and encour-
aged settlements. In the course of time, being
a "lover of the Lord," as well as land, he built a
church for the people, in which he displayed
that oddity for which he was noted. The edi-
fice was constructed in the hollow in 1831, and
the steeple upon the hill. The road at that
time ran between the two, and from the steeple
project* d a board over the road upon which he
caused to be written in large letters. " Time
and Eternity, consider." Desiring none, but
" orthodox" to enjoy the privilege of worship-
ing within his church, he caused a board to be
placed against the wall, in front of the audience,
with the following, printed in plain letters upon
it. " Reputable ministers of the Gospel of all
denominations of Christians are invited to offic-
iate in this house, dedicated to the service of
Almighty God, until the exclusive use shall be
given over to a Dutch Reformed Presbyterian
or Congregational congregation."
TOWN OF FULTON.
1*1
Mr. Edgar Akeley, at present a merchant of
the place, gave to us the above " permit " from
memory, and thinks it correct, at least in sub-
stance. The Methodists formed a class here a
few years previous to the erection of the church,
and for many years held their meetings within
it, as did other denominations. The church
needing repairs and the donor being dead, the
residents called upon his son, the late Gerritt
Smith, to donate for that purpose. He respond-
ed, by ordering the bell to be sold, (it being
cracked,) and turning the proceeds towards it.
The Baptists purchased the edifice, moved it
to the present site, repaired it to their taste,
and it compares favorably with other village
churches.
The stream called by the Indians Ke-ha-na-
gwa-ra, upon which are Bouck's falls, forms the
valley, and is here met by the " Hoose " a large
stream, which should have been taken as the
main, instead of a tributary. During high water
these streams, flowing over the descent of
ground, are rapid and angry, and present one of
the finest sights at the falls, as they rush down
the gorge, that can be imagined. The height
of descent is about one hundred and twenty feet
and by striking the shelving rocks, the water
becomes a perfect milk-white foam, as if mad-
dened by the obstructions mother nature has
so majestically placed in its way. The stream
is often called by the settlers, " Panther
Creek," after the mountain opposite of Bouck's
Island, and below its junction with the Scho-
harie.
POLLY HOLLOW.
This locality, which for long years was con-
sidered of but little importance, excepting in
" berry time," became the subject of much talk
during the late Rebellion. Many of the resi-
dents early enlisted in the Union army, among
whom were two that became weary of a soldier's
life, and by obtaining furloughs, reached their
homes and refused to return. They were de-
clared deserters, and officers were dispatched
for their arrest. Instead of sending those that
were made brave by actual field service, two
marshals, whose valor, for political effect,
offended patriotism in guarding home under
special pay, like thousands of other chosen
ones, were equipped at " Scott's," in Albany,
with guns, revolvers, and other warlike imple-
ments, and hastened to Schoharie to obey
orders. Upon their arrival at that village, they
were joined by a number of braves, and set out
in a sleigh to the deserters cottage. Arriving
after dark, Polly Hollow was wrapped in slum-
ber, but awoke to the martial tread of livery
horses and jingling of sleigh bells. The house
of a lonely widow was approached and admit-
tance gained, ere its aged and only occupant
could rise from her bed. Boisterously the
house was searched, especially preserve and
pickle jars, feather beds, and pottery, without
finding the object of their search. The patriots
having well considered the necessity of stimu-
lants in their hazardous undertaking, drank
freely, and left the widow, with " her mite "
strewn promiscuously upon the floor — pickles
and preserves not excepted.
Another house was ordered to be searched,
but ere the regulars and volunteer force could
be brought in line to make a charge, the Polly
Hollow militia horns were blown to awaken the
mountain God of war, and resist the United
States forces' invasion. The volunteers faced
about and charged upon the sleigh, while the
regulars, borne down with pickles and Schoharie
" fluid" — in a zigzag march — gained the rear of
the sleigh, and tumbled in, as the volunteers made
a charge for home. They had scarcely passed
the widow's pickets before Polly Hollow cavalry
were upon them to the number of two, and
dexterously gave the valiant regulars a charge
of pigeon shot and curses, which drove them
beneath the covert of their robes. On they
dashed towards headquarters with Polly Hollow
lancers and cavalry in their rear, amid the
thunderings of their muskets and lashing of
steeds. The " Hollow " horses being fed upon
shingle shavings, were unable to endure the
labor imposed upon them, which forced the
militia to withdraw from action, and allow their
enemies to escape, which they did, and reached
the "Lower Fort" without a halt, even to
"hook" a tug that became unfastened. Thus
the isolated locality became famous in history
as " Polly Hollow against the world."
i88
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
CHURCHES OF BREAKABEEN.
The early settlers of the vicinity were di-
vided in religious views, as Reformed, Presby-
terians and Lutherans, and being too poor to
build a house of worship for each, they joined
together and built a Union Church, about the
year 1815. It stood for several years without
being plastered, and the pulpit was supplied
chiefly by Rev. Paige, of Gilboa, after the
year 1820.
Through that earnest worker the edifice was
completed and dedicated as the " Reformed
Church of Breakabeen." A few years after it
came under the charge of Rev. Lintner, who
labored for, and successfully established a resi-
dent pastor. Rev. Eggleston officiated as such,
but how long, we were unable to learn.
The records of this church do not extend
further back than 1830, when it was in connec-
tion with the Middleburgh Reformed, and re-
mained so until the organization of the Reformed
Church of North Blenheim in 1852, when they
became connected in pastoral care with the
following pastors : —
1852— J. H. Van Woert.
1853 to 1859— W. G. E. See.
1859 to 1867 — L. L. Sharpe.
1867 to 1870 — A. Vanderwater.
1871 — W. L. James.
1872 — E. Miller.
Following the above organization was the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew.
— The first election of officers was held at the
lecture room of Mr. Abraham Bergh, under the
Hartwick Synod. The following were elected
to serve as trustees : —
Philip Bergh,
John B. Waldron,
Peter W. Becker,
Samuel Mitchell.
The certificate of organization was given
January 30, 1844, by Jonas Krum, Judge of
Schoharie County.
On the 27th of December, 1845, tne mem-
bers of the church met pursuant to adjourn-
ment to take measures in regard to the pur-
chase of a parsonage at Middleburgh, as both
societies were in connection. William C.
Bouck presided as chairman. A few days after,
the second election of officers was held, and
William C. Bouck, Samuel Mitchell and Henry
C. Shafer, were elected elders, and Nicholas L.
Mattice, John Keyser, and Philip Shafer, dea-
cons. John B. Waldron was the first secretary.
The following have officiated as pastors : —
James Lefler,
Adam Crounse,
Levi Sternbergh,
Nathan H. Cornell,
John D. English,
Henry Keller,
A. L. Bridgman,
R. S. Porter.
The latter closed his charge on the ist of
April, 1 88 1, since which the pulpit has been
filled by supply. The disconnection between
this and the Middleburgh church was made
under Rev. Henry Keller, in 1860.
CHURCH OF FULTONHAM.
The Union church edifice of Fultonham, is
occupied by the Reformed, Lutheran, Metho-
dist and Baptist. The pulpit is supplied by the
churches of Middleburgh, and the Baptist of
West Fulton, of which each society is a branch.
PHYSICIANS.
Moses Lawyer, son of Jacob Lawyer, [Little
Jacob] of Schoharie village, was the first resident
physician in the town, of whom we have any
direct knowledge. He was a graduate of the
New York College of Medicine, after receiving
a collegiate education at Schenectady. He
settled in Watsonville in 1821, and the year fol-
lowing married Elizabeth, daughter of Cornelius
Vroman. Mr. Lawyer was of the Allopathic
school of physicians, and gained an extensive
practice, through his skill and attention to bus-
iness, which continued till his death, in 1855.
His place being vacant, his son, Valentine Law-
yer, studied in his office and attended lectures
at the New York City Medical College, and
after but a few years vacancy, the old practice
was resumed and continues with that success
which care, ability and fondness of profession are
TOWN OF FULTON.
189
sure to gain. The Doctors Lawyer were the only
practitioners of the northeast part of the town,
until the spring of 1882, when William VV. Bur-
get, a student of Doctor Layman, of Schoharie,
settled at Fultonham.
At Breakaheen many have settled, but none
have remained for a long period of time. Chief
among them was Doctor Baxster, who was fol-
lowed by Dr. Schaeffer, who removed after a short
term of practice, and placed Doctor Fosburgh
in his stead. Doctor Schaeffer returned, and con-
tinued two years, when his place was taken by
Doctor Mathews, whose health failed him, and
gave the position to Doctor Squires, who was
followed by the present Doctor Weckell.
At West Fulton, or Sapbush, Doctor Havens
settled in 1838, but removed to Summit a short
time after. Previous to that date Doctor James
settled upon Rossman Hill, and after a year's
practice, removed to his native neighborhood,
in Albany county. Upon the removal of Doctor
Havens, Doctor James settled in his place and
successfully practiced for a number of years.
Others came for awhile, and removed during the
old Doctor's stay. After his exit, he was followed
by the late Dr. John D. Wheeler, whose students,
Dr. Allen, now of Lawyersville, and Dr. Ross-
man, followed in turns. Doctors Akeley and
John Wilber succeeded who were followed by
Dr. H. S. Gale, a Philadelphia student in 1874,
and who in the spring of 1880, removed to
Warnerville, leaving Doctor J. S. Akeley, of the
Eclectic school, the present successful practi-
tioner.
SUPERVISORS.
1829 — Charles Watson.
1830 — John F. Mattice.
1831 — Jonas Krum.
1832— Eben G. Foster.
1833 — Homer Whitely.
1834 — Philip Bergh, Jun.,
1835 — Harmon Vroman.
1836 — Robert VV. Lament.
1837 — Philip Bergh, Jun.,
1838 — Moses Lawyer.
1839 — John Spickerman.
1840 — Joseph Becker.
1841 — Charles Watson.
1842— John Spickerman.
1843— Gideon D. Hilts.
1844 — Ephraim Vroman.
1845 — Alston F. Mattice.
1846— Philip Bergh, Jun.,
1847— Peter A. Borst.
1848— David Gorse.
1849 — Washington Bergh.
1850 — Peter Murphy.
1851 — John Spickerman.
1852 — Joseph Becker.
1853— William Best.
1854 — John Spickerman.
1855 — Jonas Krum.
1856 — Roswell Driggs.
1857 — David Gorse.
1858— Gideon D. Hilts.
1859 — Charles Bouck.
1860 — Riley Adams.
1 86 1 — Washington Bergh.
1862 — David J. Vroman.
,863— John D. Wheeler.
1864 — Wm. H. Freemire.
1865 — Charles Bouck.
1866 — John Spickerman.
1 867 — Wm. H. Freemire.
1868 — Abram Haines, Jun.,
1869 — George Spickerman.
1870 — Washington Bergh.
1871 — David J. Vroman,
1872 — Orson Spickerman.
1873 — Washington Bergh.
1874 — Washington Bergh.
1875 — Washington Bergh.
1876 — John H. Mann.
1877 — John H. Mann.
1878 — Orson Spickerman.
1879 — Orson Spickerman.
1880 — Orson Spickerman.
1881 — Marcus Zeh.
1882— Marcus Zeh.
BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries of the town as surveyed,
are not to be found among the town records, or
in the Secretary of State's office. The forma-
tion act was passed by the first session of the
legislature of 1828, and not published, there-
fore we have been unable to obtain the bounda-
ries for publication but will take measures, as
1 90
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
we have in similar cases in the loss of writings,
to procure and deposit them in the town clerk's
and other offices, as the law directs, where they
may be consulted.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
PHILIP BERGH.
Philip Bergh was a grandson of Philip Bergh,
one of the first settlers of " Kneiskerndorf."
The old gentleman left but two sons, Abram
and Philip, to perpetuate the family name. The
latter dying childless, the Berghs of to-day are
the descendants of Abram Bergh.
Philip, Jr., as he was familiarly known, was
born upon the old homestead in October, 1794.
His early days were passed as was the custom
of that time, in laboring upon the farm. He
was possessed of a good, common English edu-
cation.
In 1815 he- was married to Catharine E.
Sidney, of the same " dorf," who is still living
at the age of eighty-nine, in the full possession
of her mental faculties, and is, as her husband's
portrait shows him to have been, a true type of
the old stock. The year following their mar-
riage they removed to Breakabeen, upon the
farm still owned in part by the family. A few
TOWN OF FULTON.
191
years afterward, he purchased a half interest in
the grist-mill there, and in 1838, the entire
property. That year he built the present
structure now owned by his son, Washington
Bergh.
Mr. Bergh was a member of the Lutheran
church, and for many years an elder, and was
one of those sturdy.quiet, yet earnest Christians,
in whom confidence might be placed without
fear. In politics he was a Democrat, and was
honored by his townsmen with an election to
the office of supervisor for three terms, and
various other offices. As a business man he
w.is just, prompt, and accommodating, as many
will testify, who found aid and comfort vjicn in
distress, through the generosity of Mr. Bergh.
He was successful in his business and accumu-
lated a large property. He died July 2», 1874,
at the age of eighty years, leaving a community
in which he was highly appreciated, and an
honored family to mourn his death.
His children were as follows: — Washington,
David P., Mrs. David Zeh, Mrs. Henry W.
Becker, Mrs. Stephen Nelson, Mrs. Jacob W.
Zeh, Mrs. Washington Mackey, Mrs. Peter M.
Becker, and Mrs. John J. Zeh.
.
PETER MURPHY.
But few of the near children of the heroic
fathers of our County, left an imprint of their
faces and forms, that we may have an idea of
the physique of men brought up under the
labors and frugal mode of living that were pe-
culiar to their lives. Under the modern habits
of living, great changes are wrought in the gen-
eral physical appearance of families from one
generation to another. They are to such an
extent that the children of to-day are as much
unlike their ancestors of one hundred years ago,
as if they were of another nationality. The
I92
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
pioneers of the County were a hardy, muscular
people, and it was characteristic of their chil-
dren, down to within fifty years, when their ac-
cumulations of wealth and their lightened labors,
permitted a more easy and extravagant mode
of living, which grew upon them as the country
made its advancement.
We are pleased to present a true type of " the
fathers" in the likeness of Peter Murphy. It is
far more agreeable from the fact that he is a
son of Timothy Murphy, the gallant hero of
the border settlements, in the trying days of
the Revolution, in which the patriots and ene-
mies of our country, alike, surmised that Provi-
dence or the Evil One, had instilled a magical
spirit peculiar to the fabled heroes. We are
told by those who were intimately acquainted
with the father and the son, that the latter is a
counterpart of the former in general appear-
ance. The father died at the age of sixty-
seven, and when Mr. Murphy had arrived at
that age, the very close resemblance was noted
by the aged people, and they looked upon him
with nearly that degree of honor they did his
father while he was among them.
The subject of this sketch was born upon the
old Feek farm, in 1794, and is still active yet
bearing the marks of age. The outlines of a
ruddy countenance, hardy form, and a bold,
determined spirit, are easily traced, regardless
of time's work with his " defacing fingers." Mr.
Murphy inherits many other of his father's
characteristics, not the least of which are frank-
ness and honesty. He has followed agricul-
tural pursuits, from his youth, working hard,
early and late, and unlike many who aspire to
positions, never urged official favors upon the
strength of his parent's services and reputation.
On the contrary he has always manifested a
reluctance in accepting proffered positions, yet
has been the recipient of many town honors,
among which was that of Supervisor in 1850.
He adheres zealously, as did his father to Demo-
cratic principles and party without exceptions,
never having cast a vote against a candidate
for nomination, and has ever been present at
the polls, regardless of obstacles.
JOHN FREEMIRE, JR.
The father of the subject of this sketch was
John, or as he was commonly called, Johannes
Freemire, one of the first settlers of Cobleskill.
He was the only one of the family that survived
the conflict of 1778, particularly described in
the Chapter relating to the town of Cobleskill,
excepting a brother who fled to Canada with the
unscrupulous Zea.
At the close of the war, John removed to
Breakabeen, and was married to a sister of
Christian Bouck. John, Jr., was there born
January 20, 1785, and was reared under the
prevailing rules of those days, in industry and
frugality, with but little if any educational ad-
vantages, beyond those afforded by daily inter-
course and dealings with neighbors in the inter-
change of produce, etc.
Mr. Freemire was united in marriage with
Catherine Bartholomew in the year 1809 and
lived upon the homestead farm, which he cleared
of timber and which is now inherited and occu-
pied by his son, William H., and there resided
until his death, which occurred August 22, 1876.
He was an earnest Democrat of the old school
and a firm friend of his neighbor and townsman,
William C. Bouck. The Governor's confidence
in his honesty and strict adherence to systematic
rules of performing duty, led to the appoint-
ment of Mr. Freemire as Guard at the Sub-
Treasury in New York City. He held that
TOWN OF FULTON.
'93
JOHN FREEMIRE. Jr.
position of trust three years and returned to his
home.
Not aspiring to official positions, he was but
once elected to office and then as Justice of the
Peace, although repeatedly urged to accept that
and other honors. His characteristic spirit of
retirement led him to refuse a compliance with
the earnest and oft repeated appeals of his
townsmen.
His married life was blessed in rearing a large
family of children who have proven themselves
useful and energetic citizens, such as reflect
credit upon the wise counsels and examples of
honest parents. They are Mrs. John B. Wal-
dron, of Breakabeen ; John Freemyer, of Cass-
opolis, Mich. ; Mrs. Wm. Woolford, of Brook-
lyn, N. Y. ; William H , of Breakabeen ; and
Abram, of Middleburgh. Mrs. Ephraim Pat-
terson also was a daughter but died several
years ago, as did her patriotic husband who re-
ceived injuries that proved fatal while in the late
Rebellion.
The family name was originally spelled Fri-
mire, but of late has been changed to Freemyer
with the common consent of all branches of the
family.
194
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
-,-•:•.•'.•.• •-•-. ••
ADAM L. MATTICE.
Adam L. Mattice is a worthy representative
of the early settlers of the valley, and of one in
particular, Nicholas Mattice who first located
within the neighborhood of the "upper fort."
At what time he immigrated is not known, but
he there reared a large family, in which were
three sons — Adam, Frederick, and Conradt.
Adam early espoused the cause of the Crown
and fled to Canada as a Mohawk, in 1777, and
there his descendants still reside.
Mrs. Burget, of Breakabeen, is the last of the
direct heirs of Frederick, which fact leaves Con-
radt the progenitor of those bearing the family
name in the County. He resided upon the farm
now occupied by Joseph Mattice, where he
reared six children as follows : — Lawrence, David,
John, Henry, Mrs. John Brown, of Sharon, and
Mrs. Garrett Hallenbeck, of Fulton.
Adam L. is one of five children of Lawrence
Mattice, and was born in Fulton, September
15, 1803. He has always lived upon a farm
and has accumulated a property that bespeaks
a steady judgment and practical business quali-
fications. He has served the town in the
capacity of road commissioner, assessor and
other minor offices for many years, and is looked
upon by his townsmen as an upright man in
whom they have confidence to act with honor
and precision.
Although he has arrived at the advanced age
of seventy-eight, yet the sturdy form is erect, the
muscles strong and steady, and the mind clear
and active, as are those of most of the children
of pioneers of the County. He was united in
marriage with Dinah, daughter of David Mat-
tice, and to them have been born five children,
TOWN OF FULTON.
'95
James H., Lawrence A., Garret W., Dinah and
Elizabeth. James H. died January 16, 1874.
The business is at present being carried on
by Garret W., and Lawrence A. Mattice.
EPHRAIM B. VROMAN.
Lieutenant Ephraim Vroman, of Revolution-
ary fame, was the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch. That patriot had four children
that survived the Revolution : Bartholomew E.,
Josias E., Maria, (Mrs. Peter P. Zielie) and
Harmonus, a child by his second wife. Bar-
tholomew and Josias married sisters, they being
daughters of Colonel Peter Dietz, whose patri-
otism made the name historic and his memory
live as long as literature exists. Josias E. has
but two sons at present living, Harmon and
Ephraim, who have arrived at advanced ages.
Our subject is the only living heir of Barthol-
omew and was born upon the old farm in Vro-
man sland on the 1 8th of August, 1806. He was
reared as a farmer and strictly adhered to that
occupation till within a short time, when he re-
tired.
Mr. Vroman received but a meagre common
school education, yet inheriting the natural
characteristics of the two families from which he
sprang, but few men possess equal business tact
or a better practical judgment, as shown in his
individual affairs and those of the public in
which he has from time to time been urged to
transact.
We are assured by those of greater age,
who were personally acquainted with several of
the old stock Vromans, that he is a true type of
that sturdy race in form, features arid general
196
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
appearance. He has five children as follows :
Mrs. Alonzo Best, Mrs. Harmon Vroman, Mrs.
Addison Cornell, George A., and Charles W.,
the latter two occupying the old farm that has
been in the Vroman family since 1711.
Although Mr. Vroman is naturally reserved,
yet he is firm in his convictions, and free in his
expressions of right, and in the community in
which he resides, as in his family, is looked up
to as a wise counsellor, generous neighbor and
an unflinching patriot. It was Mr. Vroman's
grandmother and youthful aunt that were mur-
dered at the foot of the Onistagrawa by the In-
dian Seths Henry and his accomplice, Beacraft,
the demoniac Tory. His father also was made
to feel the vengeance of the unmerciful foe, in
being theirprisoner and forced to endure insults
and hardships, which planted a hatred of In-
dians and Tories in the family breast that has
been transmitted, and will be undoubtedly for
several generations, and gave birth to a staunch
patriotism that truly is undying.
CHAPTER XIV.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
BEAUTY OF SCENERY— THE MOUNTAINS — WEIS-
ER'S DORF — CONRAD WEISER — His DAUGH-
TER— JOHN PETER G. MUHLENBERG — His
PATRIOTISM — CONRAD WEISER, JR. — INTER-
PRETER— SETTLERS OF THE DORF — RELICS
OF THE PAST — REFORMED CHURCH — ITS
EARLY HISTORY — EDIFICE REBUILT IN 1 785 —
PETITION TO ASSEMBLY — OTHER PAPERS —
PASTORS' REFORMED CHURCH — LUTHERAN
CHURCH — METHODIST — EPISCOPAL — THE
TRUE REFORMED CHURCH — MIDDLE FORT
— DESCRIPTION — FIRING UPON THE FLAG —
ZIELIE FAMILY — FIRST ZIELIES IN THE VAL-
LEY— FAMILY RELIC — COLONEL ZIELIE — His
CHILDREN — PETER SWART — OLD CLOCK —
Low DUTCH BECKERS — BORST FAMILY —
GRIST MILLS — LOUCK'S FAMILY — ECKERSON'S
-FIRST MERCHANT — GRIST MILL — BEL-
LINGER FAMILY — HARTMAN'S DORF — RICHT-
MYER FAMILY — REBUILDING OF THE VILLAGE
— ALEXANDER BOYD — J. M. SCRIBNER— JOHN
HINMAN — NATHAN HINMAN — BUILDING THE
BRIDGE— JONATHAN DANFORTH — ATCHINSON
HOUSE — FREEMIRE HOUSE — MERCHANTS —
FREEMAN STANTON — JOHN P. BELLINGER —
D. D. DODGE — -TANNING — DANFORTH FAMI-
LIES — GENERAL DANFORTH — PHYSICIANS —
LEGAL FRATERNITY— HON. LYMAN SANFORD
— NATIONAL BANK — MASONIC LODGE — I. O.
G. TEMPLARS — G. A. R. POST — CORNET
BAND — INCORPORATION — HUNTER'S LAND —
SUPERVISORS — BOUNDARIES.
N approaching Middleburgh village from
Schoharie by the valley road, one is not so
much impressed with the beauty of the scenery
as when passing over the hill from the Cobles-
kill valley, by the way of the poorhouse,
there is presented one of those placid land-
scapes, for which Schoharie County is noted.
The broad well kept flats that stretch from the
giant evergreen hills upon the west, to the slop-
ing ones and the cliff on the east, are dotted
here and there with spacious residences and out-
buildings that bespeak the wealth and prosperity
of the occupants, and present a winning picture
of plenty and contentment. Old Mohegontee*
stands out boldly as a terminus of a chain of
picturesque hills, while Ocongena and Onista-
grawa, in romantic contrast, look down upon
the quiet scene below and give to the whole,
grandeur and sublimity such as mountains only
can give to rural sceneries. Upon their lofty
summits and along their sides, the Aborigines
of the country wandered for the deer, fox and
* Judge Brown, in his pamphlet history, gives the fol-
lowing names to the three mountains: Mohegan, Cone-
gena and Onisto Graw.
I
TOWN OF MIDDLF.BUROH.
'97
bear, while at their bases was reared the wig-
wam, to which the first settlers of civilization
in the valley, resorted for succor, in the winter
of 1713, when they sought the "promised land "
as refugees from the toils which selfish officials
had woven to entrap them and make them un-
willing servants to a monied aristocracy.
Here where the pleasant village now stands,
the "seditious" Conrad Weiser made a choice
for his settlement, which alone was evidence
enough that he was not as ignorant as tradition
and royal officials have represented him to be.
By consulting the second chapter of this work,
we find that during the land difficulties, Weiser
and his followers left the valley and settled in
Pennsylvania about the year 1722. There the
old man died and was buried a few miles from
Reading, within a plot of ground marked out
by himself. He was a prominent man in his
neighborhood, and much esteemed by all who
knew him. His daughter, Anna Maria, married
Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, D. D., the foun-
der of the Lutheran church in America.
John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg was a son
who gave to the world a glorious example of
true patriotism.
He was educated for the ministry and or-
dained in the year 1768, and at the outbreak of
the Revolution, was stationed at Woodstock,
Virginia. Of him, Lossing in his Field-book of
the Revolution, says : —
"In 1774 he was chairman of the committee
of safety in his county, and was also elected a
member of the House of Burgesses. At the
close of 1775, he was elected colonel of a Vir-
ginia regiment.when he laid aside his pastoral
character. In concluding his farewell sermon,
he said, that in the language of Holy Writ,
'There was a time for all things; a time to
preach, and a time to pray, but those times had
passed away,' and then, in a voice that echoed
like a trumpet-blast through the church, he said
' that there was a time to fight, and that time
had now come ! " Then laying aside his sacer-
dotal gown, he stood before his flock in the full
regimental dress of a Virginia Colonel. He
ordered the drums to be beaten at the church
door for recruits, and almost his entire male
audience that were capable of bearing arms joined
his standard. Nearly three hundred men en-
listed under his banner on that day. He was in
the battle at Charlestown, in 1776, and served
with fidelity in the Southern campaign that
year. Congress promoted him to the rank of
Brigadier-General, in February, 1777, and he
was ordered to take charge of all the Continental
troops of the Virginia line in that State. He
joined the army of Washington, and was with
him in all his movements until the year 1779.
By the close of that year he was again or-
dered to take command of the Virginia troops,
and was active until the attack of Cornwallis at
Yorktown. At the close of the war he was ele-
vated to the rank of Major-General. He re-
moved to Pennsylvania, and in various civil
capacities served the State. He was a member
of the first and third Congresses, and in 1801 was
elected a United States Senator. The same
year he was appointed supervisor of the internal
revenue of Pennsylvania, and in 1802 was made
collector of the port of Philadelphia. He re-
mained in that office until his death, which oc-
curred at his country-seat near Philadelphia, on
the first of October (his birthday), 1807, at the
age of sixty-one years."
John Conrad, Sr., was an Indian interpreter
and agent and was succeeded by his son, John
Conrad, whom it will be remembered was tutored
as an interpreter while living here, for which
Adam Vroman made a charge against his father
to Governor Hunter in 1715. Young Weiser
was employed by the government for many
years as such, and was often in company with
Washington in making treaties with the Indians.
Tradition says that when Washington was en-
route as President of the United States, to the
city of New York, he traveled many miles out
of his way to visit the grave of his much es-
teemed friend.
We find the descendants of the Weiser family
quite numerous and occupying prominent posi-
tions ; and when we look upon the life of Gen-
eral Muhlenberg we cannot but believe that the
spirit of Weiser was inherited by him, which was
called " rebellious, seditious and obstinate, and
an outgrowth of ignorance," when the family
lived at the camps and in the Schoharie valley.
It is to such spirits we are indebted for our po-
198
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
litical and religious liberties, and upon which
oppression has always tried to trample.
We might with propriety here state that all of
the descendants of the followers of Weiser, were
true patriots in the Revolution without a single
exception to our knowledge.
There was one of the Beckers that removed
with Weiser, whose last heir it has been sup-
posed, died several years ago leaving a vast prop-
erty which has remained without an ownership
since, but it is a mistake, as the family now
living near Philadelphia are more numerous
than those of the Schoharie settlement to-day.
The progenitor was of the High Dutch family
and brother of Johannes, who settled on Fox's
creek.
When the Germans came to the valley there
were a small number of Mohegans living to the
north of the confluence of the Little Schoharie,
with the main stream. There could not have
been many, yet it must have been in their hos-
pitable wigwams they found shelter after their
dreary march through the deep snow, from Liv-
ingston's manor. This portion of the Scho-
harie tribe dwindled away to a few in number,
and the land they occupied was taken by the
Zielies and Eckersons as early as 1730, and
perhaps earlier. The Indians gave way as the
whites increased, and at last congregated at and
near the castle in Vromansland where they were
in 1750, with the exception of a few straggling
ones, found here and there along the streams.
Queen Anne had directed implements of all
kinds to be sent from England with the Ger-
mans, but it cannot be supposed Weiser and his
followers were allowed to share in them since
they mutinied and left the Camps, " against re-
peated orders," but were forced to depend upon
their ingenuity and that of the Indians in build-
ing without them, and when spring came, to
plant for a better subsistence than "roots and
herbs."
Although they were destitute for a while,
it was not long before they managed to obtain
the necessary utensils to till the ground and
build their huts and from the tenor of Adam
Vroman's letter to Governor Hunter, bearing
date July, 1715, they had horses, and that they
drove them upon his grain in the night, beside
" tied bells upon their necks and drove them
to and fro." Judge Brown tells us, "nine of
them owned the first horse, which was a gray,"
but we find in little over two years after they
settled here, they had "horses." Perhaps the
Judge had not reference to Weiser and his clan,
but to those who came after by the way of
Albany and the Helleberg, and settled lower
down the valley, but his dates correspond nearer
to this settlement, yet in them he is inaccurate.
Weiser located to the east of the present
Methodist church, and we are fully convinced
after a careful study of the matter, that another
settlement was made by his immediate followers
to the west, where the Reformed church now
stands. It may and may not have been direct-
ly under his charge as "list master" or business
man, it matters not. There was a settlement
made, but there being so many people upon a
small space of ground the settlement broke up
in a few years, as Hartman's dorf did, for
broader fields, that each could ply their voca-
tions as farmers, principally, more extensive.
That together with Weiser's, proper, and Hart-
man's, made three settlements within a distance
of less than two miles, and contained at least
one hundred and sixty families according to tra-
dition and documents heretofore copied. Thus
the practical reader will see at once that they
could not subsist without great inconvenience,
and would, as soon as possible, divide and settle
upon farms. They did so, and by the year 1730
the whole valley was, as far down as the Island
opposite of the present village of Sloansville,
taken up by them and new comers, and under
a fair state of cultivation. Many that came
with the first parties, removed to the Mohawk,
while others from there came here, especially
during the land troubles. They were for the
first few years a very uneasy people, and made
it so for those around them. Not only for Adam
Vroman, but for the Indians, and officials both
district and colonial. They firmly believed they
were to be entrapped by land sharks, and were
not far from right, and finding they could not
obtain a " redress of their grievances," many of
them left the valley for ever, which satisfied the
honorable government officials that it was bet
ter to give way to many of their foibles, espe-
cially than lose " so valuable an acquisition to
the frontier," which was experienced by those
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
199
that remained in the purchase of land at a nom-
inal sum, with an assurance of peaceable pos-
session.
It is not to be imagined that Weiser's dorf
was left tenantless upon the removal of the dis-
couraged party, as we find the Dillebacks, (I)il-
lenbecks,) Earharts, Zehs, Weavers, Casselmans,
Segendorfs, Borsts, SchaetYers, Loucks, Rick-
ards, Ingolds and Conradt families remained
and were joined a few years after by the Eck-
ersons, Zielies, and at a later date by others,
progenitors of those who were actors in the
Revolutionary scenes living near, not above
mentioned. The history of the village and
valley from 1722 to the Revolutionary strug-
gle has but little interest. The forest was
felled and the productive fields became
broader, the rude huts were replaced by com-
fortable houses, large barns took the place of
barracks and stacks, and prosperity and con-
tentment marked its course and abode at every
turn. The occupants of the hamlet for the first
few years of their settlement owned plots of
ground upon the interval from which they ob-
tained their supplies, but as their sons and
daughters united to form other families they in-
creased their acreage by purchasing of those
who at an early date took advantage of the
prospect and purchased of Governor Hunter.
Many of those farms have been handed down
from one generation to another for the space of
one hundred and fifty years, and judging by the
temperate, economical habits and pride of fam-
ily another generation will enjoy the fruits of
their forefathers' labors without passing to other
hands. There are but few relics now to be
seen that time has spared, to link the early set-
tlement of this place with the present. The
Reformed church as an organization — and a
portion of the building used during the struggle
for Independence as a fort, are the only objects
that we meet. The old stone house near the
Methodist church is one that our nearer fathers
reared after they passed through the fiery ordeal
of a war made sacred in the annals of history
by their sacrifice of life, blood, and fortunes,
upon the corner-stone of America's temple of
liberty ! It is as a footprint of the hunted patri-
ots in the ashes of devastation, after they eluded
the vengeance of a mercenary, blood-thirsty foe !
It has been spared to us as the corner-stone of
the re-building or second settlement of Weiser's
dorf, as it will be remembered that the walls
of the old brick church were all that was left of
the village after Johnson and Brant's exit from
the valley. But before we consider the events
of that day let us go back to earlier times and
peer into the darkness of the past, between the
removal of Weiser and his followers, and the
Revolution.
In making the attempt, we regret exceed-
ingly that the few records that are left of those
days are indeed but feeble tapers to lead us ac-
curately, without stumbling, through the changes
that circumstances required the sturdy yeoman
to make. We cannot but admit, as all evidence
establishes the fact,that Weiser's dorf was the first
white settlement in the County, and that it was
made in 1713, by High Dutch, while Vromans-
land was settled by the Low Dutch in 1714
or 1715.
Reformed Dutch Church. — Knowing the
natural propensity of the High and Low Dutch
to the observance of religious rites and duties,
we cannot believe they lived in the valley from
1713 to the year 1732, when this church as
thought by many was founded, without religious
services and an organization. Nor do we think
they remained so up to the year 1728, when the
Schoharie church was organized, and attended
there. As the latter was founded but eight
years at least after the settlement of the dorf in
which it was organized, we cannot see any rea-
son why this dorf was not as active, for these
settlers were as able financially, as energetic, in
a business point of view, and as religious as any
other. We find that the people of this place and
Vromansland in after years, beside maintain-
ing this church, assisted in that of Fox's Creek.
To conclude we cannot but think that the
Middleburgh Reformed church was the parent
church of the Schoharie settlements, and was
founded long years before an edifice was erected,
unless they built a rude house of worship, pre-
vious to the one that was burned by Johnson
and Brant in 1780, of which we have not the
least knowledge. We cannot but think it was
organized as early as 1714 or 1716. The early
churches of the border settlements had noregu-
200
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
lar organized services, as at present, but per-
haps they brought their organization with them
from Germany. Their first religious proceedings
were not recorded, as a general thing and if at
all, they were kept in a rude unbusinesslike
manner, and became lost. As we intimated
before, we have faint light to guide us in the
early history of the church.
Corwin's Manual says, Hendrick Hager
preached in Schoharie between 1711 and 1717
as a missisonary. Undoubtedly he came as soon
as a settlement was formed, and appearing
among a people who were religious by birth, he
formed or re-formed an organization among
them. There being a deep enmity existing
between the Germans and their Holland neigh-
bors, at that time, and for several years we are
led to believe the latter were not admitted in
their society, but numbering several families, and
being also a religious people, they held meetings
in their own neighborhood, and perhaps formed
an organization. Upon the coming of the Zielie
and Eckerson families, who settled among the
-Germans, and the removal of Weiser and his
excitable followers, a friendly feeling was courted
and in the course of a few years, the High and
Low Dutch worshipped together, and when a new
church edifice was to be built, they united in
the erection of it. A few years later the Low
Dutch gained the entire control of it, and the
High Dutch society was consumed by them.
It was after, or when the Low Dutch began to
control or obtain a foot-hold, that the dates of
1732 and 1733, which we have relating to the
church, began to appear, which has given the
impression the church was then formed. Thus,
regardless of which branch was first formed,
since they merged into one, and this settlement
being of at least five years the senior of Fox's
dorf, the present Reformed church must be the
parent church of the valley.
Through the politeness to present, and care
to preserve, Mr. Hiram Zielie, of Webster City,
Iowa, a grandson of Martinus Zielie, has fur-
nished us with a few facts as recorded in his
Grandfather's Low Dutch Bible. Upon the fly-
leaf it says, "Our new brick church was dedicated
on December the 1 8th day, 1737. Textfromthe
Acts of the Apostles, 7th Chap. 47 to soth verses
inclusive. Rev. Dominie Snider Preacher."
Tradition has told us the building was of stone,
and "built after the model of the ancient Dutch
church in Albany, with a steeple rising from the
center, but reference was had to the Fox's dorf
church in the style of building. From French's
history we learn that Johannes ScharTer, Hen-
drick, Conradt, and Johannes Ingold, sold four-
teen acres of land to Jonas LeRoy and Peter
Spies for the support of the Middle church on
January 3, 1737.
Now the question is, was it a High or Low
Dutch church originally. It is thought by many
to have been the latter. We are of the opinion
that it was the former, from the fact that if it
had been a Low Dutch, the building would
have been placed upon the Low Dutch ground,
upon which the present church stands. With-
out doubt both branches worshipped within the
same building at this time.
The ground upon which the building was
placed, was that, or a part of it, which was the
" bone of contention " between the Palatines,
Schuyler and others who purchased it of
Hunter in 1714. It will be remembered the
Germans refused to quit the land or to pay
rent. They built their houses upon it, and the
church also, and did not receive a title of the
church property until years after. By a quit-
claim deed now in the possession of Henry
Cady, bearing date the " i8th of June, in the
twenty-sixth year of His Majesty's reign, Anno
Domini, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-
three,for the sum of Five shillings current money
of New York," twenty-seven acres of land were
conveyed by Myndert Schuyler, Margaret Liv-
ingston, 'Philip Livingston, Philip Schuyler and
Johannes Bough (Bouck,) of Albany, to Johan-
nes Schuyler, minister ; Bartholomew Vroman,
Josias Swart and Thomas Eckerson, elders ;
Johannes Becker, Jun., rector ; O. Zielie and
David Laroway, deacons ; for church purposes.
The land was divided into small lots, and many
of them are still owned by the church, being
leased to the occupants at a yearly rental. As
the Reformed church at Schoharie was organ-
ized as a " High Dutch," and soon wafted over
to the control of Low Dutch, so we think it
was the case with this organization. The Low
Dutch found here, among whom were the Vro-
mans, Zielies, Beckers and the Holland Ecker-
TOWN OF MIDDI.EBURGH.
201
sons, were more business men than the Ger-
mans. The latter had not but of late, been
commanders of affairs, but objects of command,
and knew but little of transacting business,
while with the Low Dutch it was the reverse.
When the church was burned in 1780, all re-
ligious services were perfoimed in the middle
fort, and after peace was proclaimed, and as
soon as the settlers recuperated in a measure
their losses, effort were made to re-build. In
the spring of 1785, the work commenced and
occupied the summer months of 1786 and '87,
in its completion. The control of church af-
fairs at this time, was entirely under the Low
Dutch, and the new building was placed upon
the fourteen acres purchased in 1737, for the
" support of the Dutch church." The people
being poor, timber and other materials were do-
nated by them, as also labor and rum, the latter
to revive drooping spirits. Col. Peter Vroman,
the hero of the middle fort, was the treasurer,
and to show his manner of doing business and
the materials thought necessary to build a church
in those days, we will copy from a few " items of
interest," as kindly furnished us by Mr. A. B.
Richmond, of Canajoharie, and Henry Cady,
of Schoharie, besides papers relating to the
building, etc., of the church : —
" rogalon RUM" and" 4 Gallons of rum and
eighteen drinks" were charged against the church.
Peter Vroman refused to allow the eighteen
drinks. " i pound tobaco." stones, lumber and
wood were contributed by different ones, each
allowed a certain sum for the same. A petition
was forwarded to the legislature for aid, bearing
date " 18 Oct., 1784," staling that "Sir John
Johnson with a party of British Regular troops,
Tories and Indians, on the i7th day of Oct.,
1780, Came and allmost destroyed the Settle-
ment of Schoharry by fire and other ways,
among which was the church of your petitioners,
which was intirely burnt and destroyed on the
said day which was valued at five hundred
pounds, etc."
Another was forwarded to the city officials of
Albany, asking the privilege of circulating asub-
scription to aid in the building of the church,
bearing date 1785 ; also a general subscription
and petition " To the publick," asking " aid in
re-building church destroyed by the enemy,"
dated 1785.
The edifice was nearly three years in build-
ing, it being commenced in the fall of 1784,
arid finished in the summer of 1787. The funds
were chiefly obtained by subscriptions circulated
in every direction, and the work performed by
the people of the vicinity, under Philip Schuy-
ler, " carpenter and joiner." Tradition tells us
the iron figures, 1786, placed upon the front
of the belfry, were the work of one Lutwig
Schneider, a blacksmith, who also made the
" stays " placed in the brick walls.
Josiah Dodge, the progenitor of the present
Dodge family of the town, was entrusted with
the contract to supply the necessary timbers re-
quired in the construction of the church, for
which he gave the following receipt : —
"Schoharry, July 7, 1786, Rec'd of Johannes
H. Becker, Peter Ziele and Peter Vroman, trus-
tees of the Reformed Low Dutch Church, the
full sum of twenty-two pounds ten shillings,
being in full for cutting the timber for the church.
I say Rec'd by me. JOSIA DODGE.
From time " immemorial " the organization
owned an old-fashioned chest, quite probably
brought from Germany or Holland by some of
the first settlers, in which the funds of the church
and documents were kept. For long years it
was in the Becker family, and held by them
through the Revolution, and down to within the
last forty years. It disappeared, however, and
at the present time, is not to be found, while the
papers relating to the church, that so long found
a secure place within its " tills," are scattered
here and there, and are made in many cases,
articles of barter among the collectors of old
relics. However, a few of the many are in the
possession of the officers of the church, that are
valuable through the associations connected
with them, and the organization to which they
properly belong. Among them is one that re-
fers to the old chest, which reads : —
"Scohare, June ist, 1789. This day counted
the Money Which is in the Chichst of the Low
Dudtch Church. Two pound thirteen Shil-
lings.
JOHN J. BECKER,
JOHN A. BECKER."
202
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Also the charter bearing date, 2ist of Octo-
ber, 1797, which is upon parchment, and signed
by " Rynier VanNese, minister ; Pieter Zielie,
Adam Vroman, Jacob Hager, and Peter Swart,
elders ; John A. Becker, John P. Becker, Mar-
tinus Vroman, Jr., and Johannes Hager, dea-
cons." There are also others, many of which
are written in Dutch.
Pastors of the Reformed Church. — As the first
records of the church are lost, it is impossible
to arrive at any accuracy in regard to them.
The " Reformed Church Manual " gives the
date of organization, 1732, and it may be cor-
rect, but we have our doubts, and believe light
will yet be given to prove it an error. It also says
the first pastor was Schuyler (Johannes,) who
was the Schoharie Reformed pastor from 1736,
to 1755, and again from 1766, to his death. We
have found through the Zielie Bible, Dominie
Snyder was the preacher at the dedication, and
by tradition coming through the Eckerson fam-
ily, that Snyder was the first resident pastor of this
church. Ministers were not plenty at that
day, and if Schuyler was, or was to be the reg-
ular pastor, we think he would have performed
the service, If we were to make the list of
pastors, it would be headed with Henry Hager,*
from 1713 to 1720, also John Frederick Hager,
and John Jacob Ehle and George Weiss, as mis-
sionaries, until the pastorate of Dominie Snyder
commenced, in 1732, and perhaps earlier. Be-
tween this date and 1763, this church, as did the
Schoharie and others, ranged itself with the
" Dutch Reformed church," to form an " Ameri-
can Ecclesiastical Indicatory."
During Schuyler's first pastorate at Schoharie,
we think Dominie Snyder officiated here, and
may have been the High Dutch minister, as it
is said by many of the old families, that they
were told by their aged grandparents, that Sny-
der was here a long term of years. If Schuyler
preached here within that period, he doubtless
preached to the Low Dutch branch, but we
think Snyder was the regular minister, and both
High and Low Dutch worshipped together at
this time, Upon Schuyler's re-call at Schoharie,
in 1766, he then took charge of this church, in
connection, and officiated until his death, in
* Corwin's Manual.
1778. If Schuyler had charge of this church
from 173610 1755, and the connection between
the two churches continued, then Johannes
Mauritinus Goetchins labored here from 1757,
to 1760, Abraham Rosenkrantz to 1765, and
followed here by Schuyler, in 1766. Schuyler
dying in 1778, a young man officiated occasion-
ally, by the name of Schneyder, until the in-
vasion of Johnson and Brant, when the people
were so thrown in confusion and poverty, that
church matters stood still until peace was pro-
claimed. The next and first resident pastor was
Rynier VanNess, from Long Island, who re-
mained to the coming of DeVoe, in 1808,
who preached. The latter remained to the
year 1815, and from that to the present time we
will accept the list given in the Manual.
1816-1827 — J- F- Schennehorn.
1827-1833 — J. Garretson.
1834-1838— J. B. Steele.
1840-1842 — Joshua Boyd.
1842-1845 — L. Messerreau, Presbyterian
Sunday school.
1845-1852 — -Jacob West.
1852-1854—!. M. See.
1855-1863— E. Vedder.
1863 — W. E. Bogardus.
1863-1870— John L. Lott, D. D.
1870-1876— Sanford W. Roe, D. D.
1876-1880— J. S. Gardner.
1 880 — Elbert N. Sebring, present pastor.
The church at the present time, is one of the
leading ones of the County in earnest interest,
liberality, and promptness of duty to all relig-
ous demands, without that boisterous display
that is so often practiced by many of our modern
churches, and which reverts the desired and in-
tended aim. The membership numbers one
hundred and fifteen, among whom are many of
the leading families of the community, who take
a just pride in the ancient organization and
church edifice. The exterior of the building
is the same as when first built, with the exception
of a portion of the steeple which was remodeled
in a measure in 1813, when the first bell was
purchased and placed within it. The interior
has been changed at different times, to suit the
changing taste of the acting generations, and
has lost nearly all of its originality, except in the
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
203
height of the gallery, which remains the same,
and gives to the whole an ancient appearance.
The report of the church for the year ending
the ist of April, 1882, was as follows :—
Number of families, 90.
Died, i.
Total in communion, 115.
Number of catechumens, 20.
Total number of Sunday School scholars,
100.
Contributions for religious and benevolent
purposes, $58.25.
For congregational purposes, $1,063.39.
Present officers : —
Elders,
Peter S. Danforth,
M. Geurnsey,
W. G. Becker,
James Lawyer, M. D.,
George L. Danforth.
Deacons,
George W. Zeh,
George W. Dodge,
W. E." Bassler,
Jacob L. Engle,
Joseph Jenks.
Referring thus to the Reformed church, we
will give notice here of the remaining churches,
although they are of a more recent date, and
then run back to objects of long ago, when many
of those who lie sleeping beneath the green turf
of the ancient cemetery, were
" Actors in life's drama,"
and their children that lived when
" Discord raised its trumpet's notes,
And carnage beat its horrid drum. "
The Lutheran Church. — Upon the records
we read :
" St Marks Evangelican Lutheran church was
founded the lyth May, A. D., 1824, Rev. Geo.
A. Lintner, A. M. pastor."
"Elders — Andreas Loucks, Abraham Lawyer,
Joseph Borst.
" Deacons — Wilhelmus Bouck, Jeremiah
Loucks, Abram Haines.
"Trustees — Jacob Livingston, William C.
Bouck, Joseph I. Borst, Thomas Bouck, Abram
Haines, Joseph Bouck, Philip Bergh, Jun., Free-
man Stanton, John Henry.
"Architect — James Rider.
" Other foundations can no man lay than that
is laid, which is Christ Jesus. istCor. iii 2."
This congregation, originally was in connec-
tion with Schoharie, Cobleskill and Breakabeen,
but at the close of Dr. Lintner*s pastorate,
which was fifteen years, it became a separate
charge with Breakabeen and after became in-
dependent. The first house of worship was
erected in 1824, and was dedicated on the 3oth
of October of that year. The building was
burned on the ist of April, 1855, and was not
replaced until the year 1870, when the present
structure was erected. The society worshipped
in the intervening time in the school house, and
other churches.
The records from Dr. Lintner's pastorate to
the year 1860, are not complete, and while we
know of the pastors that followed him, we are
unable to tell their given names and the years
in which they labored.
1824-1839 — Rev. George A. Lintner.
1834-1844 — Rev. - - Lefler.
Rev. Crounse.
Rev. Levi Sternbergh.
Rev. Conell.
Rev. English.
1860-1865 — Adam Martin.
1865-1871 — David Swope.
1871-1873— E. S. Sprecker.
1873-1876— C. P. Witacar.
1876 — J. D. Harkey, present pastor.
The officers are : —
Elders — E. Van Aucken, J. E. Young,
D. D. Bouck, L. S. Wells.
Deacons — G. N. Frisbee, Emmet Haines,
H. M. Marcellus, John Rickard.
Trustees — Jacob Neville, N. Manning. G. N.
Frisbee.
The Lutheran Sabbath school under the su-
perintendence of Mr. J. E. Young, editor of the
Middleburgh Gazette, is a marked feature of
204
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the church's spirit and consists of one hundred
and twenty-five teachers and scholars.
The Methodist Church.— The Methodist
Church edifice is the largest and most costly
structure for divine worship in the County.
While this society's existence has been short
in comparison with the Reformed and Lutheran,
yet its present prosperous condition exhibits the
energy and spirit that is so becoming in the
laborers of the " vineyard."
The first notice of an organization was read
by Rev. John \V. Dennison in the school house
of District No. 7, of this town on the ist day of
December, of 1832, and on the gth of the same
month the following were elected trustees :
Malachi Potter,
Anthony Engle,
Peter W. Mann,
James Stern berg,
Harvey Watson.
An edifice was built at the head of Main
street in the same year, which became too small
for the congregation, and which forced the so-
ciety to build the present structure in 1875, at a
cost of thirty five thousand dollars. Through
the labors and courtesy of Rev. James L. At-
well, the present pastor, we find the records com-
plete. Among them is a list of the Presiding
Elders of the Albany District, since the year
1832. As a goodly share of the County is in
his jurisdiction, under the Methodistical system
we will here give them, with the year in which
they presided.
1832-1835— Henry Stead.
1836-1839 — Miner Sherman.
1840-1843 — Charles Sherman.
1844-1847 — Ephraim Gorse.
,848 — John Lindsey died.
John Clark was elected to fill va-
cancy and remained till 1851.
1852-1855 — Truman Seymour.
1856-1859 — Henry L. Starks.
1860-1863— William Griffin, D. D.
1864-1867 — Rodman H. Robinson.
1868-1871— Samuel Meredith.
1872-1875 — Chester F. Burget.
1876-1879 — Homer Eaton, D. D.
1 880 — J. L. Sawyer, present incumbent.
The pastors of the congregation have been as
follows : —
1832 — John Harlam and John Dennison.
1833 — William Ames.
,834 — James R. Goodrich.
1835 — Roswell Kelly and Henry Williams.
1836— Roswell Kelly and Henry Burton.
1837-1838 — Henry Coleman and Peter W.
Smith.
^39 — Henry Williams, Valentine Brown
and Joseph Crounse.
1840-1841 — Hiram Chase.
1842 — David Poor, Isaac DeVoe.
1843 — David Poor, Charles Gilbert.
1844 — Amos Osborne,
1845-1846— Madley Witherell.
1847-1848 — Charles E. Giddings.
1849-1850— John W. Belknap.
1851-1852— Charles DeVoe.
1853-1854 — Bishop Isbell.
1855-1856 — J. D. Burnham.
1857-1858 — Selah W. Brown.
1859-1860— John Pegg.
1861-1862— William Clark.
1863-1864 — Horace L. Grant.
1865-1866-1867 — Jeremiah S. Hart.
1868-1869 — Aaron D. Heaxt.
1870-1871 — James B. Wood.
1872-1874 — John A. Savage.
The foregoing officiated in the old church
while the following have officiated in the new.
^75 — Sylvester W. Clemins.
1876-1877— Charles F. Noble.
1878-1880— John L. Atwell, present pastor.
The class-leaders are at present (1881) :
H. D. Wells, M. D.,
S. Requa,
John H. Cornell,
L. D. Mann,
E. Winegar,
John Avery,
M. Rickard.
The trustees are : —
H. D. Wells, M. D.,
Almerin Cornell,
J. H. Malory,
G. E. Borst,
W. H. Albro.
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
205
The Stewards are : —
G. S. Lynes,
J. H. Cornell,
A. L. Vroman,
Harvey Borst,
George W. Vroman,
R. F. Noxin,
C. A. White,
J. H. Niffin,
Austin France.
The church membership is 310, and the Sab-
bath school, under the superintendence of Aus-
tin France, is the largest and most interesting
in the County, numbering twenty-eight officers
and teachers and three hundred and ten
scholars.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church. — From the
records of this church we copy the following :
" The first service of the Episcopal church,
held at Middleburgh, seems to have been about
the year 1852, by a missionary stationed at
Schoharie, who used to come over occasionally,
bringing a melodian and singer with him, and
officiated in the Methodist house of worship,
then standing near the old Dutch grave-yard.
REV. M. HAYDEN.
"In the year 1853, the Rev. M. Porter, of
Schoharie, began to hold regular services here.
In the year 1854, owing to the influence of Mr.
and Mrs. David Beekman, M. Porter was in-
duced to remove to Middleburgh, and the pro-
ject of building a church was set on foot.
" For the building of the church, a subscrip-
tion was raised by general contributions in
the village, on the understanding that the edifice
was also to be used for school purposes, under the
auspices of the Episcopal church, but that the
religious instruction imparted in said school, if
any, was not to be distinctively Episcopalian, in
other words, it was not to be a parish school.
" In addition to the amount locally contrib-
uted, the sum of about five hundred dollars was
received from the church authorities of the
diocese of New York, to aid in the erection of
the building.
" The service books (now in use in the
church,) and the communion plate, were donated
by members of the family of the late Bishop
Wainwright, of New York, and the organization
took the name of the Wainwright Institute and
Chapel, but was subsequently changed to St.
Luke's church of Middlehurgh.
" Mr. Porter taught a school during his in-
cumbency. The church was finished in the
autumn of 1855.
" Mr. Porter was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Mc-
llwaine, who did not continue the school. He
remained but five months, and was followed by
Rev. Mr. Hedges, who, with his wife, conducted
the school with success.
" He remained two years, and owing to ill
health, resigned, and the Rev. M. Bishop suc-
ceeded him, who was in Deacon's orders. The
next rector was Rev. T. K. Coleman, who re-
mained two years.
" After some years, Rev. Edwin Slade came
as a missionary, and in April, 1868, was elected
rector.
" During his incumbency, the Rectory was
built, and in 1870, he left the Parish. 1872
brought Rev. George G. Jones, who closed his
connection in 1873, anc^ was succeeded in that
year, by Rev. Joseph E. Lindholm, who re-
mained until October, 1875. In the latter year,
Rev. M. Nisbett followed, and closed his term in
1879.
"In October, 1879, the Rev. H. C. E. Cos-
telle took charge.
In the latter part of 1879, a class for catecheti-
cal instruction was formed with four children,
which grew to a Sabbath-school, and at this time,
March i, 1881, is not in order."
The officers are :
Wardens — Samuel Dennison, William H.
Engle.
Vestrymen — Joseph J. Efner, Charles Bouck,
Ralph P. Hyde, and others.
The True Reformed Church. — The organiza-
tion of the above church is not now kept up, but
about the year 1836 it was one of the working
congregations of the place. In that year the
present dilapidated church edifice was built, but
the pulpit has never been supplied by a resident
206
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
pastor. Henry and Marcus Bellinger, of
Sharon, were the main pastors, in connection
with other churches scattered around the eastern
part of the State. The latter gentleman, a
short time previous to his death, in a conversa-
tion with the writer, claimed this charge as a
monument of his labors in the cause of Christ.
While their strict Calvanistic doctrines are
looked upon as peculiar by the majority of the
Biblical scholars of the nineteenth century, we
find large congregations here and there that
closely adhere to them and hold a power but
little realized by those of unlike religious senti-
ments.
Middle Fort. — We have thus given consid-
erable space to the affairs relating to the Re-
formed church, as the organization is the oldest
landmark in the town, and around the history
of which there has been a cloud of doubts. We
will now turn to the next object of interest,
the old Fort, wh'ch recalls the stirring events of
the Revolution and awakens a deep, deserving
pride of patriotic ancestry.
The portion of the building that remains was
the wing or kitchen part of Johannes Becker's
mansion, and was first barricaded with rails and
timbers, to serve as a fort on the threatened in-
vasion of Captain McDonald and Crysler in
August, 1777. The militia and continental sol-
diers that assembled here upon that day marched
up the valley to meet the foe, as stated in Chap-
ter III, and the miniature fort was not utilized
upon the occasion, except to shelter the patriots
upon their return. Being centrally situated and
in the midst of a prosperous farming section,
when the authorities located buildings for de-
fense, later in the fall of 1777, this house was
chosen and made as impregnable as their means
and material would allow. By looking over the
ground, and bearing in mind the number of cit-
izens and soldiers that frequently assembled
here, besides what tradition tells us, there must
have been nearly three acres enclosed within
the pickets.
The barn belonging to the farm was enclosed
and stood about ten rods to the east of the
house and was used as barracks for the soldiers
together with another building built for the same
purpose to the south of it. The citizens built
huts for their own accommodation within the
enclosuie, and to them they resorted each night
for safety. By the side of the house, which was
about thirty by fifty and joined the wing on the
south, was a staging or cupola that overlooked
the valley and in which the patriots stood upon
the eventful i7th of October, and directed their
death dealing missiles in the enemy's ranks.
" Upon the Northeast and Southwest corners of
the enclosure," says author Simms,"were block-
houses where cannons were mounted." " A
brass nine-pound cannon was mounted on the
southwest and an iron one at the diagonal cor-
ner, each of which as the block houses projected,
commanded two sides of the inclosure."
An oven was built in which forty loaves of
bread could be baked at a time, and in which,
weekly, were put the neighborhood's bakings.
An old lady tells us, her mother looked back to
the time spent in the old fort with the most
pleasing recollection. We have numbeied no
less than ten marriages I hat iradition tells us
were contracted here between the sturdy sol-
ditry and the buxom, warm-hearted girls that
necessity compelled to remain a goodly share of
the time at the fort. Here we may say that a
better opportunity of selecting a "help meet"
could not be presented, and a better class to se-
lect from was not to be found. It is a fact
worthy to be brought to notice that the girls
and women of those days were, exceptionally,
robust, vigorous, healthy, and through the teach-
ings of their religious mothers, conscientious to
a fault, tidy and industrious, affable and exem-
plary. Beneath the present building was the
magazine that was so faithfully guarded by
Colonel Vroman upon the day of battle, and
which held such a meagre supply of powder
that the Colonel was fearful of the consequences
in letting his men know the fact.
He stood firm and dealt it out himself, say-
ing each time, "there is plenty left" — "fire
away and make each shot count !" When we
consider the strength of the foe, at least four to
one- — and the destitution of the garrison, pow-
der, bullets and nearly everything, we cannot
but admire the patriot's courage and fortitude
there displayed, and not wonder at the fears
Major Woolsey entertained of making an effort
to oppose the blood-thirsty foe. But they were
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
brave hearts, not petted by honors of position,
but by hardship and privations, that swelled in
contempt and disdain, to falter in their purpose
of opposing the desecrators of their homes and
firesides. The main force of the enemy
marched direct to the east of the garrison from
the old church they burned, (which stood about
four rods back of Wallace Rickard's residence)
and took their station upon a knoll a little north
of east, and upon lower ground to the north of
it, and threatened the annihilation of the little
fort. Why a greater effort was not made to
force the patriots to surrender is a mystery, as
their army was sufficient to have stopped all
communication with the upper and lower forts,
and inevitably have starved them out, if a sur-
render could not have been effected in any other
way. Undoubtedly the obstinacy the patriots
displayed in firing upon the flag of truce, before it
was fairly started, led Johnson to believe they
were assured they could cope successfully with
him. Simmsin his "Border Wars" says, of the
effect the British guns had upon the garrison :
"Three shells were well thrown from this posi-
tion by the enemy at the fort and many cannon
shot were fired, but with less precision, the most
of them passing entirely over the destined ob-
ject. The first shell fired sang in the air like a
pigeon, and exploded directly over the house
and as its fragments fell upon the roof, Mrs.
Richtmyer, an old lady, then in an upper room,
who had been an invalid and unable to rise
alone from her bed for a long time, was so
frightened that she sprang from it, and went
below, surviving the effect but a short time.
The second fell within the pickets near the well,
and while the fuse was burning off and the ball
dancing in a mud-hole, every person exposed to
its explosion had ample time to gain a respect-
ful distance, and it scattered its fragments with-
out injuring any one. The third fell through
the roof of the main building, and lodging on a
pile of feather beds in the chamber, exploded,
tearing the beds to pieces, doing little other
mischief, except that of frightening Christian
Rickard, an old bachelor, who chanced to be in
the room, almost to death. The explosion com-
pletely filled the room with feathers, and grop-
ing his way down stairs, Rickard made his ap-
pearance below, where many of the women and
children were, covered with feathers, and spit-
ting out down from his mouth, which sudden fear
had caused him to open too widely for such an
atmosphere. When asked what had happened,
he replied in Low Dutch — " I think the devil
is in the chamber, for the feathers fly around so
I cannot see."
Through Mrs. Van Slyck, a daughter of
Colonel Vroman, Author Simms relates an in-
cident that occurred in the Fort that was an-
other example of American valor and patriotism,
worthy to be inscribed upon our country's
tablets of honor. Nicholas Sloughter, who
acquired the reputation of a good soldier, had
a very sick child in the Fort, and as he was
leaving it with a party of volunteers under
Murphy, was told that his child appeared to be
dying, and he had better remain. " I can do
the child no good," was his reply. " My duty
is to protect the living as well as the dying"
Though it may seem to have been unfeeling in
the soldier, yet Duty was his watchword, and
domestic cares and affections were sacrificed
and laid upon his country's altar, as the price
of her liberty and independence.
Parties were sent out from the fort through
the day to capture straggling enemies and save
property that was being burned by the revenge-
ful Tories, but little could be accomplished as
the force drew together, and to attack them in
the open fields would have been a foolish at-
tempt. We find each did their duty well, and
those mentioned by the historian Simms, whose
descendants are still in the valley were Lieutenant
Martinus Zielie, and his cousin Martinus Zielie,
Nicholas Sloughter, John Wilber, Major Ecker-
son, Timothy Murphy, Peter VanSlyck, Bar-
tholomew Vroman, Joachim Folluck, Susanna
Vroman, David Elerson, George Richtmyer,
Dr. John King and the brave Colonel Vroman.
The old fort and grounds are now owned by
David Zeh, whose care of them is commenda-
ble, but the ancient walls begin to crack and
totter, and soon will fall, and pass from view.
Firing upon the Flag. — We are informed by
the grandsons of Martinus Zielie that when the
flag of truce advanced from General Johnson's
ranks, towards the fort, that Zielie himself fired
upon it, as he stood by the side of Murphy.
208
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
When Woolsey reprimanded him for so doing
M urphy shouted " You be damned." When the
act was repeated by Murphy he swore he would
blow "his (Woolsey's) damned brains out before
the flag should enter."
When Zielie fired upon the flag, he did so by
Murphy's order, the latter withheld his own to
repel the Major if he made an attempt to carry
his threat of " running them through" with his
sword if they repeated the act. The second
time the flag advanced, Murphy was maddened
to a high pitch and fired upon it himself, at the
same time daring Woolsey to attempt to execute
his threat. By the side of Murphy and Zielie
stood Elerson and Bartholomew Vroman, either
of whom would have dispatched the Major if he
had attempted to injure Murphy. Martinus
Zielie died near Auburn, N. Y., November 2,
1833, in the eighty -ninth year of his age. His
children removed to Wisconsin and Iowa, and
ever regretted, as they had a right to, the
absence of the father's name in history in con-
nection with the events of the zyth of October,
1780.
Zielie family and House. — At what particu-
lar time the Zielie family came to the Schoharie
valley, we are unable to learn for a certainty,
but at some time previous to 1732. They were
Hollanders, and children of Peter Zielie and
Cornelia Dawen, who first settled upon Long
Island, at a very early date. We find two
brothers, Peter and David, who came to the
valley about the year 1725, were the first ones
bearing the name in Schoharie. Peter married
AnnaAckerson the 4th of June, 1724, and David
married Engeltie Vroman, daughter of Peter, as
noticed in Chapter XIII. The former had ten
children and the latter seven.
The property the family possessed lay around
the present old stone house, called the "Zielie
house/' and during the Revolution, it was in
the possession of Peter U, (sometimes written
Peter W.), and afterwards became the property
of his brother, Johannes. When Johnson and
Brant's forces came in sight of the village, the Zie-
lie family were at home, and each member hastily
caught up some article of furniture, and ran to
the fort. An old negro, then a slave, belonging
to the family, took down a looking-glass he knew
was highly prized by them, it having been brought
from Holland many years before, and ran for
dear life. Being rather clumsy, he tripped,
fell upon the glass and cracked it. It was pre-
served, however, and fell into the hands of Mar-
tinus Zielie, brother of Peter, above mentioned,
and upon his removal to Cayuga county, and his
children to the distant west, it was taken along,
and now can be seen at the home of Hiram
Zielie, a grandson of Martinus, in Webster
City, Iowa. The glass fell from the frame a
few years ago, and broke in several pieces, but
the largest was placed in a neat oval frame, and
is much prized by the family. Colonel Peter W.
Zielie, was the Peter U. above referred to, and
lived after the war upon the farm now occupied by
Hezekiah Swart. He had but two children, both
daughters. Cornelia married Johannes Becker,
son of Johannes, the owner of the stone fort.
Upon the death of Mr. Becker, by drowning,
she married VanEpps. The other daughter,
Elizabeth, married Tunis Swart. Not having a
son, the Colonel adopted his nephew, Peter
Swart, the father of Mrs. J. M. Scribner, the late
Tunis Swart, of Schoharie, and Peter Z. Swart,
Mrs. George Danforth, and Mrs. Benoni Spaf-
ford. The old German clock, owned by Colonel
Zielie, is now in the possession of Mrs. Scrib-
ner, and is a relic of great worth. Its move-
ments are as "good as new," after a continued
use of at least, one hundred and twenty-five
years, if not one hundred and fifty. It was re-
cased, as were many others in the valley, by one
" Vogel," who was a dealer in clocks, (and un-
doubtedly the first "jeweler" in the valley,)
for many and long years ago. The Low Dutch
Beckers, of Middleburgh, the Zielies, Swarts,
Eckerson and Vroman families, became wonder-
ously mixed up in marriage, as will be seen by
noticing each family lineage. These families
were, in early times, the aristociats of the val-
ley, having come here with abundant means;
but through the losses occasioned by Indian and
Tory invasions, they were reduced to a level with
their German neighbors, which, doubtless miti-
gated in a measure, the ill feeling that was early
sown and nourished towards each other.
The Borst Family. — Besides the families al-
ready mentioned, that were early settlers, and
1
TOWN ()!• MIDIiI.KBURGH.
209
of which descendants may still be found, were
the Borsts. They came as early as 1 7 1 3 or i 7 i 4,
and were Germans. The head of the family we
believe to have been Jacob, whose sons were
Joseph and Jacob, of Cobleskill, and Peter, of
this town. They settled where James VV. Davis
now resides. Peter built a grist-mill a short time
previous to the Revolution, which stood till the
year 1795. That year the present "Davis mill"
was built, and is now an interesting relic of other
days. The frame is chiefly pine, and so well
constructed that, upon the abutments being
washed away a few years ago, the building
sagged but one-half of an inch. The flooring
was also pine, split out of large pine logs, to the
thickness of three inches. One Forsyth was
the builder, and tradition says he was assisted
by one hundred men, in its erection.
Peter's son Peter, called "Tauty," followed
him in the milling business, who was brother
to Michael, the inn-keeper near the Reformed
church. The second Peter's son, Peter P.,
was also a miller, and brother of Milton Borst,
now of the Cobleskill mill. William and Peter,
sons of the last Peter P., are now owners of
the mill above, of late years known as
the "Borst mill." Mr. J. W. Davis pur-
chased the old "Borst mill" property in 1858,
after it had been in the Borst family's pos-
session, at least one hundred and thirty years,
and he is anticipating a gala day when the cen-
tennial year of the present structure arrives.
During the war, this immediate neighborhood
was in sympathy with the royal cause, and the
old mill was left standing to furnish supplies,
and to it, the citizens of all principles were com-
pelled to come, after the Eckerson mill was
burnt. One of the family lived upon the farm
now owned and occupied by Peter Zeh, and was
true to the colonial cause. When Johnson's
army was marching down the valley, on the 171(1,
Colonel Vroman dispatched Joseph Borst, a son,
then a lad of fourteen, to Albany on horseback
for assistance, but he did not return until the
next day, and another messenger was sent as
soon as the force left the valley.
The daughter of young Borst became the wife
of Jacob Becker, and mother of the late David
Becker and the present Hamilton, who is the
only one left to perpetuate the patriotism of
Jacob's branch of the family. William, a
brother of •' Tauty," settled in Cobleskill, and
was the father of the late Marcus and William
Borst, Mrs. William Angle, Mrs. John Ziclie,
of Sharon, and Mrs. Marcus Sternburgh, of
Cobleskill. Michael, for a number of years,
kept a tavern near the Reformed Church, and
a store where Duryea Beek man's residence
stands, and after that removed to Breakabeen,
and from there to Cobleskill. His children
were John B., Peter M., Alexander, Michael,
Jr., Elisha, William, and Mrs. Daniel Dodge.
The Becker Family. — As we before men-
tioned, the first and only Low Dutch Becker
that settled in the valley did so upon the farm
where the old stone fort now stands. Johannes
was the father and came from Schenectady,
sometime previous to 1737. He had two sons.
Peter and Johannes, Jr. Peter married a Ved-
der, of Schenectady, and upon her death,
Maria Vroman, daughter of Jonas Vroman.
His children were, Henry who married Agnes
Eckerson, and settled at " Schoharie Hill," now
Prattsville, Adam, Jonas, Mrs. Bignell, and Mrs.
John Becker. Johannes married Cornelia,
daughter of Col. Zielie and their children were
Storm, John and Harmonus. This family was
firm in patriotism and did avast amount of duty
through the struggle, and became connected
with all the leading families of the valley.
The Loucks Family. — A few years after the
settlement of the Germans, the Loucks family
removed from the Camps and settled upon the
lands now occupied by John P. Loucks. This
family came over from Germany with the immi-
gration of 1710, but remained a short distance
below the " camps," until, perhaps a final set-
tlement of the land difficulties was made.
We are not certain what the head of the
family name was, but believe it to have been
Philip, and are led to think he possessed con-
siderable property for those times. We find he
purchased the land at this place of the Free-
mire, or Frimire family, who afterwards settled
in Cobleskill. The old gentleman also pur-
chased lands in the present town of Sharon, upon
which his descendants are settled, at the present
time, as we will notice in the chapter upon that
town. We find there were four sons, Peter,
210
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Cornelius, Andrew and William. Cornelius set-
tled in Sharon, and the other brothers in this
town. Andrew was the chorister in the Luth-
eran church at Schoharie, to whom Author
Simms referred, and his children were Jere-
miah, William and Mrs. William P. Loucks, of
Sharon. Jeremiah was in the fort upon the 1 8th
of October, and received a wound upon the
head. He was the father of Henry J. Loucks,
who resides upon the parental farm at the pres-
ent time. William the brother retained the old
place and was the father of the present owner
and occupant, John P. Loucks. William, the
brother of Andrew the singer, was an inveterate
Tory as were the most of his family. He lived
nearly opposite of Henry J. Loucks' present
residence. His children were Andrew and
Peter, of Sharon, Jeremiah of Middleburgh,
and Mrs. John Ingold, Jr., of Schoharie. His
children by his second wife were John W., Ja-
cob, Henry, William W., David, Mrs. Storm
Becker and Mrs. William Borst. The sons
nearly all settled in Sharon.
When Johnson invaded the valley in 1780, all
of the Loucks' buildings were burned with the
exception of William's, which proved to be a
resting place and supply station for Indians and
prowling Tories throughout the war. There
were quite a number of families in this neigh-
borhood that sjmpathized with the Crown, and
gave needed assistance to the enemy.
The Eckerson Family, first Merchants and
Millers. — At some time previous to 1700, three
brothers came to America from Holland,
Thomas, Cornelius and John Eckerson. They
brought with them, the family tradition says, a
cargo of goods, but were shipwrecked when near
New York harbor and lost them all. Being of
a wealthy family they were again supplied with
goods and traded in New York City for a while,
when John settled upon Long Island, and
Thomas and Cornelius wandered to the Scho-
harie valley and settled at Weiser's dorf, when
quite advanced in years. We think their settle-
ment here was about the year 1725, at least as
early as that date. They engaged in trade, build-
ing a brick store upon the grounds now occupied
by the residence of Dr. Linas Wells and a resi-
dence nearly opposite. The buildings stood at
the time of the invasion of Colonel Johnson,
and were burned. Whether the settlers manu-
factured the bricks used in these buildings and
the church built in 1737, or not, we are unable
to say, but undoubtedly did, as to cart them
from Albany or Schenectady, wonld have
been a very tedious job, beside being expensive
as they had not the roads, or necessary wagons
etc., to transfer such heavy articles without great
labor and untold inconveniences. As they had
other tradesmen it is quite likely they had brick-
makers.
Cornelius Eckerson was unmarried, but
Thomas was fortunate at least in a financial
point of view as well as in influence, to marry
the daughter of a wealthy man and government
official. His children were four sons and four
daughters, namely, Thomas, Cornelius, Tunis,
John, Agnes, Mrs. Henry Becker, who settled at
Prattsville. Elizabeth, (Mrs. John Zielie,) Maria,
(Mrs. Martinus Zielie) and Anna, (Mrs. Silas
Gray, of Johnstown,) whose husband was a
Colonel of the Revolution, stationed part of the
time at the "middle fort." All of these chil-
dren, tradition tells us, were married during
the war.
Thomas Jr., as he will hereafter be called,
married Margaret Slingerland, of Albany. The
Eckersons were a business family, and were con- '
nected with all branches of industry that were
started in the valley, as well as foremost in the
church. The first mill at this place was built by
them, and we find they possessed the present
site of Steven's mill, near the stone fort at Scho-
harie, at an early date, and we think built the
one that stood there in the Revolution. They
were large land-holders, and when the Revolu-
tion commenced, were very wealthy for people
of the frontier. Thomas Jr., was commissioned
Major, and proved a loyal and efficient officer.
Through some unknown cause, many of the de-
scendants of this family have changed the name
somewhat, by dropping the son, and writing only
Ecker, while others go still farther, and drop
the E, and supply with A, making it Acker.
Rev. R. Randal Hoes, a descendant of the
family, says : " The founder of the family in
this country was Jan Thomaszen, of New York
City. About the year 1692, he assumed the sur-
name Eckerson, which was retained by his chil-
TOWN OF MIDDI.EBURdH.
21 I
•dren as the family name. It is variously spelled
in the New York Dutch Church records as
Echons, Eckens, Eckeson, Etkins and Kkkisse,
with several other slight modifications."
It is doubtful whether there was an earlier
resident merchant at Weiser's dorf, than Eck-
erson. Indian traders occasionally visited the
valley, from 1711 to 1740, and supplied the
people with such goods as they desired, or which
their merchants did not possess. Adam Vro-
man, of Schenectady, Johannes Lawyer, and
Derick Swart, were early traders, and perhaps
the Eckersons sallied out as such, and wtre led
to settle down in the valley, lured by the beauty
of scenery and the fair prospects of controlling
a lucrative trade.
The grist-mill they built, stood a few rods
below the present Reformed church sheds. A
portion of the dam has been discovered of late,
by the washing away of the bank, and exposing
timbers used in the construction. They were
perfectly sound.
The mill was burned by Johnson's force, and
re-built soon after the close of the war, but was
destroyed by a flood. Part of the dam was
used for several years after, for sawing, and still
later to run a machine in the manufacture of
nails. A freshet, nearly sixty years ago, washed
the old mark away.
The son Tunis, died in 1797, at the age of
sixty-seven, and was buried in the old grave-
yard, beneath a rude stone, upon which his name,
age and death are inscribed, and nearly oblitera-
ted by the moss of years. Not far distant is a
large slab of sandstone, of ancient design, that
marks the grave of Cornelia Van Dyke, who was
born in 1724, and died in 1772.
Hartmaits Dorf. — Of Hartman's dorf, little
can be gleaned, beyond what too officious
tradition tells. We believe it was settled in the
spring of 1713, and was the land spoken of in
the petition of 1720, copied in the first chapter
of this work, as " they were obliged to solicit
all the Indian Kings there adjoining, for more
land, which they willingly granted 'em." The
first lands purchased or "solicited" of the Indi-
ans were where Middleburgh now stands, which
proved only enough for the "fifty families" that
came with Weiser, who we believe formed two
settlements, one around the first church and
one where the present Reformed church
stands. As the "remainder of the people"
came it became necessary to obtain more land,
and consequently. Hartman's and the Feek and
Crysler settlements were made.
Tradition tells us through the late Judge Brown
that this "Dorf" consisted of about sixty-five
houses, also that "here were the first apple
trees planted to an orchard in Schoharie by
Hans Wilhelm Kernmer." This dorf was named
after Hartman Winedecker, a list-master at the
camps. Undoubtedly he brought those that
were under his supervision there with him to
form this settlement. It stood upon the high
ground to the south, nearly two miles from
Weiser's town. It is somewhat singular that
this and Oarlock's dorf, the two largest of the
valley, were swept out of existence leaving
but a few marks, either by paper or other-
wise. It is thought by many that the residents
of the settlement went away with Weiser
and his followers. If tradition is correct
Weiser's settlement consisted of about sixty
families at that time, and that number only
followed him to Pennsylvania in 1722. Then
where did they go? We think as the land
which they occupied proved less fertile than the
flats, and not perhaps willing to accede to the
owners' price, they disbanded and united with
their brethren in other dorfs and upon the Mo-
hawk, leaving only the Bellinger and Rickard
families in the dorf. In this way, perhaps, to-
gether with new arrivals from the camps and
Germany the Weiser settlement was continued
and other dorfs were formed after the exit of
1722.
As before stated, but few marks are left of
this dorf. The largest portion of the settlement
was upon the Bellinger brothers' farm, and
principally stood to the east and south-east of
their farm buildings. In plowing the grounds
the location of many houses can be detected,
and various household implements have been
found around the original sites. We have been
shown a lead spoon that was very much cor-
roded, but still retaining its ancient shape. The
"bowl" is broader and deeper than those of
recent manufacture, and the stem or handle
much shorter. The Bellingers have also found
212
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
knives that were nearly destroyed by rust, but
of sufficient form to give an idea of their "style"
and workmanship. One that undoubtedly has
many times divided the venison "steak" and
quartered many smoking johnny-cakes for the
hungry Palatine, is yet in a good slate of
preservation, and proves to be of superior
temper. The blade is short and narrow, and
plainly shows it was a " home-made " article, as
well as the spoon. Those relics are of great
value, as they are all that is left of the utensils
used by the settlers of Hartman's dorf. Several
old apple tree stumps still remain that were, ac-
cording to Judge Brown, the first trees planted
in Schoharie.
The Bellinger brothers assure us that the
first wheat sown or planted in the County was
in the lot between the barn and highway.
Judge Brown says, in referring to Oarlock's
dorf: — "Here was an Indian Castle, though on
the west side of the Schoharie creek, in which
Lambert Sternbergh raised the first wheat that
was ever raised in Schoharie." It is evident that
Garlock's dorf was not settled as early as this dorf,
that it was at least five years its junior, and it
is not at all probable that the settlers were five,
four, or three years in the valley before they
experimented on the raising of wheat. If we
are to believe that wheat was first raised at Gar-
lock's, we are also to believe it was planted
within the pickets of the castle, as stated, but
when we consider that the castle was not built
until after 1750, it will be seen that the Judge
was in error. Lambert Sternbergh may have
planted the first wheat, but was a resident of
this dorf, and when Kneiskern's dorf was formed
in 1728 and 1729, removed there and occupied
in part the land upon which the castle was after-
wards built, but previous to the removal, hun-
dreds of bushels of wheat must have been raised
yearly in the valley. The Judge was misin-
formed or misunderstood in this case, and with-
out doubt the Bellinger tradition that has been
handed down from one generation to another
is correct.
The amount of wheat received from a skipple
(one peck) planted, was eighty-three, as told
by Brown and the Bellinger tradition showing
that the same "planting" and result of harvest-
ing was referred to by both.
But two families that first settled here remain
upon the original ground. The Rickard or
Rickert family is one, and was quite numerous
in that day. As before stated, one family set-
tled upon the Reformed church grounds and re-
moved to Brunnen dorf with the Schaeffer's.
One at least wandered to Pennsylvania with
Weiser, and the other settled in this dorf near
the mountain. Each family from that day to the
present have been independent of each other and
long years ago were referred to as the Hartman
Rickerts, and Fountaintown Reckerts, and each
at the present time trace their ancestry back to
those dorfs, and still claim relationship.
The Bellinger Family. — Among the first set-
tlers of this town, was a Bellinger family. Three
bearing that name, came over in 1710, whose
names were Frederick, Henry, and Marcus, and
settled upon lands now owned by John I., David
and William J. Bellinger. One of the three settled
upon the Mohawk, below Spraker's Basin, and
one where Utica now stands. Marcus remained
here and had one son, Johannes, from whom
sprang the present Bellingers of the County.
The sons of Johannes were Marcus, Peter and
John. The latter settled in Sharon, Peter upon
the Cobleskill. and Marcus retained the old
homestead in Hartman's Dorf. He was Super-
visor of "Schoharie" from 1767 to 1796, through
all the forms of government that were in force
during those years. His sons were Henry, the
father of the present Marcus, and John M., the
father of the present brothers that occupy the
original homestead as before intimated. His
children are David, William J., John I., Alex-
ander, Mrs. Alexander Bouck, and Mrs. Philip
Richtmyer. Each one of the children had large
families, and with few exceptions, their descend-
ants possess large estates, it being characteristic
of the family to accumulate wealth.
The three that came across the ocean, were
brothers and young men, and in after years, we
find these Mohawk and Sharon Bellingers inter-
married.
David, John I., and William J., living upon
the east side of the creek, are sons of John M.,
and the lands upon which they reside, have
been in the possession of the family at least one
hundred and sixty-eight years.
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
The day Johnson was before the "middle
fort" trying to gain admittance, Marcus Bel-
linger was on his way from the ''lower" to the
"middle fort" with a bag of powder upon his
back, and when he gained his residence, which
stood near the present one, he saw the smoke
rising from the burning buildings above, and
concluded he would be unable to reach the fort.
He ran to the woods at the foot of the mountain
and secreted himself until the enemy had passed
down the valley. They burned his residence
and barracks, which stood near, and one of the
burnt posts still remains as sound as if but re-
cently set.
Among the interesting relics of the past held
by the family is a cannon ball, picked up upon
the farm, that weighs over sixteen pounds. It
must have been one left by Johnson and Brant,
as the patriots had no use for such a projectile,
from the fact that their guns were too small to
carry it. Another "grim monster" of devastation
and death may be seen at this place in the shape
of an Indian tomahawk, that has the bowl of a
pipe upon the back and a hole through the
handle, to perform a double duty. After peace
was proclaimed, Marcus Bellinger built the
present residence, and for many years kept a
tavern, as did his son, John M. The ball-room
is overhead, and the well-worn floor tells us it
was used much by the youngsters of those days,
who took special pains to "hoe it down" with-
out any regard to such grace and dignity as are
implied in the poet's ideal dance when they
"tripped the light fantastic toe."
Referring to relics, there are many still in the
valley that date back to the first settlers, and
are treasured, as they should be, by the de-
scendants of the bold pioneers.
But a short distance from the old middle
fort, Mr. Zeh, the present owner, dug a well, a
few years ago, and at the depth of fourteen
feet, came upon a thick layer of leaves in per-
fect form, but upon being exposed to the air,
they crumbled to dust. Among the leaves were
butternuts, that looked as sound as if they had
lain but a season in water. Many arrow heads
and Indian trinkets have been found near the
fort, from time to time, especially upon the side-
hill, to the east, which are treasured up by the
citizens as sacred relics of Revolutionary days.
Among those that occupy the lands of Hart-
man's dorf, and perhaps purchased of the first
settlers were the Richtmyer family.
The Kichtinyi-r Family. — Three brothers, 1'e-
Kr. George and Christian, came from Germany
together, about the year 1745 and settled at
Hartman's dorf, upon the faim now owned and
occupied by George Richtmyer. At a later date
Peter settled in the present town of Conesville,
and the two brothers divided the farm, George
taking the south side of the brook and Christian
the north. During the Revolution these fami-
lies were staunch patriots, performing the trust
of scout when not in service elsewhere. George
received a Captain's commission in October,
1775, of the third company, and was at Bemis
Heights and in every engagement that occurred
in the valley. Christian was the most trusted
scout, and was a special friend of Murphy and
Tuffs, with whom many daring exploits were
performed. He assumed the character of a spy
and entered the British lines at Saratoga under
the guise of a Hessian and accomplished his
trust with safety and success. Perhaps there
was not another one in the Schoharie valley
that performed more hazardous duties than
did Christian Richtmyer, and we are, by careful
searching, assured none have been less referred
to. Being quiet and reserved he did the work
while others gained the praise, and soon after
peace was proclaimed, ere he fairly breathed
the pure air of freedom and rested his jaded
limbs, disease, contracted by exposures, laid
him in his grave. Two of his sons, Conrad and
William, settled in Cobleskill in 1794, as stated
in that chapter.
Captain George Richtmyer re-built his resi-
dence at the close of the war, and reared a large
family, as follows: — David, who settled upon
the Mohawk, Abram, in the Kilmer neighbor-
hood of Cobleskill, Conradt and Henry, near
Carlisle Centre, Mrs. David Becker, of Fox's
creek, Mrs. John Jost Warner, of Schoharie,
and George, Jr., who retained the old place,
and was followed by his son, Peter, who kept a
tavern for many years after John M. Bellinger
closed his. George, the son of Peter, now
occupies the place, and is the fourth generation
in which the farm has been in their possession.
214
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Mrs. Christian Richtmyer was in the "middle
fort" the day of Johnson's invasion, arid feeling
indisposed — undoubtedly through fear — she lay
upon one of her feather-beds that was taken
there for safety — in the attic. As the bombs
flew over the house she became frightened, and
while descending the stairs, the bomb that
hustled Rickard out of his retreat also tore open
the bed she had just left, and scattered the
feathers around the room. The same bed is
now in the Loucks family, and through a
machine renovation but a short time since, was
made as "good as new."
Rebuilding of the village. — Having referred to
settlers and matters of dates before and during
the war, let us consider the re-building of the
village, and the changes made by the onward
march of intelligence.
As we have already stated, the people were
made poor by the war, we may say with pro-
priety, except in land. That remained, unin-
jured, but stripped of all improvements, and still
theirs by title, yet they were poor, as a class,
not having anything with which to bear the ex-
penses of re-building. The Eckersons re-built a
mansion and store. The store was abandoned
and the "Inn " only, continued by the family.
In 1811, one Watkins was the proprietor, and
was followed successively by Dewitt & Knowl-
ton. The building was chiefly built of the brick
that was in the first storehouse that stood upon
Dr. Linas Wells' grounds, and was burnt by John-
son. Many of the same were used in the con-
struction of Dr. Henry Wells' present resi-
dence, and the Zielie's, the present store-house
near the site of the old village. The Low
Dutch being in control of the Reformed church,
they superintended the erection of the edifice
and placed it upon the grounds purchased by
them in 1737, for the support of the "Low
Dutch church of Middletown and Schoharie."
Having thus erected the church near the creek,
the settlement naturally drew towards it and in a
few years quite a village was formed around it.
Michael Borst built an inn to the north of the
church, that was for many years a terror to the
moral part of the community. The present
residence of Mrs. John M. Scribner was built
soon after 1790 by Michael Borst, as a first class
residence, and still stands as a creditable relic
of the march, progress made, after peace and
freedom spread their exhilarating influences over
the valley. Immediately after the war closed,
Alexander Boyd came to the place and engaged
in business and proved to be a very energetic
and useful man. He was born in Philadelphia,
of Irish parentage, and while a young man lo-
cated in Albany and came from that city to this
place. He labored for the Eckerson's on the
mill for a while, and about the year 1800, built
a mill where William and Peter Borst's mill now
stands. The old building yet stands and is
used as a wagon house by the Borst Brothers.
Mr. Boyd was quite a politician, as we find
him in 1813 to 1815 in Congress, and at differ-
ent times holding local offices, and we may here
mention the fact that during the campaign of
General Jackson's second election, Mr. Boyd
was considered the most obstinate man in the
County. Colonel William Dietz, of Schoharie,
was upon the Electoral ticket and the County-
endeavored to give the largest majority, accord-
ing to numbers, of any county in the State-
Middleburgh was to do her best and upon
election day gave every vote cast in the town
for Dietz, with but one exception. Alexander
Boyd refused to desert his Federal principles
for etiquette, and cast his ballot for Henry
Clay. Among papers in the possession of Henry
Cady we find the following, penned by Boyd.
bearing date March 5, 1822 : —
" For value received I promise to deliver
unto Peter Vrooman a Good new Iron Shod
two horse wagon on or before the first of
August next as witnessed my hand
ALEXANDER BOYD."
Wagons at that time for farm use were made
with and without a tire. The first " iron shod"
wagon wheels were made by bolting the tire on
in sections instead of being welded together as
now. He built the grist-mill at Cobleskillin 1830
and engaged in all kinds of business in which
profit was to be gained. The wife of Jehiel
Larkin, of Sloansville, is a daughter of Mr.
Boyd and we believe the only member of the
family in the County. Mr. Boyd hired work-
men to manufacture wagons and did a heavy
business for those times. But very few light
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
wagons were made, especially buggies, and if it
were possible for him to appear before the re-
pository of Mc(Jraw vV Barney and examine the
workmanship of those mechanics, he would
consider their slender work as but " reeds in
the wind."
J. M. Scribner purchased the Boyd mill
property and built a large grist and paper mill
in 1855. In justice to worth, we cannot pass
by without giving notice of Mr. Scribner as he
was as talented a business man as the County
ever claimed. He was born in the town of
Washington, Orange county, Vermont, in 1805,
and graduated at Union College in 1833. He
studied for the ministry and attended the New
Brunswick Theological Seminary, from which
he graduated in 1836. His first charge was at
the Schoharie Reformed church and Gallup-
ville, where he labored from 1836 to 1839. He
removed to Walden, Orange county, in the
latter year and remained three years. F nding
a broad field for usefulness which was more con-
genial to his health and taste, he took charge of
the Auburn Female Seminary, and after, of the
Rochester Female School and returned to
Middleburgh in 1845, and engaged his mind
upon Mathematics, in which branch of science
he proved himself without a superior. His
work on " Mensuration," the " Ready Reckon-
er," " Scribner's Engineers' and Mechanics'
Companion," " Engineers' Pocket Table-book,"
and other mathematical works, have gained for
him an enviable and enduring reputation as a
superior mathematician. The first edition of
his " Engineers' and Mechanics' Companion,"
appeared in 1845, and to give an idea of the
value of the work we will here state that the
fourteenth edition was published in 1866. Mr.
Scribner was a thorough business man possess-
ing the qualities to originate and drive an en-
terprise to the advantage of the community.
He was a terse writer, active and practical
thinker, and in all his relations with the business
world he based every act upon principles of
right and honesty. During his last years he
was engaged in the manufacture of straw paper,
having leased the " Rirhmondville mill " for a
term of years, and carried the enterprise on
with success. He was one of the originators
of the Schoharie V alley Railroad and long a
director of the same. His death occurred
December 20, 1880, after a short illness. Tin-
Classis of Schoharie held a meeting at Middle-
burgh on the zzd of December, and pa
appropriate resolutions expressive of his worth,
and the loss of the church and community in
his death.
John Hinman. — A short distance above
"Bull's Head," there lived for many years
John Hinman who was a Yankee, and as com-
petent to build a house, threshing machine, or
plead a case in a justice court, as to make a
wagon and iron it. He left his parents, then
living in Lebanon, Conn., when but a lad, to
seek his fortune in the western wilds, and after
drifting here and there, settled in this village
about the year 1816. After being absent from
home three years, he wrote to his mother, say-
ing : "Mother, I have thirteen linen shirts," which
was his entire stock of worldly goods. In
answer, which was equally as laconic, she wrote :
"John, you have done well." In the course of
time he married a daughter of Frederick Paus-
ley, and settled down to business. He made
the first threshing machines manufactured in
the County, which were his own invention.
The power was a " sweep," and driven by one
horse, which will be remembered by those
whose memories carry them back fifty years ago.
Upon the opening of John O'Brien's law office,
Hinman began to read law and fitted himself
to try civil cases. Upon the decease of Mrs.
Hinman, he married her sister who became the
mother of Nathan P. and Chauncey W. Hin-
man, whose connection with the bar of the
County has been conspicuous. The education
of those two gentlemen was undoubtedly as
meager as any of the present bar, not having
any better opportunities than were offered by
the district school of the village, which was at
that time of very low grade. It is with charac-
teristic humor they both refer to their •' school-
ing" as being "baked," from the fact that it
was one of the common modes of punishment
for the mischievous, to compel them to lie down
upon the floor and put the head beneath the
box-stove and remain there in a scorching
heat, until the teacher felt disposed to release
216
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
them. The venerable H. H. Marsellus, upon
taking the school, was more humane and
handed his name down in grateful remembrance
by adopting the " toe the crack and stoop over "
penalty.
.Yitt/Hin P. Illinium was born in the village
and entered the law office of William H. Engle,
and after that of Sanford & Danforth. Upon
being admitted to the bar he formed a connec-
tion with Major Houck, at Schoharie village,
which ceased upon the death of that gentleman.
He remained alone until his brother was ad-
mitted, when a co-partnership was formed and
continued to the year 1872, when Nathan with-
drew and removed to Albany City, where he is
now located. Mr. Hinman beside being well
read in law and possessing a keen perception,
is without doubt the most natural orator that
has graced the Schoharie County bar. His
language is plain, free from inflated expression,
and comes with such unusual ease and fluency
as to win interest, and with such fervency
as to excite, which, coupled with sagacious
reasoning through a pleasing voice, makes him
a force before a juiy or audience that brother
professionals find hard to overcome.
BUILDING OF THE MIDDLEBURGH BRIDGE.
Upon the building of the bridge in 1813, the
village that was in two parts began to connect
by the erection of a portion of the present
Atchinson House and others, whose ancient
appearance bespeak the date of their erection.
Stores and inns occupied the open space, and
as each year rolled around we find additions
were made until the ancient High Dutch and
more youthful Low Dutch villages were united.
By an act of the Legislature in 1813, William
C. Bouck, Thomas P. Danforth, Peter Swart,
John Gebhard, Peter Swart, Jr., and Peter
Shafer, Jr., were made a corporate body for the
building of the bridge. During that season the
work was commenced but the structure was
not finished until the year 1819. Thomas P.
Danforth became the owner and his heirs still
hold the property, from which a paying dividend
is yearly realized.
The turnpike known as the " Loonenbergh
road," running through the village, and built by
legislative act of 1802, was built by issuing
stock certificates, of which Mr. Danforth pur-
chased the controlling influence. For long
years the turnpike was called "Paine Dan-
forth's road," and over its bed a vast amount of
business has been done. The old bridge, and
other structures that span the stream, are
monuments of honest workmanship. Sixty-eight
years of constant use have passed away — -many
rushing floods passed through its arches, with
the power and strength equalled only by the hand
of the Omnipotent that ruled them, and yet, we
find the old bridge still firm as a rock.
Danforth. — About the year 1793, Jonathan
Danforth, from Connecticut, settled here after a
short sojourn in the city of Albany. Upon the
formation of the County in 1795, he was ap-
pointed one of the Judges of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas. He had two sons, George and
Thomas Paine. The former studied law and
after a successful practice, died in Savannah,
Ga. The late General George E. Danforth
and ex-Judge Peter S., were sons. Thomas P.
Danforth was appointed Assistant Judge of
Common Pleas in 1823, and was father of the
Dr. Volney Danforth and John J., who removed
to Amsterdam and ditd without heirs, in the
year 1830.
Engle. — Martinus Engle settled upon the
Bouck Brothers' present farm soon after the
Revolution, and was succeeded by Anthony
Engle, of Berne, Albany county, who was the
progenitor of the present Engle family of the
town with the exception of William H. Engle,
who is a nephew of Anthony.
Atchinson Home. — Immediately after business
began to be brisk upon the road, Daniel Dodge
built an inn which is a portion of the Atdiin-
son House. Mr. Dodge dying, the property
was occupied by Cyrus Smith, who was afterwards
elected Sheriff of the County(i84o) and removed
in 1842, when it was run by Mrs. Dodge and her
son, (the late Daniel D. Dodge,) upon the son be-
coming capable of assisting in the management.
They were followed by John Poland, James Mc-
Donald, Judge N. T. Rossetter, John Shafer, -
Lowe, S. S. Mitchel, and the present proprietor,
E. D. Atchinson, who took possession in the
spring of 1863.
TOWN 01 \imi>|. K
217
Freemire ffonse.— The present hotel familiarly
called the Freemire House, was built by Peter
Farran, who was for some years a merchant,
after the year 1830. William M. Holton fol-
lowed and vacated the premises upon his elec-
tion as County Clerk. Demarrah suc-
ceeded, who gave place to Nicholas Snyder.
K. I). Atchinson became the proprietor and
vacated for the present host, A. J. Freemire,
in 1863.
These two hotels are spacious and have be-
come summer resorts for people living in the
city. The custom of depending entirely upon
the proceeds of the bar for support, and allow-
ing a motley squad of intemperate loungers the
freedom of the premises, as of early days, has
been abandoned, and quiet, home-like hospi-
tality adopted.
Merchants. — As we have already stated,
Thomas and Cornelius Eckerson were without
doubt the first resident merchants of the town,
and the business was continued by some portion
of the family up to the year 1800. Many small
dealers from that time to the present have
located here and passed on in a short time to
other fields, whom we will not mention. The
leading substantial tradesmen, we are informed,
from time to time, have been: —
Peter Farran.
Freeman Stanton.
Daniel D. Dodge.
Peyton N. Pencil.
John P. Bellinger.
Jacob Becker, who was followed by his
sons, David and Hamilton.
James Dexter, flour, feed, hay, straw, etc.
The business men at the present time are as
follows : —
Dodge & France, (George W. Dodge and
Austin France,) general merchants, suc-
cessors to D. D. Dodge.
J. Neville & Co., (J. Neville and Jacob L.
Engle,) general merchants, successors to
David Becker & Neville.
William E. Bassler, general merchant.
('.. N. Frisbee, general merchant.
M. Geurnsey, general merchant.
A. Wortheim, clothier.
1- s. Rivenburgh, clothier.
Jehial Brazee, grocer.
William Dunn, merchant tailor.
Hamilton Becker, grocer.
Joseph Becker, grocer.
F. D. Schermerhorn, grocer.
John H. Cornell, grocer.
J. B. Badgley, druggist.
John T. Dunn, druggist.
S. Hutchings, hardware.
Frank Durham, hardware.
George Pechtle, jeweler.
H. J. Stevenson, jeweler.
J. Souer, furniture.
Frank Straub, barber.
George E. Borst, harness dealer.
James Becker, harness dealer.
Bainey & Dennison, carriage manufac-
turers, successors to Barney & McGraw.
J. M. Roney, carriage manufacturer.
A. M. Smith, carriage manufacturer.
Tompkins Bros., foundrymen.
Hadley Snyder, dentist.
M. Borst, dentist.
J. C. Blodgett, tanner.
Williams, tanner.
George Rockerfellow, planing mill.
S. Requea, general agent and manager,
Middleburgh Blue Stone Company.
The Middleburgh Paper Mill was built by
Dr. S. B. Wells and Renelo D. Chase, in 1853,
and has been a successful affair, especially
under the present proprietors, Franklin Krura
and J. O. Williams, of Schoharie C. H.
Among the many worthy men engaged in
business in this place, none was superior in
ability and honor to Freeman Stanton, who
died in 1871. The Albany Argus thus notices
his life : —
"He was born on the nth of March, 1796,
in Montgomery county, and was the son of
John Stanton, who left nine children. By the
death of the subject of this sketch, the last of
that large family of children has gone down to
the grave. Mr. Stanton, in his boyhood, re-
ceived for those early days what was called a
good common school education, and became a
clerk in the village store of George Smith, Esq.,
at Minaville. It was here that Mr. Stanton
2l8
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
made the acquaintance of General Jay Cady
and the late Judge Paige. That acquaintance
ripened into friendship, and for over half a
century General Cady and Mr. Stanton have
been as brothers. Soon after Mr. Stanton be-
came of age, he removed to Middleburgh, and
commenced mercantile business, in which he
continued for over thirty years, when he retired
to his farm about one mile out of the village of
Middleburgh. He married soon after he com-
menced business, the daughter of Abram Law-
yer. Mrs. Stanton died about a year since.
In 1824 he was elected a member of the State
Legislature, and immediately attracted the at-
tention of the sagacious statesman at Albany,
as a young man of sound judgment, and more
than ordinary sagacity ; and such men as Marcy,
Flagg, Hoffman, Bouck and Crosswell, have
sought his counsel and advice. The writer of
this obituary remembers well a most interesting
interview at which he was present, between Mr.
Stanton and Governor Marcy, a short time
before the National Democratic Convention,
held at Baltimore, in 1852. When the late
Governor Bouck received the appointment of
Assistant Treasurer at New York City, from the
President, he would not accept the position
unless Mr. Stanton would agree to go with him
and take the place of cashier, giving to Mr.
Stanton the privilege of selecting his assistant.
On this condition Mr. Stanton accepted the
appointment, and most faithfully did he perform
the work assigned to him. Mr. Stanton, by his
amiable disposition, his kindness of heart, and
his many liberal -acts, made ardent admirers
and devoted friends. He has gone to his grave,
it is believed, without an enemy. The entire
community feel that a good citizen and a kind
neighbor has passed away and will fondly
cherish his memory. To his large family of
children he has left a rich legacy, for it can be
truly said Freeman Stanton was an 'honest
man, the noblest work of God.' "
John P. Bellinger. — Contemporary with Stan-
ton and Dodge, was John P. Bellinger, who re-
moved from Cobleskill about the year 1838,
and built the store-house now occupied by his
successor, M. Geurnsey. Mr. Bellinger was in
trade in Cobleskill for several years, and repre-
sented that town in the Board of Supervisors
five terms. He was a very successful business
man and highly respected as a man of integrity
and vim, with broad views and energy sufficient
to carry them out with success. He was a son
of Peter Bellinger, and grandson of Marcus, the
Revolutionary Supervisor. After a number of
years of pleasant retirement, he died at a good
old age, in August, 1878.
Daniel D. Dodge was a son of Daniel D.
Dodge, a former landlord of the " Atchinson
House," and a very enterprising man for the
day in which he lived. The former early in life
engaged in trade, and was for a long term of
years one of the substantial business men of the
town and County. Upon his death, which oc-
curred in 1878, the Schoharie Republican said:
"In the death of Daniel D. Dodge the village
of Middleburgh loses one of its most enterpris-
ing citizens. His memory will be gratefully and
lovingly cherished. He was for many years a
successful merchant, and for sixteen years an
acting magistrate of the town, discharging the
duties of the office with rare ability. He repre-
sented his County in the Assembly of the State
in 1850, and for some eight years was President
of the Middleburgh & Schoharie Railroad."
The Tanning Interest. — Nearly opposite the
Methodist church, at an early day, was a small
tannery, perhaps the first one that made a
regular business in the place, and which was
purchased by the father of the late Zodac
Pratt, of Greene county. It was here that the
veteran tanner, dairyman and agriculturist was
born and received his first instruction in those
branches of enterprise in which he afterwards
engaged, and which made him one of the
prominent men of his day. He early removed
to the old time named place " Schoharie Hill,"
and by his energy established one of the largest
tanneries to be found in the State. The busi-
ness he established drew around him a large
force of laborers and tradesmen, causing a
thrifty village to spring up, and in honor of its
founder it was called Prattsville. Other small
tanneries have from time to time succeeded the
old one near the church, which it is useless to
mention. We will only refer to the large
establishments that " were, but are not," that
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
119
once were the the chief business basis of the
place.
A Mr. Vroman built these works upon the Polly
Hollow creek and did an extensive business up
to the year 1857. The "Mill Valley Tannery"
was built in 1849 by George E. Danforth and a
large business was done for several years. This
mill averaged about twenty thousand sides yearly
for twenty years, averaging sixteen pounds per
side of sole leather. From six to eight thousand
cords of bark were yearly used. The works were
burnt in 1865, but re-built in afew weeks. Gen-
eral Danforth purchased the Vroman mill in
1857, to extend his business, and removed the
buildings to his own. In 1869, Loring An-
drews purchased the property and upon his
death in 1872, the heirs sold out, and after a
portion of the buildings were removed, it came
into the possession of the present owner Mr.
Miller, who manufactured upper leather.
Since writing the foregoing, General Dan-
forth died suddenly at his home, and in j ustice to
him as a business man and genial townsman we
will give a summary of his life. He was born
in the village of Middleburgh and educated at
Union college. He represented the town upon
the board of supervisors in 1855, 1856, 1857,
1858, 1859, 1860, and was Colonel of the
Fortieth regiment of State militia for a long time
and also General in command of the Eighteenth
Brigade. In 1861, he was commissioned by
the Governor, Edwin D. Morgan, to raise a
regiment in Schoharie and Otsego counties,
which he delivered to the government, as the
76th regiment. The year following, Horatio
Seymour commissioned him to organize the
i34th from Schoharie and Schenectady coun-
ties. He has held several prominent and flat-
tering positions beside, in which he displayed
marked dignity and ability. In 1852, he mar-
ried a daughter of the late Gov. W. C. Bouck,
who survives him. He was a son of George,
and only brother of Peter S. Danforth.
On the night of the 2ist (if April, 1881, he
suddenly dropped away in the sixty-third year
of his age.
Abraham Keyser. — Among the many men
that were born in the town and became promi-
nent in an official point of view, none are more
worthy of a notice than the late Abraham Key-
ser.
The Keyser family were very early settlers
and possessed more than common ability as
business men. Mr. Keyser died in Albany
City in 1873, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine
years. His prominence in connection with
the State and county government demands a
reference to his history. The Albany Argus
upon his death published the following: —
"Mr. Keyser was born in Middleburgh, Scho-
harie county, April 20, 1784. His father
being a farmer, the son was brought up to agri-
cultural pursuits. In 1808 he removed to Scho-
harie village where his popularity and useful-
ness soon brought him several local offices.
When William C. Bouck was sheriff, Mr. Key-
ser was appointed under sheriff, and at the ex-
piration of Mr. Bouck's term. Mr. K. was ap-
pointed to succeed him in that office. In 1821
Mr. Keyser was elected to the assembly, and
was re-elected in 1822. In 1825 he removed
to Albany, and in 1826 was elected state treas-
urer. At that time the treasurer was annually
elected by joint ballot of the legislature, and
this honor was conferred upon Mr. Keyser for
twelve consecutive years. During that period
he was intimately associated in the affairs of
government with Silas Wright, William L. Mar-
cy, Azariah Flagg, William C. Bouck, and John
A. Dix. Those were the palmy days of the old
Democratic Albany regency, which for so many
years conducted the politics of the State with
great success. In 1838 he was appointed treas-
urer of the American Bible society, which posi-
tion he held for two years.
Since that period, he has been in private life,
devoting himself to his family. He was an ac-
tive member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
for over fifty years, and adorned his profession
by an exemplary Christian life. He leaves a
family of five sons and two daughters. In poli-
tics he was always a Democrat. He leaves be-
hind him the record of an honest man and a
true Christian."
Physicians. — The first regular practitioner of
whom we have any account was David King, of
Kingston. He located here before the Revolu-
tion and becoming old, induced James Van-
220
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Gaasbeck, of the same city, a young man of
promise, to locate here and continue his prac-
tice, which began about the year 1805 and ended
in 1863. During his time several were contem-
porary with him, of whom we cannot be cer-
tain as to the dates of their services.
Dr. Gary, of Schenectady, followed Van Gaas-
beck, about the year 1812, and continued till
the year 1820.
Dr. Wheeler, came about the latter year, and
was followed by Dr. Samuel B. Wells, in 1824,
who formed a partnership with him. Wheeler
soon removed to Canada.
In 1830, Linas Wells a brother of Samuel,
came and studied in the office and commenced
practice in 1836.
Dr. Samuel B. Wells was a student of Dr.
Green of Gilboa, and came from Connecticut
as a school teacher. He practiced until his
death which occurred on the I5th of January,
1870, at the age of seventy-one. The Doctor
identified himself with all the interests of the
place and accumulated a fine property through
his close application to his profession and other
extensive business relations.
He was succeeded by his son, Henry D. Wells,
who together with his brother Linas continues
the practice, established fifty-seven years ago,
and with marked success.
Volney Danforth commenced in i8.|o, and
continued until his death in 1880.
John D. Wheeler another skillful physician
of the Eclectic school was a student of Dr. Sim-
mons, of Charlotteville. He graduated in 1865
and immediately settled here, and beside attend-
ing to an extended practice, he represented the
town upon the board of supervisors in 1873,
1874, 1875, 1876, 1877. During his residence
in Fulton, he was also elected to the same posi-
tion in 1863. He contracted the "slow but
sure disease" and died in 1879, at the age of
forty-seven. Beside Doctors Linas and Henry
Wells, we find at the present time —
James Lawyer,
John Rossman, Jr.,
C. S. Best,
J. W. Ferris.
Each according to their favorite theory, try-
ing to overcome the diseases to which "flesh is
heir," and gain the laurels that skill and indus-
try mete to the deserving.
Past Legal Fraternity. — -The first legal gen-
tleman that settled here was John Gebhard, of
Schoharie, soon after finishing his studies in the
office of his brother, Jacob Gebhard. George
Danforth, son of Judge Jonathan Danforth,
studied in his office and followed his profession
here until ill health compelled a change of
climate, which he sought at Savannah, Ga.,
where he died in 1831.
David F. Sacia also studied in the same
office, and -was appointed District Attorney for
the County in 1821, which office he held for
one year. He removed to Canajoharie, Mont-
gomery county.
John O'Brien came and settled here about
the year 1818, and removed in 1830 to Dur-
ham, Greene county.
Robert McClellan settled here about the
year 1828, and was one of the leading members
of the bar. He was District Attorney in 1836,
and Representative in Congress in this, then
the Twenty-fifth District, in 1837 and 1839,
and upon his removal to the city of Hudson in
1840 he was elected to the same position from
1841 to 1843.
Contemporary with him was Benoni SpafFord,
who followed him in the office of District At-
torney in 1837. While upon a tour for his
health, which was declining, he died at Toledo
in 1838.
John C. Smith and Mitchell Sanford came
about the year 1839, and the latter was followed
by and became connected with his brother,
Lyman, in the same year.
Mitchell Sanford was one of those quick, dis-
cerning professionals that easily adapt them-
selves to the position in which they are placed,
and when aroused by sarcasm, hurl with ease
and grace, the most piercing cuts upon their an-
tagonists. While with his brother, Lyman — •
marked care and decorum in all cases won the
honor and respect of every court and bar. As we
were engaged in the compilation of the " Bar of
Schoharie County" we were apprised of the death
TOWN OF MIDDLEBURGH.
221
of the latter, which led us with deep regret to cast
a notice of him with those that were, instead of
with those that are, and append the following
obituary, written by the Judge's partner, William
K. Thorne, and published in the Albany Argus
of March 24, 1881 :—
"Judge Lyman Sanford died at his late resi-
dence, at Middleburgh, Schoharie County, on
the i4th inst., at the age of sixty-nine years and
four months.
••During his life he held many important
official postions and offices of trust, and was
widely known throughout the State.
" The announcement of his death will be re-
ceived with universal and profound sorrow
wherever he was known.
" Hon. Lyman Sanford was born at Green-
ville, Greene county, N. Y., on the i3th day of
November, 1811, received his early education
and was prepared for college at Greenville
Academy, in his native village. He entered
Union College in 1827 and graduated from that
institution in 1831.
" He taught school for one year and then
commenced the study of law with his brother-
in-law, Hon. Erastus Barnes, at the city of New
York, and completed the required course with
Hon. Robert McClellan, at Middleburgh, Scho-
harie County. He was admitted to the bar in
1835, and soon after formed a partnership with
his brother, Hon. Mitchell Sanford, and com-
menced the practice of law at New York City
and continued with his brother for about two
years, when Hon. Mitchell Sanford removed
from the city, and the Judge continued the
practice of his profession there alone, until the
spring of 1839.
"In 1837 he married Ann E. Bouck, daugh-
ter of the late Governor William C. Bouck. In
the spring of 1839, he removed to Middleburgh
and located his residence, where he remained
during the rest of his life.
" In January, 1840, he formed a law partner-
ship with Hon. Peter S. Danforth, ex-Justice of
the Supreme Court, which was continued until
January, 1856. During the year 1843 he held
the office of Adjutant-General of this State. He
was elected County Judge of Schoharie County
in the fall of 1855, and held that office from the
ist of January, 1856, to January i, 1864. He
continued the practice of his profession until
January i, 1866, when he formed a law part-
nership with ex-District Attorney William I
Thorne, which continued until his death.
"In 1845 he succeeded his father-in-law,
Governor William C. Bouck, as 'financial agent,
of ' the Hartwick Seminary,' located at Hart-
wick, Otsego county, N. Y., and always there-
after took a deep interest in the management
and welfare of that institution, and conducted
its financial business with such marked ability
and zeal that he was continued in that office,
from the time of his appointment in 18415, until,
on account of failing health, he resigned the
position in 1880; he was also elected trustee in
1859, which office he still held at the time of
his death; in 1869 he was elected treasurer of
the Board of Trustees and continued to hold
that office until 1880; he was elected president
of the Board of Trustees in 1874, and held that
office also until 1880, when his failing health
compelled him to resign the office of president,
treasurer and financial agent of the corporation,
and it is but justice to say that the present pros-
perous condition of the Hartwick Seminary is
largely due to the financial ability, zeal and in-
tegrity of Lyman Sanford.
" He was one of the originators of 'the Mid-
dleburgh and Schoharie Railroad,' and was a
director of that corporation from the time of
its organization until the time of his death ; he
was also the first treasurer and afterward the
vice-president of that corporation.
"He was one of the directors and the treasurer
of 'the Middleburgh and Schoharie Plank Road,
from the time of its organization until it was.
abandoned.
"He aided materially and contributed liberal-
ly in building up and maintaining every enterprise
worthy of having or maintaining in the com-
munity in which he lived.
" His bereaved family consists of his widow,
his son, Charles L. Sanford, his daughter, Ann
E. Martin, wife of Rev. Adam Martin, Professor
of the German language and Literature, in the
Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa., and
his youngest daughter, Mary Sanford.
222
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
'• His home was a sacred spot, filled with re-
finement, tenderness, delightful associations and
old-fashioned hospitality.
"As a Judge, he was upright and just; as a
lawyer, thorough and efficient ; as a neighbor,
social and obliging ; and in both private and
public life a man of spotless integrity."
A number of students read law in the several
offices of the place from time to time, that
located in other sections, without forming a
practice here, whom we would be pleased to
notice but space forbids.
Of those now in practice, a sketch of each
may be found in Chapter VI, under the head
of "County Bar."
The First National Bank of Middleburgh
was organized on the first day of August, 1880,
with a capital of $50,000, under the following
as Board of Directors: —
Peter H. Mitchell, President.
David Becker.
G. N. Frisbee.
Jacob Neville.
George Dodge.
Duryea Beekman.
D. C. Dow.
The banking rooms are in the Sanford block
and prove a great convenience for the business
men of the village and vicinity.
The following are the present officers : —
Duryea Beekman, President.
G. N. Frisbee, Vice-President.
W. E. Mitchell, Cashier.
The following are the present Directors: —
Peter H. Mitchell.
David Becker.
Nathaniel Manning.
George W. Dodge.
G. N. Frisbee.
Jacob Neville.
Duryea Beekman.
George L. Danforth.
Middleburgh Lodge of Free and Accepted Ma-
sons.— This lodge was organized in 1867, it be-
ing preceded by an order that faded from exist-
ence during the exciting anti-masonic clays.
In the beginning of the century an "Ames
Mark" lodge was organized here by Captain
Thomas Machin.
The present lodge is No. 663, and con-
sists of one hundred and twenty-five members.
The following are the present officers: —
William E. Thorne, W. M.
Montraville Geurnsey, S. VV.
John Rossman, J. W.
George S. Lynes, S. D.
William G. Shafer, J. D.
P. Richtmyer, Tiler.
Rev. J. S. Harkey, Chaplain.
George W. Dodge, Treasurer.
John T. Dunn, James Becker, M. of C.
William Mitchell, Marshal.
A. G. Rosekrans, Organist.
Duryea Beekman, Montraville Geurnsey,
William H. Albro, Trustees.
Hadley Snyder, Harmon A. Vroman, Wil-
liam McGraw, Finance Committee.
Middleburgh Lodge of I. O. G. Templars. — •
This society was organized October 18, 1867,
and is one of the strongest of the County. The
charter members were: —
Charles A. White.
James Lawyer.
H. D. Wells.
W. J. Lounsbury.
G. S. Lynas.
G. W. Bishop.
Rev. J. S. Hart.
A. Gardner.
George Slater.
C. Kline.
J. W. Best.
Elliot Danforth.
J. H. Cornell.
C. A. Hinman.
H. Wilsey.
Rev. D. Swope.
Joseph Borst.
H. A. Blodgett.
C. W. Devol.
Aurelia S. Blodgett.
Sarah Cornell.
Helen E. Watson.
1
1
MEMORIAL
OF
HON. LYMAN SANFORD.
Upon the opening of the March term of the
County Court and Sessions of 1881, the legal
fraternity assembled and took appropriate action
in expressing their honor and appreciation of
the subject of this memorial, and tender con-
dolence in the death of their legal brother
and associate. His Honor, Judge Charles
Holmes, presided, and was thus addressed by
Hon. Peter S. Danforth : —
" It is not, your Honor, to contribute to a
mere ceremony, or to conform to any custom,
upon such an occasion, that I supplement these
resolutions with a few remarks. My feelings
are far too deep for such lip service demon-
stration.
" It was my fortune to have enjoyed an in-
timate acquaintance with the deceased for
almost the half of a century. He was my tutor
in the years of 1832 and ^33, preparing me
for college in the classics and mathematics. In
the fall of the latter year we separated, he soon
after going to New York and I to Union Col-
lege. I saw him then. frequently at New York,
where he had established himself in a large and
lucrative practice. In 1837 I received a letter
from him kindly inviting me to attend his wed-
ding, and how well I remember that bright,
beautiful day at the old family mansion of
Governor Bouck, where he was united in mar-
riage to the accomplished daughter of the Gov-
ernor. It was a joyous occasion. How well
he has filled the position of husband and father.
His home has been a model home. He re-
moved from New York to Middleburgh in 1839.
On the first of January, 1840, I having just
been admitted as co-partner, we commenced
the practice of law. How changed since that
time ! As I stand here to-night and bring up
to my mind those days, no wonder, your Honor,
and I know I will be pardoned, if my lip quivers
and my eyes are filled with tears. I stand here
almost alone, as my hand rests on the broad
shoulder of my brother, Brewster, who came to
the practice in July, 1840. Of all those who
were engaged in the practice of the law
HON. LYMAN SANFORD.
prior to that time, all, all are gone save William
H. Davis, Hamilton and Goodyear, Houck and
Mann, Holladay and Gebhard, at Schoharie,
Spafford and McClellan, at Middleburgh,
Thomas and Demosthenes Lawyer, Thomas
Smith and Jedediah Miller, of Cobleskill,
William Beekman, of Sharon, and John C.
Wright, of Esperance. They were men who
could have been an honor to. any county of the
State. The then four Judges of the old Com-
mon Pleas have entered into rest. Sheriff,
clerk, and crier, are no more, aye, the court-
house even has crumbled into ashes, fired by
the torch of an incendiary prisoner.
"The venerable form of John P. Cushman,
the then Circuit Judge and Vice-Chancellor of
this district, long ago has passed away. Other
Judges have come to us : Harris, .Wright, Wat-
son, Gould, Hogaboom and Peckham, and they
are gone, never to return ! Other lawyers have
since come to this bar and have gone, and we
shall see them no more — Frost, Clark, Smith,
Young, Fox, Salsbury, Strain, Mackey, Under-
wood, and now Sanford. The lesson of the hour
is one full of instruction and admonition. Judge
Sanford, immediately upon the commencement
of his professional career, took a prominent
position as a good lawyer and safe counselor.
I often had occasion to admire the fidelity he
manifested in protecting the estate of the widow
and orphan. As a citizen he was exemplary,
and no stigma or reproach can be remembered
against him ; as a public man he was always
adequate to his position. »»*»>•
Ralph Brewster, Esq., in a few well chosen
words, gave expression to his worth as a man
and professional, and was followed by Hon. S.
L. Mayham, who in the course of his remarks
said : —
" No man ever held in higher esteem the
honorable relations that the true lawyer bears
to the community in which he lives, or the
sacred and confidential duty he owed to his
client, and no man ever did more to elevate the
standard and preserve unsullied the honor of
the legal profession in his sphere, than he. It
was the profession of his choice, and he made
it the business of his life to impress it with the
dignity and respect which it deserves; and re-
lieve it from all unjust criticisms. * * * *
" Few men possessed colloquial powers or
gifts equal to the deceased, to which were added
a high order of culture and scholarly attain-
ments; a noble and commanding presence,
with a voice rich and melodious ; thus com-
bining in him at once all the talent elements of
an orator ; and had he overcome in early life
his native modesty, and brought all of those
reserved forces into requisition, he would have
been in forensic eloquence and power more
than the equal of his brother, Mitchell, by
whose burning words the people, juries, courts
and senates, were moved and molded."
Hon. William H. Engle paid an eloquent
tribute to the character of the deceased as a
lawyer and jurist and closed as follows upon
his affability as a gentleman and neighbor : —
HON. LYMAN SANFORD.
"On his countenance rested always the genial
smile and in his utterance the warm greeting
that revealed the heart of the man. Decline
could not destroy it, and nothing but the grasp
of death could extinguish the external evidences
of a kindly, noble and loving nature.
"To his neighbors therefore the recollections
we all delight to cherish, come down to a recent
date. But the bar need nothing to remind
them of the pleasure his presence gave. It
will be fresh and green in our memories as
long as 'life and thought and being lasts.'"
Hon. William C. Lament in full, earnest and
feeling remarks, paid a high compliment to the
virtues and ability of Judge Sanford and attest-
ed that: —
"Amid all this, the highest praise that can be
awarded to man, rightfully was his. In all
places requiring ability of a high order, integ-
rity, the best and proudest thing that can be
said, he did his duty. It was well done"
Hon. Robert Krum followed and in referring
to the Judge's legal status said : —
" He was not a great lawyer, but he was a
good one; and he was a noble county judge.
As a lawyer he scarcely ever entered the arena
of the bar, or mingled with the fights and
strifes of the trial of a cause.
" His modesty and diffidence made him shrink
from such an encounter, and therefore he never
took such prominence in the profession as his
abilities justly entitled him, and although he WE.S
known as a safe counselor, as a good pleader,
and as a fine office lawyer, yet his legal ability
was never fully made manifest until after he was
promoted to the bench.
" In that position he exhibited the well read
lawyer, one well grounded in legal principles
who could carefully discriminate cases, and
when his opinion was rendered, it pronounced
the law. He was an honest lawyer and an hon-
est judge, because he was an honest man."
John B. Grant, Esq., George L. Danforth,
Esq., Hon. William S. Clark, W. P. Thomas,
Esq., Almerin Gallup, Esq., and Lyman Sanford
Holmes, Esq., followed in feeling and eloquent
language, expressive of the appreciation the
younger members of the bar held towards the
deceased who had welcomed each in turn to the
profession, and encouraged them in their first
efforts to gain their present prominent and suc-
cessful positions. Hon. Henry Smith being in-
disposed, and not in attendance, paid by letter,
a high tribute to the deceased, which was read
by the clerk when his Honor in conclusion made
the following remarks : —
"Gentlemen of the bar: — For myself I do
not expect by the few suggestions I shall offer,
to supplement to the grateful tribute of respect
which you have already so well and deservedly
rendered to the memory of our respected de-
parted brother and friend Yet to me it seems
most fitting and appropriate that from this
bench, once so highly adorned by Judge San-
ford, an expression of approval and endorse-
ment should come, commendatory of your ac-
tion, which I most cheerfully give. I had
known Judge Sanford quite intimately, since
the fall of 1855, when he was elected to the
HON. LYMAN SANFORD.
position I now hold ; I then being a candidate for
another place, running on the same ticket with
him, we were frequently brought together. From
that period our relations were of the most friendly
character, whether of a personal, professional,
political, official or social nature. As members
of this bar we had learned to love and respect
him for his great virtues, and should strive to
imitate them, as we cherish his memory.
" We have always received from him, in his
own pleasant, graceful manner, a recognition
and greeting so cordial that we felt easy in his
presence, while sensibly impressed by his man-
ner and bearing with the fact that he was in-
deed possessed of all good grace to adorn and
grace a gentleman. But he has gone from us
forever into that tribunal over which presides
the Judge of all, who will not, cannot err.
" Full of years, enjoying the honor and respect
of all who knew him, he has finished his work,
and entered into eternal rest, and as well said
of another, we can say of him : —
"He sank as sinks the morning star,
Which goes not down behind a darkened west
Nor hides obscured amid the tempests of the skies,
But melts away in the bright light of Heaven."
Of him, of his virtues, we can only exclaim
as we venerate his memory, Hail and Farewell!"
TOWN OF MIUDLF.BUKOH.
223
Mary H. U'harton.
Mary Rosseter.
Gertrude H. Moase.
Louisa Wilsey.
Nellie K. Rosseter.
Kva V. Tuttle.
The present officers (1881) are: —
W. C. T., C. A. White.
W. V. T., Gertrude H. Moase.
W. S., Elliot Danforth.
W. A. S., Mary A. Wharton.
W. F. S., James Lawyer.
W. T., H. D. Wells.
W. C., Rev. J. S. Hart.
P. W. C., Rev. D. Swope.
W. M., H. A. Blodgett.
D. W. M., Nellie K. Rosseter.
W. J. G., Aurelia S. Blodgett.
W. O. G., G. S. Lynas.
R. H. S., Ellen E. Wilsey.
L. H. S., Ellen E. Watson.
G. A. R. Post Stanton. — This Post was or-
ganized September 2, 1878, and named in honor
of Jay C. Stanton, of Co. H, ;6th Reg. N. Y.
S. Volunteers, who was mortally wounded at
the battle of Bull Run, August 29, 1862. The
following are the charter officers and present
members of the organization : —
H. A. Blodgett. Commander.
Alonzo Parslow, S. V. C.
William C. Brazee, J. V. C.
Samuel Dennison, Adjutant.
S. L. Rifenburgh, Q. M.
Walter Wheeler, Sergeant.
Rev. J. S. Harkey, Chaplain.
J. K. Alberson, O. D.
George W. Bishop, S. M.
Edward H. Becker, Q. S.
Charles H. Bartholomew.
Peter G. Brazee.
William J. Blodgett.
William H. H. Bporn.
John H. Babcock.
George W. Babcock.
Edward Dennison,
William Doty.
Orrin Duncan.
Reuben Cane.
Malachi Coons.
Henry Eggleston.
George D. F.ggleston.
Albert Kfner.
Linard Heal.
Leopold Huysong.
Lewis B. Hans.
John Holmes.
David Jackson.
David Layton.
George McBain.
William M. Myers.
Albert Nasholts.
Leonard Pratt.
Jacob Parlianan.
John Rorick.
Melvin Richmond.
Hiram Wright.
A. M. Wilday.
Henry D. Wood.
Martin Wilsey.
John D. Rodgers.
John S. Smith.
John Schram.
Edmond Shaver.
Calvin Traver.
William H. Vroman.
Reuben Wiley.
Charles H. Wright.
Jacob Williams.
Levans H. -Wilsey.
John Whitbeck.
David Weyman.
Of the part taken by the town in the late Re-
bellion we copy from a speech delivered by Wil-
liam E. Thorne upon Decoration day, 1880, at
Middleburgh : —
"The town of Middleburgh alone furnished
two hundred and eighty-nine volunteers out of
a voting population of but seven hundred and
forty. Twenty-nine of those volunteers who
left their homes, bid adieu to affectionate and
loving friends, endured the deprivations and
hardships of a soldier's fare, and braved death
for their country's cause, lost their lives in the
service and are still sleeping upon southern soil
where their comrades have laid them. But tfieir
memories are still fragrant and the recollection of
their heroic deeds is still tenderly cherished here."
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
As in other towns, an accurate record of the
amount of money raised by the town to procure
soldiers to fill out the quota from time to time
was not kept.
Middlelwrgh Cornet Band. — This band was
organized on the i8th of December, 1876, and
consisted of fifteen pieces. Professor Salfred
gave the first instructions and by close application
to study and practice, the corps have become apt
and skilled musicians.
The charter officers were : —
President, J. E. Young.
Vice-President, G. B. Hyde.
Secretary, P. B. Couchman.
Treasurer, W. G. Shafer.
Trustees, G. W. Coewell, G. W. Neville, B.
W. Chase.
INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE.
During the winter of 1880 and 1881, several of
the prominent citizens of the place, became in-
terested in the incorporation of the village,
chief among whom was F. X. Straub. A sur-
vey, map and verbal description of the bound-
aries were made, and in due course of time the
following notice appeared, which we here copy,
as it gives the boundaries as adopted by a ma-
jority of the citizens : —
" Between the hours of Ten A. M., and Three
p. M., on the i6th day of April, 1881, at the
Hotel kept by E. D. Atchinson, within the
territory hereinafter described, an election
will be held to determine whether or not
the proposed territory described and indicated
by the survey, map and verbal description of
boundaries left for examination at the place of
business of F. X. Straub, in the village and
town of Middleburgh, Schoharie county, N. Y.
shall be incorporated as a village. The proposed
name of such village is " The Village of Mid-
dleburgh," and the verbal description of its
boundaries is : ' Beginning at a locust tree
standing on the East bank of the Schoharie
Creek, and on the North line of a piece of land
owned by W. H. Engle, lying at the lower end
the village, and running from thence as the
needle pointed February i8th, 1881 ; North
eighty-four degrees East following the line be-
tween David Zeh and Hezekiah L. Manning, 62
chains and 64 links, to a Cedar tree on the said
line. Thence South one degree F.ast 68 chains
and 50 links to an apple tree on the side-hill,
above Cliff Cottage — thence South 4 degrees
East 53 chains and 50 links to a Pine tree in
the Cemetery, thence South 77 degrees West n
chains to a large Pine tree on the East line of
the farm occupied by Jonas Bagley — thence
North 60 degrees West 82 chains to an F.lm
tree on the East bank of the Schoharie Creek —
thence North 29 degrees East 38 chains and 30
links, to the centre of the highway — fifteen feet
west of the west end of the Middleburgh Bridge
— thence North 4 degrees West 45 chains
and 40 links to place of beginning, containing
seven hundred acres of land.' The amount
proposed to be expended the first year of the
incorporation, for ordinary expenditures as de-
fined in an act entitled ' An act for the incor-
poration of villages,' passed April 2oth, 1870,
and its amendments is $100."
Signed,
George Dodge.
G. N. Frisbie.
J. E. Young.
H. D. Wells.
Harrison Hallenbeck.
Wm. Dunn.
M. Geurnsey.
J. L. Engle.
David Bassler.
W. H. Engle.
John H. Mallery.
W. E. Thome.
Hadley Snyder.
A. J. Freemyer.
G. S. Lynes.
John H. Cornell.
Frank X. Straub.
J. B. Badgley.
G. L. Danforth.
Joseph Becker.
W. E. Bassler.
J. Neville.
D. Beekman.
Marvin Scutt.
Dr. James Lawyer.
TOWN OF Ml DIM. Kilt I«;H.
225
The total number of votes cast at the elec-
tion was two hundred and fifty-eight, of which
one hundred and eighty were cast for, and
seventy-eight against an incorporation.
OFFICIALS.
Middleburgh has had a long list of officials,
and many of them the most prominent, as will
be seen by Chapter VI. The early records of
the town are not accessible, much to our regret,
as we desire the names of the supervisors, at
least. Those that we are privileged to examine,
date back only to 1844, leaving forty-seven
years without a record. The following, with the
date of service, are the names of the super-
visors : —
1844 — David B. Danforth.
1845 — Mathew Franklin.
1846 — do
1847 — Uriah Rider.
1848 — Henry Hauver.
1849 — Stephen Vosburgh.
1850 — George Bouck.
1851 — do
1852— George W. Tibbits.
1853 — David Becker.
1854 — Edward Finder.
1855 — George F,. Danforth.
1856— do
1857 — do
1838— do
1859 — do
1860 — do
1 86 1— Wm. Shafer.
1862— do
1863 — Peter Z. Swart.
1864 — Nicholas Beekman.
!86s — Volney Danforth.
1866 — Hamilton Becker.
1867 — Alex. Bouck.
1868 — do
1869 — Bartholomew Becker.
1870 — Peter Z. Swart.
1871 — do
1872 — Nathaniel Manning.
1873— John D. Wheeler.
1874 — do
1875 — do
1876 — do
1877— John D. Wheeler.
1878— Hadley Snyder,
1879 — do
1880— do
1881— do
1882 — do
HUNTER'S LAND.
At the time the lands around Schoharie, in-
cluding Middleburgh, were surveyed in 1710,
they were named in honor of Governor Hunter,
by whose orders they were surveyed and ex-
plored. But those immediately along the valley,
as by custom among the Indians, retained their
original name Schorie, or Schoharry, and the
country lying east upon higher grounds, for a
long distance back, was called Huntersfield.
Johannes Lawyer, the second, purchased a
large tract in 1768, which is now included in that
part of the town called Hunter's Land. The set-
tlement was not made at an early date, and with
very few exceptions, until after the Revolution.
The Posson family came before that event. The
grandfather of Peter W. Posson came from
Germany and settled about the year 1760. We
will here state that the father of Mrs. Posson,
Philip Bartholomew, came over with LaFayette
at sixteen years of age and held a captain's
commission under him during the war, and when
the general returned, Captain Bartholomew, as
did hundreds of his soldiers, resigned his com-
mission and became a citizen of the united col-
onies, and after a few years wandered to this
part of the country. We find many from near
counties located here, among whom was Jesse
H. Alger. from Saratoga county, who came in
1810. Aftera quiet and successful life, he died
in 1867. Daniel Barkman also came about the
year 1815, from Rensselaer county, and was
elected justice of the peace in 1840. Mr. Bark-
man held the office up to the year 1876, when
age demanded of him retirement, and Merritt
McComber, succeeded him. It is a very un-
common occurrence in these days of political
jealousies, for one to hold an office that term of
years, and it bespeaks confidence, integrity and
acknowledged ability of the people in and of the
official.
Adam Snyder & Sons we find are engaged in
226
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
trade and blacksmithing, they being immigrants
from Lorraine in France, but of German origin.
They settled here in 1840, and have identified
themselves with the business of the place.
Toum boundary by act of 17 \z, "And at that
part of said county of Schohary beginning at
the place where the Cobleskill road crosses the
Punch-kill, thence with a straight line to the
northwest corner of a patent grant to Michael
Byrne and others, thence with a straight line
to the west corner of the house now or late of
Jacob Best near the head of the north branch
of the West-kill, thence continuing the same
line to a tract of land called Blenheim, thence
easterly along the northerly bounds of Blen-
heim, until it strikes Schoharie creek, thence
easterly with a straight line to the north east
corner of the dwelling house now or late of
Moses White, thence with the same line con-
tinued to the bounds of the county, thence
northerly along the same to the south east cor-
ner of the town of Schoharie, thence along the
southerly bounds thereof to the place of begin-
ning, shall be and continue a town by the name
of Middleburgh."
CHAPTER XV.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
FORMATION OF NEW DORLACH — SHARON—
DORLACH GRANT — FIRST SETTLERS — LATER
SETTLERS — PETER SOMMERS — MERENESS
BROTHERS — WILLIAM BEEKMAN — EARLY AF-
FAIRS—BATTLE OF SHARON — COLONEL MA-
RINUS WILLET— AMBUSH FORMED—INCIDENTS
OF THE DAY — LEEM AND HOPPER FAMILIES —
MARIA LEEM — CAPTURE OF MYNDERT AND
OTHERS — WILLIAM KNEISKERN — REV. PETER
N. SOMMERS~ST. JOHN'S CHURCH— REFORMED
CHURCH — CONDITION OF SETTLERS — TURN-
PIKES-TAVERNS-BEEKMAN'S CORNERS-PETER
A. HILTON — ROBERT ELDREDGE — ELDREDGE
FAMILY — UR. PALMER — SOUR KROUT MES-
SAGE — PETER PARADOX — ENGLE'S MILL —
LEESVILLE — DORMANT VILLAGES— LEESVILI.E
LUTHERAN CHURCH — LEESVILLE BAPTIST
CHURCH — CEMETERY — ROCKVILLE — SHARON
SPRINGS — PUHLIC HOUSES — ANALYSIS OF WA-
TER— MERCHANTS— ROMAN CHURCH— SHARON
CENTRE — JOHN BEAKLEY — SHARON HILL
AND HOLLOW — E. S. WALES — ZACHARIAH
KEYES — HOTEL — MERCHANTS — KILLING OF
VAN SCHAIK — STAGE HOUSE — JOHANNES
LOUCKS — WILLIAM DAVENPORT — OTHER
LOUCKS' FAMILIES — LEMUEL CROSS — -KxiNG
SETTLEMENT— JOHN ADAM KILTS — SLATE
HILL CEMETERY — BELLENGER FAMILY — VAN-
VALKENBURGHS — TILLAPAUGH — GILBERT'S
CORNERS — REFORMED CHURCH OF SHARON
— MASONIC LODGE— OFFICIALS— BOUNDARIES.
territory of this town was embraced in
the county of Tryon, from March 12, 1772,
to April 2, 1784, when old Tryon was
changed to Montgomery, in honor of General
Richard Montgomery, whose patriotic princi-
ples proved more agreeable to the victorious
patriots than to the Colonial Governor. Upon
the formation of Otsego county on the i6th of
February, 1791, a portion of Carlisle, all of
Seward and Sharon, formed the town of " New
Dorlach," agreeable to the wishes of many of
the first settlers here found that immigrated
from Dorlach in Germany from 175010 1760,
and located here in 1754 and 1760.
When Schoharie was formed, the town or the
eastern part of it was annexed to it, under the
name of Sharon, from a town in Connecticut,
from which Calvin Rich and John Rice with
their families came immediately after the
Revolution.
While the bounds were defined in part at
that time, yet a perfect formation of the town
was not made until 1797. Dr. Tinas Pynneo
represented the town as " New Dorlach " in the
Board of Otsego Supervisors in 1795, and at
Schoharie in 1796 and 1797. Owing also to
the fact of the settlers coming from Dorlach, a
TOWN OF SHARON.
227
large tract of land granted to Jacob B. Johan-
nes, John Jost, and Michael Borst, William
Bauch (Bouck), Johannes Braun (Brown),
Michael Heltzinger (Hillsinger), Johannes
Schaeffer, Hendrick Haines, Johannes and
Jacob Lawyer, Christian /eh, Mathias Bauman,
Lambert Sternberg, Barent Keyser, Peter
Nicholas Sommers, which lay wholly in the
original town, was called the " Dorlach Grant."
The Germans pronounced the name " Turlah,"
as they still do at the present time.
Johannes Lawyer and Jacob Borst purchased
the interest of the remaining owners, after each
selected a large farm, and at last the former
became the sole owner. The grant has of late
years been designated by surveyors as the
"Borst Patent."
The first settlers of the present condensed
town were : —
Peter and Nicholas Sommers, sons of
Peter N. Sommers,
Peter and Andrew Loucks,
Christian Myndert,
- Kling,
Peter McUougle,
Lambert Sternberg, Jr.,
The Hoppers (Harpers), and Leems
(Lambs) families.
During the Revolution all immigration ceased,
but as soon as peace was proclaimed up to the
year 1800 the greatest influx of settlers was
made chiefly from the Cobleskill, Schoharie and
Mohawk valleys. This seemed to be the meet-
ing ground for those branching off from those
settled portions. The Mereness, Fritche, (now
Fritcher) Bellinger, Ball, Hyney, Falk, Van
Valkenburgh and Vanderwerken families came
from those sections, while Calvin Pike, Calvin
Rich, Eldredges, Beekman, Adams, Hiller, John
Rice and Tinas Pynneo, mostly Yankees of New
England, located here and all became influential
and successful business men. Peter, eldest son
of Rev. P. N. Sommers, kept the first store,
dealing chiefly in groceries and ashes, as was
customary for all merchants in new settlements.
Peter held a commission during the French war,
under the Crown of England, and while he was
neither called upon nor had occasion to act in
the capacity of a soldier, he had, nevertheless,
sworn fidelity to the King. When hostilities
commenced between the mother country and
the colonies he thought he could not consistently,
with his strict religious principles, act contrary
to his oath by taking up arms against the gov-
ernment, and not wishing to engage against the
patriot's cause, he removed to Canada in 1777,
from whence he never returned. His brother.
Nicholas, settled upon the land his father pur-
chased, on a portion of which his son, David
Sommers, now resides.
Abram and John Mereness removed here
from the Mohawk in 1786, and settled upon the
farm lately occupied by Squire Abram, son of
Abram, the first settler. Squire Mereness
passed away in February of 1881, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety- six. In 1806, he was
elected collector of the town, and the year fol-
lowing Justice of the Peace, which office he held
seventeen years and resigned to hold that of
loan commissioner. Upon our visiting him
nearly one year ago, we were surprised to find
him in the possession of his mental faculties to
such a degree as to give dates of transactions,
the records of which were supposed to have been
lost. Subsequent searching proved his accuracy.
He was in his younger days an active politician,
in union with Judge Beekman, John Ingold,
Jun., John Rice and Calvin Rich, and was the
arbitrator of local disputes for many years.
When questioned in regard to early political af-
fairs the "vim" of other days seemed to return
and animate the feeble form to enter the arena
again. A near neighbor to him was William
Beekman.
William Beekman was honored with the ap-
pointment of First Judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas upon the formation of the County,
and held the office until the year 1833,
when John C. Wright, then of Esperance, suc-
ceeded him. Of Judge Beekman's early history
we are indebted to his only living child, Cor-
nelius Beekman, now of Albany, who in his old
age is deprived of his sight. The Judge was
born upon the ocean, was of German parentage,
and was early accepted by Colonel Willett as an
errand boy. He attended school but six months
previous to his entering Willett's service. After
228
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the close of the Revolution, about the year
1788, he came to this town, and began as a
merchant in a small way, and soon acquired
sufficient means to purchase the farm upon
which he died. During his life here he con-
tinued trade in connection with agriculture,
and proved successful in both. Upon the
formation of the County we find men of fine
legal ability here whom one would naturally
think would be honored with the appointment
of First Judge, bat one of the last acts of Gov-
ernor George Clinton was to cast the honor upon
Mr. Beekman. What influence was brought to
bear upon the council of appointment to concur
in the choice, we can not say, nor whether he was
the only candidate. We only know that Beek-
man, a youthful pioneer, without education,
received the honor and performed the duties
with dignity and grace.
Beside his judicial appointment he was elected
to the State Senate in 1799, 1800, 1801 and
1802, and held many minor positions in cor-
porate bodies. He was small in stature, with a
well proportioned frame, and a very round head
which he carried erect, and with hair always
closely cut. He became gray at an early day,
and upon his death was somewhat bald. He
married Joanna Low, (whose parents came from
New Jersey,) by whom he had seven sons and
three daughters. Those that grew to man and
womanhood and married, were John, Nicholas,
William, Cornelius, Dow and Duryea. Maria
was the only daughter married. Her husband
was Hoffman Ten Eyck.
The Judge built a spacious mansion west of
Beekman's Coiners in i8o2-'c>4, which is still
standing, having the appearance of a "baronial
hall," in which he lived in princely style until
his death, which occurred on the 26th of
November, 1845, at the age pf seventy-eight.
His remains were deposited in the family vault,
near the residence, and lying near are five of
his first children, the eldest being born in the
year 1789. Mrs. Beekman lies beside him,having
died in December, 1835, at the age of seventy.
The mother of Mrs. Beekman also is buried
near, and we find she was born in Elizabeth-
town, New Jersey, in March, 1732, and died in
Sharon in October, 1821. Without doubt the
Judge was the first man that kept a general as-
sortment of merchandise in the town, and for a
number of years did a large business. His
barns, sheds and barracks were at one time
swept away by the hand of an incendiary,
although at the same time but few men en-
joyed the confidence and respect of his neigh-
bors and the country at large as did the Judge.
EARLY AFFAIRS.
Nothing unusual occurred until the Revolu-
tionary war. The Indians, chiefly Mohawks,
occasionally visited their German neighbors on
their hunting and begging excursions, and a
friendly feeling existed between them which the
timid portion of the settlers dared not provoke,
and during the struggle partially sided with the
Crown and remained "passive." It is easy for
us who are safely ensconced beneath the pro-
tecting arm of the government to think and
speak lightly of those who lived in the border
settlements and were thus timid. If the struggle
had proved averse to the patriots, while we
would perhaps commend them for their patriot-
ism and bravery, we would have considered
them to have been foolish to have undertaken
such an enterprise while laboring under such
great disadvantages. As the result was the
most pleasing, we are apt to censure many — and
perhaps noble characters — who made patriotic
and useful citizens after. A number an-
swered the call of the Crown in 1777 from old
" Turlah " to unite with St. Leger at Fort Stan-
wix, and upon his retreat to Canada followed
and did not return. A few came back and
bathed their hands in their neighbors' blood.
At the close of the war, the lands formerly oc-
cupied by such Tories were confiscated and
principally purchased by the New England
settlers. In this, as in other settlements, a few
were accused of Toryism unjustly, and the
stigma yet stands against their names. The
farmers of this town were " well-to-do " at
that time, and raised large crops of grain, es-
pecially those in the eastern part of the town,
then called ': Rhinebeck," and along the West
Kill.
During Colonel Willett's command of the
Mohawk his force was supplied by the granaries
of the Tories of " Turlah." Yet many times the
o
o
to
w
*
KH
CO
o
a
K!
TOWN OF SHARON.
229
foraging parties did not hesitate to visit those
who were in sympathy with the patriots, pro-
vided they possessed the eatables the soldiers
wanted.
Many that were thus visited, petitioned to
the Legislature after the war closed to be paid
for such things as were taken, and in a few
cases were successful in receiving compensation.
Others could not prove their "patriotism" and
failed. A case, originating from grain and hay
being taken from Conradt Brown in 1781. was
in law for many years, that drew a great inter-
est throughout this part of the County and cul-
minated but a few years hence. Through re-
ports of "Toryism" Mr. Brown was unable to
obtain an order of compensation for a number
of years, but finally proved his patriotism by
producing proof of his furnishing a substitute
that was in Willett's command, through Willett
himself.
The case and the close of it was thus
noticed by the Canajoharie Radii: —
"A very important and interesting casein the
Supreme Court, Schoharie County, was also
tried before Hon. Peter S. Danforth, Referee,
at this place during the second week in August
inst., growing out of a Revolutionary claim for
the taking of the personal property of Con-
radt Brown, in the year 1781, by the United
States troops, by order of Colonel Willett, for
the supply of the army at Fort Plain on the
Mohawk river.
"The State of New York passed an act in
1785, exonerating said Willett, and requiring
him to account to the State for the property
so taken, and to pay the value of the same,
or account therefor to the Treasurer of New
York, that it might be brought into account
with the United States which was paid by the
United States to the State of New York, in
1790, with interest, in order that the persons
who were entitled to the same, might make
application to our Legislature for the amount
respectively due them, for the property so taken.
Subsequently, Conradt Brown departed this life;
leaving by his last will and testament, all his
interest in this money, to his son, Marcus, who
in his life-time, assigned and set over to Messrs.
Brown & Machin, one-half of said demand,
providing they procured the passage of a law
by our Legislature, to pay the same to Marcus
Brown or his legal representatives. The pas-
sage of this law was procured by Messrs. Brown
& Machin, as per agreement, directing the
Treasurer to pay to said Marcus, $1,545. After
the passage of the law, said Marcus died, leav-
ing Peter Brown, his sole executor, who insisted
upon drawing the full amount of the demand,
but finally consented that said Machin should
draw one-quarter thereof, but refused to allow
Severenus Brown to draw any portion thereof;
insisting that the assignment was against public
policy and void. Messrs. Brown & Machin
had severed their claim, and Severenus Brown
brought an action against said Peter, executor,
to recover his share of the money, which was
referred to Ex-Senator Danforth, of Middle-
burgh. Hon. J. H. Salisbury, of Sharon, and
J. A. Bloomingdale, Esq., of Albany, appeared
as counsel for Severenus, and Messrs. Dewey &
Moak, of Cherry Valley, for P.eter Brown, the
executor.
"When the plaintiff rested his case, Mr. Dewey
moved for a non-suit, on the grounds that the
claim was not assignable, because it was a mere
bounty from government, and a mere matter
in expectancy; that the consideration of the
assignment was an agreement to perform lobby
services, and therefore void and against public
policy, and cited a number of cases to sustain
him. Mr. Salisbury followed in opposition, and
exhibited a great deal of ingenuity in his argu-
ment, dealing now and then in sarcasm, and cre-
ated some considerable laughter by his witticisms
aimed at Mr. Dewey, whom he at the same time
complimented for his ability and shrewdness.
Mr. Bloomingdale also followed in opposition
to the motion of Mr. Dewey, and in a very able,
pointed and masterly manner discussed the
principles of law involved in the case, and went
on to show that there was a very wide distinc-
tion between the cases cited by Mr. Dewey and
the one under discussion ; and that the assign-
ment was valid and should be upheld. His
argument was unanswerable. The Referee
here refused to non-suit the plaintiff, and the
defendant proceeded with his defence. We
understand that there are about eight thousand
dollars depending indirectly upon the result of
23°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
this case. It was an important question and
brought out the talent on botli sides."
Battle of Sharon.— On the loth of July, 1781,
an engagement occurred between the forces of
Colonel Willett of Fort Stanwix fame, and less
than three hundred regulars and militia, and one
Dockstader a Mohawk Tory, at the head of over
four hundred Tories and Indians, near Sharon
Centre, which was the only battle fought within
the town, although hostile parties came very
near meeting in conflict upon two other occa-
sions. At this time Colonel Willett with Major
Robert McKean was stationed at Fort Plain,
and had sent a foraging party over to " Turlah"
for supplies, and upon their return they discov-
ered the tracks of a large force traveling in a
southwesterly direction. To estimate their num-
bers, the party walked back and forth by the
side of the enemy's trail and judging by the
number of tracks thus made, a force of at least
three hundred had of late passed along, and were
principally Indians. The foragers sent two mes-
sengers to apprise Colonel Willett of the fact,
and the remainder cautiously followed the trail
and found the encampment west of the present
buildings belonging to Frederick Hiller. Dcck-
stader had that day devastated Currytown and
taken several prisoners, a knowledge of which
had reached Willett, before the foraging messen-
gers had arrived, and he had sent a small force
to the relief of that settlement, but too late to
ba of service. When he was made acquainted of
the encampment, he at once, with that in-
trepidity that characterized his military life,
started with a small force to give battle to the
invaders. He bent his course to a small block-
house at Friesbush, then in command of Captain
Gross, where he increased his force, and having
men in his ranks that were from the neighbor-
hood, and had a perfect knowledge of the
grounds, he was led to make a circuitous march
to the west, and place his force, unperceived by
the enemy, in a ravine a short distance to the
south of the encampment, upon Engle's farm.
His march from Fort Plain and the placing of
his men was done during the night of the gth.
As day began to appear, he sent men out to
make a feint upon the east of the encampment,
and by broad daylight the whole force was
aroused and ready for pursuing the prowlers,
but a small squad was led off in an opposite
direction, which returned soon without meeting
any enemy or having their suspicions aroused.
Soon, one McAdemy, of " Turlah," and a Bel-
linger, of the Mohawk, cautiously approached
the encampment upon the south, and fired into
their camp and retreated. They being ready
to resume their march, gave chase to McAdemy
and his comrades, and were led over the ground
now occupied by the store and hotel —
along the present road leading to the south, and
down into the ravine, to the right, upon the
sides of which Willett's men were placed, to
give them an unexpected yet warm reception.
As the scouts had run quite a distance and were
very closely pursued, it was feared that as the
enemy entered the gully they would kill them.
Colonel Willett, who was stationed upon the
left, in his excitement, raised up and swung his
hat, exclaiming, " Give it to them, boys, I can
catch all the bullets the damn Indians can send."
At this, McKean and his men upon the right,
gave them a broadside, and the battle com-
menced. The Indians seeing they were cut off
from fighting from behind trees, pushed along
down the small stream to the southwest, and as
they emerged upon the flat, Willett's force and
theirs became mixed and they fought
" Hand to hand, and eye to eye,"
as at Oriskany, nearly one quarter of an hour,
when the Indians gave a whoop and made a
precipitate retreat to the southeast. Willett's
force followed nearly three miles, and returned
to care for the wounded, Over seventy of the
enemy were slain and five of the patriots, there
being also a few wounded, among whom was
the brave Major McKean. He was taken to Fort
Plain and survived but a few days. The next
day a party was sent to bury the slain, and
among them were found Jacob Diefendorf, a
lad taken prisoner at Currytown on the Qth,
and whom the savages had scalped upon their
retreat, also a small girl, who survived but a few
hours after being discovered. Mr. Diefendorf
lived to an advanced age, and became one of
the wealthiest men of Montgomery county.
While the battle of Sharon was of short dura-
tion and of less numbers than many others, yet
TOWN OF SHARON.
23'
hut few were more bloody and obstinate than
this. It was a counterpart to the one of Oris-
kany, in which that valor was displayed which so
nobly adorns the annals of American history.
Robert McKean was a native of Cherry Val-
ley, and at the head of a company early entered
the service as Captain. For bravery and vigil-
ance, he was promoted to Major, and his early
death was lamented by his comrades, especially
by his superior, Colonel Willett. McKean was
in several engagements, but in none displayed
fear or inaction, but on the contrary, the great-
est courage and wisdom. While holding a
captain's commission in 1780, he joined Van
Rensselaer with his company and a body of
Oneida Indians to intercept Sir John Johnson
in his devastation of the Mohawk valley.
His remains, we are told, were buried
near the fort at Fort Plain, and the little strong-
hold was named in honor of the brave officer,
Fort McKean.
"Colonel Marinus Willett was born at
Jamaica, Long Island, July 31, 1740. He was
a farmer's son, and early entered the Provincial
service, and was under Montgomery in his
northern expedition as Captain, and at the
opening of the campaign of 1777, was placed
in command of Fort Constitution as Lieutenant-
Colonel. During that year he was ordered to
Fort Stanwix, and after the unsuccessful attack
of Colonel St. Leger, he was left in command
until the summer of 1778, when he joined
Washington, and was engaged in the battle of
Monmouth. He was in Sullivan's invasion of
the Indian country in 1779, and actively en-
gaged in the Mohawk valley in 1780, 1781 and
1782. In 1792 he was appointed by Washing-
ton to treat with the Creek Indians, and the
same year appointed a Brigadier-General in the
army intended to act against the Northwestern
Indians. He declined, as he was opposed to
the expedition. He was Mayor of New York
City in 1807, and previous was Sheriff of that
county. In 1824 he was chosen Presidential
Elector, and was made president of the electoral
college. He died in New York August 22,
1830, in the ninety-first year of his age."*
* Benson J. Lossing.
We clip the following from the New York
Jinirnal <>f Commerce: —
" The coffin of Colonel Willett, who recently
died in this city, was made of pieces of wood
collected by himself many years ago, from
different Revolutionary grounds. The corpse,
in compliance with a written request of the de-
ceased, was habited in a complete suit of ancient
citizen's apparel, including an old fashioned
three-cornered hat, which had been preserved for
that purpose. It is estimated that seven thou-
sand persons passed through the house for the
purpose of viewing the remains."
At that time one Leem (Lamb) lived where
Augustus Parson now resides, and upon the
opposite side of the road lived the Hopper
family, upon the farm now owned by George
P. Hiller. They were sons-in-law of Har-
wanger, who fled to Canada in 1777. Mrs.
Harwanger was then living with Hopper and
sympathized with the patriots, and while the
battle was waging, she retired to the back of
the house and prayed to the God of Battles for
the patriots' success.
A few days previous to the battle, Leem
(Lamb) while asleep, dreamed that an army was
to invade the neighborhood, and it worked upon
his mind to that extent that he was led to re-
move his family to Fort Plain the day before
the battle. After the engagement, the remain-
der of the settlers quit their places for safety
and did not return until the close of the war,
except to gather their harvest.
In the fall of that year Mrs. Leem's (Lamb's)
daughter, Anna Maria, a young and blooming
girl of sixteen, walked over from Fort Plain
to the farm to pull flax, but a short distance
from the battle-ground, intending to return the
same night, but not being able to finish her
task, she made a bed of flax in one corner of
the lot and remained over night. The next
morning she arose with the sun and secured the
remainder and walked to the fort by dinner
time. How many of the girls of to-day would
dare do the same, or think they could even
walk that distance ? But few, if any. Con-
sidering the natural timidity of the female sex,
we think her a heroine, especially in lying
through the cheerless night, so near the blood-
232
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
stained battle-field, where imagination would
naturally see all the horrors of the strife re-
hearsed, and court the disagreeable nervousness
of fear, to insanity ! She afterwards became
the wife of one of the patriotic Karkers, of
New Rhinebeck, and the mother of a highly
respected family.
On the gth of July, 1881, a centennial celebra-
tion* was held upon the ground on which young
Diefendorf was scalped, and was attended by
several hundred citizens from the surrounding
country. John Beakley, Esq., presided, and ad-
dresses were made by John Van Schaick, Esq.,
and Watson Lamont, Esq., of Cobleskill. A poem
by Hon. John Bowdish, and historical address by
W. E. Roscoe, were read, and interspersed by
both vocal and instrumental music, which, taken
together, made very imposing and appropriate
ceremonies.
CAPTURE OF MYNDERT AND OTHERS.
The next hostile movement in the town was
made where the little hamlet long known as
Moak's Hollow now stands, and upon the farm
owned and occupied by Joseph Sharpe. About
the year 1755 or I7^°> one Christian Myndert,
now pronounced "Miner" settled upon Mr.
Sharpe's farm. His house stood a little north
of the foundry site upon the side hill, on the
farm near where the present one stands. Sev-
eral incursions were made during the season of
1781, by Colonel Willett's men to obtain sup-
plies from the Tories for the garrison at Fort
Plain, and squads of Indians were frequently
sent to intercept them, and were secreted by
the Tories to watch their opportunity to kill or
take them prisoners, but being too cowardly to
undertake such risks, they failed to be of ser-
vice until about the middle of September, 1782.
Myndert and family, knowing the Indians were
frequently secreted in the neighborhood, became
fearful of their safety, and in the fall of 1781,
removed to Middleburgh Fort, and returned in
the spring with several scouts, to do their spring's
work. In September, as above stated, he made
a bargain with six others to return to his farm,
to harvest his crops, agreeing with the six to
divide equally with them. Those that engaged
*See appendix.
in the speculation were Jacob and Philip Karker,
Lieutenant Jacob Borst, of Cobleskill, William
Kneiskern and two others whose names our in-
formant cannot recall.
Mrs. Myndert came over to cook for the party.
They had worked but a day or two, when one
afternoon it began to rain, and they sought the
house for shelter, not perceiving a squad of
Indians that had gained access to the barn,
assisted by one of the neighboring Tories. In
entering the house the party placed their guns in
one corner of the kitchen and sat down in front
of the fireplace to dry their clothing and while
chatting, without any idea of insecurity, the door
was thrown open and nine powerful Indians
with guns and tomahawks, headed by an invete-
rate Tory, rushed in, between the party and
their guns. The Karkers and Kneiskern en-
joyed a knock down, but the muzzle of the In-
dians' guns being brought to their breasts, they
agreed to submit as prisoners, and were soon on
the road to Niagara, by the way of the Susque-
hanna river, with their hands bound behind
them.
Mrs. Myndert was allowed to return to the
middle fort, alone, with the compliments of the
Tory commander, to Colonel Vroman. Upon
marching through the southern part of the town
they barely escaped a party of Willett's men,
who were upon a foraging expedition, and had
found shelter from the storm in the Tory Philip
Crysler's house, but a short distance from the
captors' and captives' path. The prisoners were
severely treated, especially as they passed
through Indian villages, when they were com-
pelled to run the gauntlet for the amusement of
the younger class of the "noble red man."
Their vengeance seemed to be more especially
upon Lieutenant Borst,, as he had been a terror
to the Indians and Tories. The prisoners
secretly consulted with each other, except Myn-
dert, upon the propriety of effecting an escape,
but hardly dared to speak of it to him as he
seemed to be a willing captive, but upon arriv-
ing at Niagara, they became better acquainted
and had opportunities to talk with him upon
their desired escape, and found he had wished
to broach the subject many times, but was fear-
ful of being unsuccessful. The whole party were
retained after peace was proclaimed, but they
TOWN OF SHARON.
233
made their escape by digging beneath the pick-
ets that enclosed their prison.
William Kneiskern was taken to Rebel Island
and there he secretly procured three brandy
casks and lashed them together and set him-
self afloat upon them. He safely landed
upon the American side several miles from the
Island and returned to his home. He after-
wards settled in Decatur, Otsego county, and
was one of four brothers living in Carlisle, two of
whom were loyal to the Crown and two true and
faithful patriots. Lieutenant Borst had acted as
scout through the war, previous to his captivity,
and being exposed to all kinds of weather and
hardships, he had contracted a severe cough,
which terminated in consumption and death, soon
after reaching home. Our informant, Solomon
Karker, is a nephew of the Karker prisoners, and
was conversant with the men themselves and has
been a faithful as well as retentive listener to
many interesting conversations between the ac-
tors of the Revolution.
We find many pages of charming reading in
the history of our County, in admiration of less
worthy characters than Lieutenant Borst. We
find, as in other cases, the praise of doing was
given many times to those who pretended to do
and the risks and valor of the quiet and un-
pretending were coveted by unprincipled braga-
docio, and handed down to us to admire. Borst
possessed one of the most daring spirits that
those times produced, and no labor, endurance,
danger or sacrifice was too great for him to lay
upon the altar of Liberty and Independence.
But the noble patriot lived not to enjoy the
sweets of his labors. He drooped and died as
the tree of liberty began to thicken with the
foliage of political and religious blessings.
The closing life of Rev. Peter N. Sommers,
was passed in this town, a few rods to the west
of the " St. John's Evangelical church." After
preaching over forty years, in various places, but
principally at Schoharie, and becoming blind,
he settled here and preached occasionally in the
neigh iring churches and houses. Formerly he
perforn. ' his ministerial journeys on foot and
undoubtedly did not consider his task any more
laborious than do many of our modern preach-
ers that have two parishes under their charge a
few miles apart. The people of those days
seemed to have been created with constitutional
strength and capacity for the times, and no
amount of endurance was too great for them.
Sommers was a ripe scholar and wrote several
theological works, also a dictionary of F.nglish,
High and Low Dutch, words and scriptural pas-
sages, which we believe to be the first one writ-
ten in America, and which is now in the care of
the Lutheran Archaeological Institute at Gettys-
burgh, with other works of his composition.
We believe his ability to have been greater
than is generally conceded, from the fact that
his charges were made up of a too illiterate class
of people to appreciate his talents. Yet his
ministry was successful in the extreme, which
shows a mark of greatness in humbling his tal-
ented mind to parallel ideas and reasonings of
his rude and uneducated flocks. His nephew,
Mr. David Sommers, has the old gentleman's
Bible, which he brought with him from Germany,
and from which he preached so faithfully and
earnestly so many long years. The book is
bound with heavy hog-skin leather over oak
board covers of three-eighths inch thickness, and
formerly decorated with heavy brass clasps. The
book is prodigious in dimensions, it being nearly
eight inches in thickness, eighteen in length, and
twelve in breadth, and embellished with large
wood cuts of very fine workmanship for those
times. It bears the date of 1736. It being
very heavy and having been carried here and
there, during the Revolution, for safety, and
many times the exigency of the case could not
warrant careful handling, it has sprung the bind-
ing, but otherwise it has been kept very neat,
and is in a good state of preservation. It is a
relic of great worth, and a place should be es-
tablished by the County for the keeping of all
such boons as have been handed down to us by
our worthy ancestors, there to be preserved in
the original form. Those writings at Gettys-
burgh should adorn the shelves of a like place
in our County, or State, at least. Mr. Som-
mers showed us a manuscript of Bible passages
in English, High and Low Dutch, that were
written by his grandfather, in a plain, neat and
precise manner, and which we think were for
school purposes, as it was common for the then
languages to be used, independent of each other
in the schools and religious meetings. Reverend
234
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Sommers organized the Rhinebeck and "Tur-
lah " churches, in 1775. The former was called
" St. Peter's," and the latter " St. John's." The
Turlah meetings, previous to 1796, were held in
barns, (they being more spacious than the
houses,) when a church edifice was built upon
the brow of the hill below Mr. Empie's,
but which was taken down upon the building of
the present structure. A few graves mark the
spot, as well as the neglect of the present age
in caring for the resting places of those who
founded our happy homes. Rev. Henry A.
Moeller, was the first resident pastor, as also of
St. Peter's, and the same pastors officiated in
the two churches up to the closing of services
in that ancient edifice. Since that time the
following have been the pastors, with the dates
of their coming, as near as Mr. David Som-
mers can inform us : —
1842 — James Fenner.
1845 — A. L. Bridgman.
1847 — Martin J. Stover.
1848— W. H. Emerick.
1855 — L. Swackhammer.
1858— H. Wheeler.
1864— N. Wert.
1866 — Hemperly.
1868— I. S. Porter.
1870— N. Klock.
1874— Henry Keller.
1877 — do
1877 — M. J. Stover, and present.
The first records of this society are lost, and
the present ones, as with the majority of
churches, are not kept in a systematic manner,
as they should be. This society was re-organ-
ized on the 6th of June, 1808, according to an
act of legislature passed the 27th of March,
1 80 1. We find Jacob Anthony, Peter Traber,
and Nicholas Sommers, were then trustees, and
Jacob Crounse, clerk. The articles of organ-
ization were signed by Henry France, and John
Sommers. During the long term of years since
that day, we find, with the exception of a few
short seasons, that David Sommers, Robert S.
Conyer, and John H. Sternbergh, have officiated
as clerks of the society.
The Reformed Church of Dor lack was erected
the same year that the Lutherans built the
church upon the hill, and still stands as a
monument of other days. It has been twice
repaired since its erection. The organization
dates back to 1771, and was sustained in
conjunction with the "Rhinebeck Reformed"
(now Lawyersville,) as St. Peter's and St.
John's were, although two, yet one.
There was not a resident pastor over the
organizations until the year 1796, and from that
date to the present time nearly the same pas-
tors have officiated as at New Rhinebeck and
Lawyersville : —
1796-1798 — Bort.
1801-181 1 — Labagh.
1816-1820 — U. Jones.
1 82 9- 1 83 2 — Raymond.
1833-1837 — Bassler.
1 83 8 - 1 840 — Frazee.
1841-1845 — Chitenden.
1 846- 1 848— -Bogardus.
1849-1850 — Eckel.
1852-1853— Julian.
1855-1856— N. W. Jones, [ss.]
1856-1864 — Raymond.
1867-1871 — VanWoert.
1871-1874— Shaffer.
1875-1877 — Carr.
1877-1879 — Kershaw, [ss.]
At present the church is without a pastor,
and as to the organization, all that can be
gleaned is given in the Cobleskill Chapter of
this work, under the head of the Reformed
Church of Lawyersville.
We will here add, that a more regular organi-
zation than at first of this branch was made the
3ist of July, 1795. It should be understood
that the churches formed in the border settle-
ments, at an early day, were not organized as
at a later date. There was no formality, but
simply a "coming together" and establishing a
society without any prescribed rules or instruc-
tions from Synods or Presbyteries, and when
they became established, and the head-orders
of the church able to reach them and assist,
they re-organized them, according to estab-
lished tenets of such church.
Condition of Settlers. — While the settlers of
the town were well-to-do farmers up to the
TOWN OF SHARON.
235
years 1780 and 1781, the inroads made upon
their productions by Colonel Willett and In-
dians, left them in poverty and compelled the
most of them to resort to Schoharie or the Mo-
hawk. They did not feel safe personally, and
to delve along through the season and have it
taken from them in the fall without a recom-
pense was too discouraging, and they quit their
places, as the timid and the bold Tories had
done before. When peace was proclaimed they
returned, bringing with them others, who settled
near, and all began to make the forest again
disappear before their vigorous strokes, and by
the year 1800 but a small part, if any, of the
town remained unoccupied.
Several farms were confiscated, as their own-
ers had proved loyal to the Crown, and did
everything to injure the Colonial cause. And
several instances occurred where a covetous
neighbor made charges of Toryism against
others to obtain his possessions at reduced rates,
which caused no little trouble,and also implant-
ed a hatred that is easily aroused, even at this late
day. Such charges were not sustained, as it
was an easy matter to convince by positive
proof, the confiscation committee of true pa-
triotism or Toryism. We can say the settlers as
they returned were poor, and the year 1 784 was
one of hardships to them, as the fore part of
the season was continual rain, and the latter
continual drought. Petitions were sent abroad
to older settlements for subsistence, and were
liberally responded to, which perhaps saved
them from famine.
Turnpike. — In 1793 the route of the " Great
Western Turnpike" was laid out through the
town, and promises made of a great western
thoroughfare that would prove of immense
advantage to the country. But long years
passed before a regular wagon road was con-
structed, not until 1806 and 1807. In 1802
the Loonenbergh road (now Athens-on-the-
Hudson) was surveyed but not completed until
1 8 10 and 1811. These roads were the great
thoroughfares, and both running through the
town, gave an impetus in business that was
astonishing. The immigration from the Hud-
son river counties and the Eastern States to the
west was made by ox and horse teams before
large covered wagons with broad tire, and the
country being new produced a large quantity
of grain, which was carted to Albany and
Catskill, making an immense amount of travel,
and gave existence to numberless houses of
entertainment then called taverns.
Taverns. — The first one upon the Loonen-
bergh road that we will notice was at Beekman's
Corners, kept by Jacob Crounse, of Guilder-
land, a ready compounder of "flips" and
" toddy," much to the satisfaction of his many
customers, and above him, to the west, was one
kept by Cornelius Beekrnan, son of Judge
Beekman.
Militia training was here frequently held, and it
was during one of the drills at this place in
1812, that Lieutenant William Elmandorf, of
Lawyersville, (and afterwards Major) procured
a fifer and drummer, and marched around the
grounds calling for volunteers to join the army
on the northern frontier. This company was
the first that went from Schoharie County, and
did signal service, as will be seen by consulting
Chapter IV.
BEEKMAN'S CORNERS.
Beekman's Corners which seems to be so iso-
lated at the present time, was in the first quarter
of the century the most prominent part of the
town, with the exception of Leesville. Here
Judge Beekman resided, and around him clus-_
tered a sturdy class of people who looked upon
him with honor and marked confidence. During
a somewhat heated political campaign, a warm
politician of the Whig faction asked a neighbor
of his if he would support the Whig candidate.
He thought a moment and replied, " Shust as
Shudge Peekmon dells me." We find the old
settlers of each settlement had their confidential
advisor, and every matter was left to him, on
the plea that they had not the time to consider
weighty matters. A short distance to the east
Peter A. Hilton, a very energetic man, after a
few years in the mercantile trade near the Centre
church in Seward, built the present brick man-
sion and storehouse now owned and occupied
by Mr. John Pindar. Mr. Hilton held several
official positions in the town, beside represent-
ing the town in the Board of Supervisors in
236
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
1815 and again in 1819. He represented the
County in the Assembly in 1812, 1813, 1816
and 1817, with Heman Hickok, Wrn. C. Bouck,
Thomas Lawyer, Isaac Barber and Aaron Hub-
bard, and proved a successful legislator. A
copartnership was formed between him and
Jacob Crounse, which lasted several years.
Becoming aged he sold his farm to Judge
Robert Eldredge and settled at Hyndsville in
1838, wheie his son continues the mercantile
business.
Robert Eldredge was supervisor of the town
in 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1834, 1835, 1836 and
1840, member of assembly, in 1826 and 1831,
with Martinus Mattice of Middleburgh, and
Daniel Hager, Jr., of North Blenheim, and re-
ceived the appointment of assistant judge of
Common Pleas, in 1832. While we are not led
to think that as grave and intricate judicial la-
bors and duties engaged the minds of the two
judges found here, as now, yet we find they per-
formed their duties assigned them, with satisfac-
tion and dignity. Judge Eldredge was an asso-
ciate with John C. Wright, and was born in this
town in 1795, and died in December, 1848,
consequently was fifty-three years of age.
His grandfather, Edward Eldredge, in com-
pany with a brother, emigrated from Wales,
and settled upon Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
After residing there a short time,he came to this
town in 1788.
He had five sons. Barnabas was the fourth,
and was the father of Robert and Seth. He
represented the County in the legislature in
1820, and 1821. Seth also held the same posi-
tion in 1844, and his son Edward in 1865. Thus
we see the Eldredge family have been prominent
citizens of the town and County, in an official
point of view, and perhaps few families can be
found, who possess the genius required to "keep a
hotel " equal to this family, from the oldest to the
youngest. Their fame is known to the travel-
ling public, as adepts in the business to which
we shall hereafter have occasion to allude.
While we are here at the " corners," it would
be unjust not to refer to one who was long a
resident here, and whose career has been quite
different from those of whom we have made
mention. While they were useful in the official
arena, solving intricate legal questions and de-
bating upon enactments, this quiet neighbor
attended to the ills to which the flesh is heir,
and spent many years in literary pursuits, beside
studying the art of portrait painting — three
avocations that are the least appreciated by the
majority of people, and upon the labors of which
fortune has but few smiles as financial emolu-
ments.
Dr. Sylvanus Palmer. — In 1840 the political
excitement over Harrison's election ran to ex-
tremes. While the nation was awakened to
sing "Zip Coon," drink hard cider and build
log houses in honor of the rural birth and life
of " Tippecanoe," New York was also ablaze
over hsr Gubernatorial election, especially
Schoharie County, as the Democratic candi-
date was one of her prominent citizens. Wm.
C. Bouck, Wm. H. Seward and Gerritt Smith
were the contestants, but Seward being in the
all-powerful current with Harrison, he was elec-
ted by a majority of 2,541 over both Bouck
and Smith. Believing in Bouck's honesty and
popularity, his adherents kept his political vir-
tues before the people and renominated him
in 1842 and were successful in his election.
Great excitement prevailed, and during the two
campaigns numberless grave and humorous
missives were published and sung against Bouck
and the party that elected him. There never
was an election that brought out more political
genius and wit than those of 1840 and 1842.
Governor Bouck had held various official posi-
tions, among which was that of Canal Commis-
sioner, and in the performance of his duties he
rode a gray mare, as he superintended all the
works himself and did not entrust them to sub-
officers. His opponents said he was so accus-
tomed to stop upon meeting any one to shake
hands, for political objects, that the old mare did
not require a rein or word of command in carry-
ing Bouck from one end of the "canawl" to the
other, and stopping to allow him to shake hands
with working men— especially before election.
The famous Sour Krout Message was pub-
lished without a knowledge of the author, and
created an endless amount of merriment. Dr.
Palmer was the author, and was known in the
literary world as Peter Paradox. He was born
TOWN OF SHARON.
237
near Canastota station on the 4th of August,
1804. He was a teacher in his earliest days,
and commenced the study of medicine in the
office of Dr. Shepherd, at Lawyersville, in 1822,
and began to practice in that town immediately
after receiving his license in 1825. He mairied
Mary, the daughter of Major Elmandorf, in
1826. The Doctor early cultivated an artistic
taste, and painted many portraits that exhibit
his genius in the art. His literary productions
have been many, and each are in commend-
able taste, in sentiment humorous and display
ingenius wit from a copious fount. No more
agreeable conversationalist could be found than
the doctor, and he was ever ready to be amusing
and instructive. He died suddenly at his home,
in October, 1880.
Farther on to the west, near the Reformed
church, an inn was kept for many years by John
Vanderwerken, under whose supervision the
annual three days' horse racing was witnessed,
much to the merriment of the country folk and
advantages of "mine host's pocket-book." The
people of this section were, as of others to which
we have referred, fond of "gala days," such as
"training," "horse racing" and " law suits," and
turned out without regard to age, condition or
sex. Farther on to the west was the last "stop-
ping place " for travelers, and nightly gather-
ings for neighbors on the Loonenbergh in the
town of Sharon. It was known as the " Sharpe
place" for many years, and was long occupied
by Daniel Feathers, previous to his removal to
Rockville.
ENGLE'S MILLS.
Peter, Martin, Mathias, Jacob and Henry
"-. sons of Jacob Engle, of Berne, Albany
county, settled in this County about the year
1798. The latter located in the town of Mid-
dleburgh, while the former four brothers settled
in this town. They are of the same family origi-
nally of those spelling the name with an A, mak-
ing it Angle, that are numerous throughout the
County. Engleh correct, and should be adopted
by the whole family. Peter Engle built a grist-
mill about the year 1810, and during his life
built there at different times, near the present
mill site. His son, Moses Engle, is the present
prop ietor, and although the silv<.r ti its of age
crown his locks, yet the vigor of his muscular
frame bids fair for him to witness the centennial
year of his father's settlement upon the farm.
The first settlers of this portion of the town were
the Baxter family, the descendants of whom yet
live near.
LEESVILLE.
Upon establishing a mail route over the
great western turnpike in 1805, Sharon post-
office was here located, and for many years
this little hamlet was the chief business center.
Here were three hotels, two stores, a tannery,
beside blacksmith and other shops that are
usually found in a busy country village. Here
Calvin Rich settled in 1784 from Sharon, Conn.
He was of a legal turn of mind, and did con-
siderable business in justice courts, and during
the war of 1812 he was Colonel upon the north
ern frontier in General Richar J Dodge's brigade.
Mrs. Cornelius Lane, of Friesbush, is a daughter
of the Colonel, and is the only one of the family
left in this section of the country. The Colonel
settled upon the farm now owned and occupied
by Alvin Dockstader. At the time of Rich's
settlement there were others from the east that
settled near that we will here mention, before
we allude to the present.
Calvin Pike came in 1785, settled upon Clin-
ton Lehman's present place, and was, like Colo-
nel Rich, a Yankee and pettifogger in law, being
Rich's opponent usually in legal troubles. These
two men were without doubt better qualified for
public officials than many that were chosen, but
being extreme Federalists they were not thus
honored.
Hezekiah Adams came from Massachusetts
about the year 1785, and settled upon the farm
now owned by Joseph Ward, and was the father
of the present Mrs. Daniel Feathers, Mrs. John
Pindar, Mrs. Anthony Simmons, Mrs. Walter
Walradt and Henry Adams, of Troy, Wisconsin.
John Hutt, another Yankee, came in the same
year and settled upon the George Dunkle place,
and built the first saw-mill in the present terri-
tory of the town. He afterwards built clothing
works down near the sulphur springs long before
any road but a foot-path was constructed to
238
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
reach it from the present turnpike. A short
distance below, Oraed La Grange built a small
grist-mill near where Bang's plane factory
stands, about the year 1798.
DORMANT VILLAGES.
The old turnpikes are but little traveled at
the present time, and_the rattling stage-coaches
have vanished, and in their stead the screeching,
puffing iron-horse, before long trains of moving
palaces, wind around the hills, occasionally
crossing the old roads, but unblushingly pass on
without "paying toll" at the rate of speed that
would leave the "Jehu's" of other days far back
in the shade, wondering what will come next.
The grass nearly covers the old road-bed-
gloom is written upon the crumbling mile-stones,
and this small hamlet, as many others along
the turnpike lines that were once. so busy, is
growing grey with the moss of inactivity.
Most of the route taken by the railroad
through Sharon and Seward was surveyed for
the Erie Canal before its construction along the
Mohawk, to intersect the Hudson at Catskill,
upon the supposition that the distance would
be lessened from Buffalo to tidewater by cut-
ting across from Utica. If this route had been
established, Catskill would have been to-day;
what Albany is, as a business center.
In visiting Leesville we find a few aged ones
remaining as links of the past, but none as active
as Mathew Ottman, at the age of eighty-one. Ac-
companying him in a walk of one mile and one
half over railroad ties, we found him too active
to make the walk agreeable to us, whose years
are but half of his. He assured us he chopped
his two cords of wood each day the last winter,
and " did his chores." While a young man,
his strength was great, as upon a wager he
carried eleven bushels of wheat across the barn
floor. He stood upon his hands and knees,
while others piled the bags upon his back, and
carried the eleven bushels without faltering.
Mr. Ottman's father was William Ottman, one
of the three brothers that were taken prisoners
in the fall of 1782, as stated in the Seward Chap-
ter, and is a genuine type of the early settlers,
not gigantic in size, but of medium height and
muscular. He is a consistent member of the
Lutheran church, and was instrumental in the
building of the same at this place by his liberal-
ity and labors. This organization is called the
"Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reforma-
tion, of Leesville."
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reforma-
tion, of Leesville. — This church was organized
by Rev. Philip Weiting, in 1853. The first
officers were : —
Trustees — Mathew Ottman, John H. Snyder
and Sebastian Fonda.
Deacons — Mathew Ottman and J. H. Sny-
der.
Clerk— Peter A. Ham.
The following were the pastors : —
P. Weiting,
George Young,
M. Kling,
William H. Sheldon,
Jacob Rosenbergh,
G. W. Hemperly,
Chauncey Diefendorf,
James Weaver,
Samuel Bruce.
A. L. Bridgman.
The edifice was built in 1854 upon grounds
formerly occupied by a hotel long kept by Elihu
Eldredge.
Leesnille Baptist Church.— The Rev. R. H.
Weeks, present pastor of this church, in a com-
munication, says : —
" It was constituted August 6, 1835, with
twenty-nine members, twelve of whom were
males, and seventeen were females, who had
been connected with the church at Argusville.
During the first years of its history, its increase
in membership was rapid, and it soon numbered
more than one hundred. Since then, it has
passed the usual experience of churches, of in-
crease and diminution. A goodly number of its
members have entered and become useful in
the gospel ministry. One is now pursuing a
course of study at Hamilton, with reference to
the sacred office. Our present membership
numbers one hundred and ten.
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TOWN OF SHARON.
239
The present deacons are : —
Adam Shaul,
Christopher Plainer,
Jacob Hone.
The following is a list of the pastors, with
their terms of service : —
1835-1839-
1839-1848-
1848-1849-
1850-1856-
1856-1860-
1860-1867-
1867-1870-
1870-1873-
1873-1880-
1880-
-Henry Topping.
-George F. Post.
-John Fulton.
-Peter Goo.
-C. C. Bourne.
-Roswell Collins.
-C. C. Hart.
-E. Jewett.
-J. M. Joslyn.
-R. H. Weeks.
The clerks have been : —
1835-1838 — Phineas Rowley.
1838-1849— W. L. Judd.
1850-1852 — Henry H. Poland.
1852-1857 — A. Haner.
1857-1860 — J. L. Fox.
1860-1863 — A. Haner.
1863-1865 — Albert Hone.
1865-1868 — Nelson Handy.
1868-1870 — Albert Hone.
1870-1882— George Tucker."
The house of worship was moved from its
original location to its present one in 1852.
John Beekman, son of Judge Beekman, was
for a long time an enterprising merchant at this
hamlet, beside William Becker, Nelson El-
dredge, Garrett Hone, W. E. Sprong — Hone &
Sprong were partners. Mr. Sprung removed
to Rockville, and in connection with Mr.
Nathan Stratton managed a co-operative store,
which proved a success, it being the only one of
the kind in the County. In justice to an able
official we will here refer to Mr. William E.
Sprong, who has held the office of Justice in the
town for the term of thirty-one years. His
early life was spent in teaching school and
serving as legal scribe of the neighborhood in
which his services as teacher were required.
Removing from Argusville to Leesville in 1848,
he was immediately elected Justice, which office
he still holds.
Sharon Cemetery. — This Cemetery Associa-
tion was formed in 1867, and their grounds,
lying east of the village of Leesville, command
one of the finest views to be found in the coun-
try. The plats are artistically laid out, and
cover seven acres of ground.
ROCKVIU.K.
Upon the completion of the turnpike the
rush of travelers being great, Barnabas Eldredge
purchased a building that stood east of "Shaul's"
present hotel, and for a while kept by Isaac
Tinkum as an inn, and removed it across the
road upon the grounds of " Feathers' Hotel."
Tinkum built in 1808. Eldredge kept this
house for many years, and from time to time
additions were made to it. It became the
property of Daniel Feathers, and was burned in
1864. The present structure was erected in
1865, it being a portion of " Carlisle Seminary."
Quite a settlement was made here at the
"Rocks" as it is familiarly called, before any
village existed near the springs. In 1863
S. Shaul built the hotel opposite of Feathers, for
the accommodation of summer boarders, and
each enjoys a lucrative patronage each season.
SHARON SPRINGS.
Long years before any efforts were made to
accommodate the health-seeking populace, the
mineral property of the different springs at-
tracted those troubled with cutaneous diseases.
The afflicted for many miles around procured
the waters in quantity and used them at their
homes, and found them beneficial. The Indi-
ans also used them, as when the whites first
came here trees were marked leading to them
from every direction. One of the Mohawk's
paths leading to the Charlotte led past them,
and many trinkets and utensils cut from stone
were found here, which lead us to conjecture
that an encampment was occasionally made by
them. Owing to the customs or negligent care
of their bodies, the Indians are much afflicted
with cutaneous diseases, especially in the spring
time, and undoubtedly they found relief in the
use of these waters.
The first steps taken to accommodate the
public, were by David Eldredge who moved a
240
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
house that stood near the " Pavilion " down
near the Springs in 1825, and kept a few board-
ers. Believing the enterprise could be made
a success, the next season he added to his
accommodations, and the season following was
favored with twenty-five boarders, which num-
ber increased each season, and others were led
to embark in the business. In 1836 a com-
pany from New York City built a large board-
ing-house, the "Pavilion," for the better con-
venience of visitors, which has received several
additions from time to time and is now capable
of accommodating five hundred boarders. Be-
side the main building, the present proprietors,
J. H. Gardner & Son, have built seven highly
finished and furnished cottages (for private
families), that are in close proximity to the
"Pavilion," and form the largest establishment
at the Spa, or in the County. We believe the
building was opened under the management of
"Getty & Williams," in 1837, and soon after
by J. K. Gardner and Joseph Landon. After,
the firm was changed to Gardner & Joslin, and
then again to Gardner & Landon, the latter
being William, a nephew of Joseph, a former
partner. Mr. Gardner at last became sole
owner and connected himself with his son, J.
H. Gardner, Jr., and formed the present firm
of J. H. Gardner & Son. By Mr. Gardner's
practical method of managing affairs, the enter-
prise has proved a success as a profitable invest-
ment and model establishment.
From time to time other large hotels have
been erected at great expense, and we find to-
day ten large hotels, including the two already
mentioned at Rockville. Numberless private
families also accommodate boarders through
the season, making an interesting- and attractive
center. The following are the main hotels and
present proprietors: —
Pavilion— J. H. Gardner & Son.
Empire — Geo. J. Best.
Union Hall— Christian Saur.
Howland House— Sarah Rowland.
American — N. M. LaRue.
Park House— Fred Eigan.
Rockville Hotel— C. Shaul.
Sharon House— Peter Sharpe.
Feathers' House— Daniel Feathers
Fire has laid three large hotels in ashes within
a few years that added very much to the appear-
ance of the place and accommodation of visitors.
Jacob J. Anthony built a fine building in 1857,
known as the "Anthony House," but the fall of
1860 found it in ashes. Another of greater
dimensions was built in the season following
which also burned in December, 1879.
Eldredge House. — Seth Eldredge, whom we
have already noticed, built a large hotel upon
Main street in 1850, and opened it to the
public in June, 1851. Several additions were
made to it as patronage increased, and upon
its burning in August, 1873, three hundred
boarders could be pleasantly accommodated.
Mr. Eldredge was connected with his son-in-
law, William Landon, a former partner of J. H.
Gardner. Mr. Eldredge, after an active and
useful life, died June 24, 1880.
Congress Hall. — H. J. Bangs, of New York
City, purchased the land surrounding the Springs
and built a large hotel in the summer of 1860.
He expended a large amount of money in beau-
tifying the grounds ; building arbors, temples,
and laying out walks; building bath-rooms and
other improvements for the convenience and
pleasure of visitors. The hotel burned in the
fall of 1875, entailing a heavy loss.
Mr. Bangs erected a large building near the
cascade for the manufacture of carpenters'
planes, but it proved a non-paying enterprise.
We cannot recall a man that has done as much
for the prosperity of the place as Mr. Bangs.
He came to it with a fortune and expended it
here, and upon his death was a poor man.
The analysis of the waters found at this cele-
brated Spa is, as furnished by Dr. J. Green : —
White Sulphur Spring.
Solid contents of one gallon :
Bicarbonate of Magnesia 24 Gr.
Sulphate of Magnesia 34 "
Sulphate of Lime 85.4 "
Hydrosulphate of Magnesia and
Lime 3 "
Chloride of Sodium and Magne-
sium.
2-7
149.1
TOWN OF SHARON.
241
Hydrosulphuric Acid Gas, or Sul-
phureted Hydrogen 20.5 cubic in.
Temperature invariably 48° F.
Magnesia Spring.
Solid contents of one gallon :
Bicarbonate of Magnesia 30.5 Gr.
Sulphate of Magnesia 22.7 "
Sulphate of Lime 76 "
Hydrosulphate of Magnesia and
Lime 5 "
Chloride of Sodium and Magne-
sium .
132.7
Hydrosulphuric Acid Gas, or Sul-
phureted Hydrogen 3.3 cubic in.
Temperature invariably 48° F.
Gardner Magnesia Spring.
Solid contents of one gallon :
Sulphate of Magnesia 19.680 Gr.
Sulphate of Lime 93-5°° "
Bicarbonate of Magnesia 1.360 "
Bicarbonate of Lime 9.698 "
Bicarbonate of Soda 554 "
Chloride of Sodium 1-232 "
Chloride of Magnesium 438 "
Chloride of Calcium 162 "
Sulphurets Calcium and Magnesia .625 "
Silicic Acid 400 "
127.649
Sulphuric Hydrogen 6.00 cubic in.
Carbonic Acid 2.22
Atmospheric Air 3.00
11.22
Temperature invariably 48° F.
Many hundreds flock to this Spa yearly for
health and pleasure, more particularly the latter,
as at all other American resorts, and owing to
the shortness of the seasons, much must be done
in a short space of time, which makes an un-
usually lively place while the heated term lasts.
Sharon Springs has all the facilities for and
characteristics of a much larger and more pro-
gressive resort, but why they are not employed
and expanded we are unable to tell. The stream
running through and the cascade below the
village, are of romantic beauty. The scenery,
pleasant drives, wholesome atmosphere, and
qualities of the springs, all invite and attract
the tourist ; while a fine stone quarry, an abun-
dance of building timber, pleasant building sites,
and a rich, productive country surrrounding,
should induce the residents to more pride and
enterprise, to do their part as nature has, in
making the place a lively competitor to other
resorts. Here are presented to the geologist
many beautiful specimens of fossil leaves and
moss, whose tiny ribs and thread-like branches
are perfectly preserved, and may be found upon
the surface as well as beneath. In a small cave
near — like a hidden casket — nature has placed
the rare mineral Anhydrous Sulphate of Lime,
though not in a large quantity, as decora position
of crystals is continually going on nearly in the
same ratio of forming.
There are many wealthy families of various
cities that yearly come to this place to spend
the heated term, that do much for the benefit of
the community. For their convenience and the
good of the place, they formed a Church of the
English order, and built a neat edifice and par-
sonage of Gothic architecture, that add much
to the beauty and appearance of the village.
J. H. Gardner has, since its erection, been
the leading officer of the organization, and
under his earnest and watchful care, and the
labors of the pastor, Rev. Paige, the church
stands at the head of the order in the County.
Another worker in the Christian cause is the
Roman Catholic Church of Sharon Springs,
known as " St. Mary's Church," It is connected
with the rectory of the Canajoharie Society, and
has been under the pastorate of the following
priests : Fathers Brennan, Halligan and Zoker.
The latter gentleman at present officiates, but
intends soon to return to Ireland, his native
land, and retire from ministerial duties, after a
very useful and exemplary life of many years in
America. The edifice was built as a Union
Church in 1857, but was not sustained, and the
Roman Catholics purchased the property in
1859.
Merchants. — Marshall N. De Noyelles, now of
Schoharie, was the first general merchant at the
242
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Spa, beginning about the year 1848, and con-
tinuing several years. Mr. De Noyelles was
supervisor of the town in 1854, 1859, 1860,
1865, 1867, 1868, and was an influential mem-
ber of the Board, beside a practical business
man. He was followed by Nathan W. Stratton,
in general merchandise, who was also super-
visor in 1871, 1872, and is at present in trade.
John B. Hoag was for several years a contem-
porary with Messrs. De Noyelles and Stratton.
He was Supervisor of the town in 1869, 1870,
and elected to the Assembly in 1874. Mr. Hoag
removed to Kansas, and now represents his
adopted county in the Legislature of that State.
Mr. Fitch is at present in trade, also Wm.
H. Beekman, who is the only one of the late
Judge Beekman's family bearing the name now
residing in the town. Mr. Beekman removed
from Beekman's Corners, where he was engaged
in trade.
SHARON CENTRE.
Two miles east of the Springs, Jacob Hiller
settled in 1785, and when the turnpike was
built he engaged in the hotel business. A store
and a few houses were soon erected, and an-
other hamlet received its birth to be killed by
the enterprise and intelligence of a later day.
But a short distance to the east John Beakley
settled at an early day, about the year 1785,
and we find him a member of the "Sharon
Felicity Lodge" (Masonic) in 1800. His son,
John Beakley, Jr., has been one of the prom-
inent citizens of the town for many years, hav-
ing been Supervisor in 1844 and 1864, and held
the office of Justice of the Peace for sixteen
years, beside other local positions of honor and
trust. Near the Beakley farm Cornelius Van
Alstine, of the Mohawk valley, early kept an
inn, as did his neighbor, Adam Dockstader, a
short distance below. While they acted well
their part as citizens, successful farmers and
obliging landlords, they long since removed
their creaking, swinging signs, and passed away
themselves, leaving their families to enjoy the
fruits of their active labors.
SHARON, OR MOAK'S HOLLOW.
Christian Myndert was the first resident here,
and upon the survey being made for the turn-
pike Tinas Pynneo, a practical physician from
New England, purchased from Myndert the
farm now owned in part by Seneca Bergh, and
sometime after 1795 built a house for the pub-
lic convenience, which was soon occupied by
Elisha S. Wales and his son-in-law, Joseph
Alexander, from Arlington, Vermont. Alexan-
der kept a store and Wales the inn. The
former died in 1803, and his widow afterwards
married John Sharpe, who became the father of
Joseph Sharp, the present resident of the
Myndert farm. Upon the death of Mr. Sharpe
his widow married Jedediah Miller. Another
daughter married John Redington, who, upon
the death of Mr. Redington, and her sister, Mrs.
Miller, became the second wife of Miller. Mr.
Wales met with a sudden death on the loth
of May, 1808, near the present residence of
Orrin Griffith. He was upon a heavy load of
potash, going to Albany, and having occasion
to get off the load, he endeavored to mount the
same while the team was in motion. He slip-
ped and fell beneath the broad-tire wheels, and
was literally crushed. The property was soon
purchased by Zachary Keyes, an Eastern man.
" Zack Keyes," as he was familiary called, was a
cute, fun loving, hospitable, yet rough man, and
was known from one end of the road to the
other as a practical joker. Many anecdotes are
still related of him which are amusing and
enough to fill a goodly sized volume. One
perhaps will suffice. A temperance organiza-
tion was formed in the town and its members
knowing Zack's love of the cup, asked him in a
very polite way to join. Ready at all times to
comply with the wishes of his neighbors, he
agreed to do so immediately, upon one condi-
tion, "to be allowed to use stimulants in the
form of liquor when he washed sheep." Having,
as most Yankees, a large flock, the temperance
men did not mistrust any joke, from the fact
that it was customary for all to use spirits upon
that " chilly occasion," and they agreed to his
proposal, thinking they were about to gain one
good step towards a reformation of the man.
Zack had a cosset sheep running in the yard,
and whenever a chum asked him to drink or
he felt thirsty, he would catch the cosset and
throw him in a large tub filled with water which
he had placed on purpose for the occasion. He
TOWN OF SHARON.
243
was sure to drink before and after the opera
tion. The poor sheep, if not the lodge in
general, must have had but little faith in the
" reform " as far as Zack was concerned, as it
was compelled to undergo the washing several
times each day. He was a free-hearted, jolly,
business man, and remained here several years,
but at last removed to Cherry Valley where he
died. Reuben Moak followed Keyes in the
hotel, bsside keeping a variety store, and the
hamlet has borne the sobriquet of Monk's Hol-
loiv ever since.
Peter Cross, Joseph H. Ramsey, D. J. Dow
and others have been engaged in the mercantile
business here, but at present that branch of
industry has flown.
About 1805 a small tannery was established
near the bridge by one Sweatman, who built
the house opposite of Mr. Sharp's. In 1847
the " Eagle Foundry " was built and conducted
by Anthony, who manufactured "sweep"
horse-powers, and afterwards invented Harder's
"Fearless" tread-powers. In 1848 or 1849,
Elias Paige became the proprietor, and was suc-
ceeded by his son-in-law, George Fox, who was
the proprietor when the establishment burned
in the fall of 1880.
Back of Mr. Seneca Bergh's house upon the
hill, near a few poplar trees, was a race-course
and training ground, upon which a sad accident
occurred at a Polk and Dallas ratification meet-
ing in the fall of 1844. A small six-pound
cannon was being used upon the occasion,
which the young and much-excited people
" crowded " in loading, to cause it to "speak in
louder terms." Sods and pounded stone were
used, which, making a dead weight for the
powder to move, caused it to burst, throwing
the trunnion several rods and killing James
Van Schaaick, a promising man, instantly. He
was the son of Koert Van Schaaick, a Revolu-
tionary veteran, who removed from Monmouth,
New Jersey, to Glen, Montgomery county, in
1796, and from thence to this place in 1800.
There were four sons, two only with families,
but one now living. Joseph W., recently de-
ceased was an extensive farmer, and being hon-
ored with various local offices, from time to
time, and serving upon the Board of Super-
visors in 1849, he won, by his strict integrity,
conscientious principles and upright dealings,
the explicit confidence of all who knew him,
and their verdict " An honest man ! " LerTret G.
is also a prosperous farmer and another ex-
ample of integrity. These families are true
descendants of the Manhatten Van Schaaick's,
who were burgomasters of that ancient city.
SHARON HILL.
Soon after the building of the Bergh Hotel,
Peter Loucks built an "inn" upon the hill,
which was for many years managed by his son,
Andrew P. It subsequently came in the pos-
session of one Beauman, and after that of
Henry Shutts, who repaired it in 1837. William
Thrall and George Dimmick followed each
other during the palmy days of the stage line,
and it was under Major Thrall the stand was
favored as the "stage house" where horses were
exchanged, meals taken, and a "round" or two
of "flip." During Dimmick's stay, the four-
horse stage line was withdrawn, and since then
the house has exchanged owners many times,
Henry McNeill occupying it for several years.
Upon the corner to the west, Mr. Loucks built
the present house about the year 1810, and es-
tablished another son, William P., in the mer-
cantile trade, and he proved successful. In
1839, Henry Shutts, of Cobleskill, built the
present store occupied by John Malony, and
engaged in trade with Abram A. Kneiskern, of
Carlisle, and continued the same until 1844,
when Robert Brown succeeded them, and re-
mained till within a few years of the present
date. The postoffice was established in 1810.
JOHANNES LOUCKS AND DAVENPORT FAMILIES.
We are led to think that Johannes Loucks
and William Davenport were the first settlers
in the "Rhinebeck" settlement. Johannes
Loucks undoubtedly was a distant connection
of Cornelius, Andrew, Peter, and other Middle-
burgh families bearing the name. He came
direct from Ulster county by an Indian path,
and when the war commenced, being a staunch
patriot, and the neighborhood otherwise, he
went back to his native place and remained
until peace was proclaimed. His children were
John, (Squire Henry Loucks' father,) John G.,
244
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
(father of Peter Loucks, long of Carlisle, now
of Cobleskill,) Nicholas and Jacob. The chil-
dren were small, and were brought on horse-
back, while the parents walked the entire dis-
tance in corning, and carried their small stock
of clothing. They settled upon the farm now
occupied by Squire Henry Loucks, and pur-
chased a large tract of land.
With them came William Davenport, a direct
descendant of John Davenport, of the Mayflower,
being a great-grandson. In the possession of
the late George Davenport's family is a relic of
the pilgrim band, in a good state of preserva-
tion, it being a chest belonging to John, Richard
and Samuel Davenport, three brothers, that
came over in that time-honored vessel in 1620.
The relic has been handed down from father to
son through the long course of time with the
greatest care. We are indebted to Mr. George
Davenport for many interesting facts, as he
possesses a large store of general knowledge in
regard to the early history of the County,
gained from extensive reading of documents
and attentive listening to the aged ones that
have long since passed away. Possessing a
good memory, but few of greater pretensions
were better informed than Mr. Davenport, or
took a deeper interest in the events of other
days, or possessed a warmer heart towards his
country.
OTHER LOUCKS FAMILIES.
These families came to this neighborhood
about the year 1765. There were two brothers,
Peter and Andrew, the former settling upon the
place now occupied by Daniel Loucks, and the
latter upon the farm, of late called Slingerland's.
A few years previous, 1760, an uncle of those
two, Cornelius, settled upon the farm belonging
to Harrison Kromer, now in Seward. Peter was
a more energetic business man than Andrew,
and had clearer views upon political matters,
especially during the " struggle for liberty." In
1799 the High Dutch Reformed Church of
Rhinebeck concluded to build a house of wor-
ship of their own, upon lands purchased for
that purpose, and they cut and hewed the
timber — (white oak and heavy enough for a
temple) — ready for framing, when a controversy
arose and the work stopped. The year follow-
ing, the church was built at Lawyersville. • The
timber was sold at auction and purchased by
Peter Loucks, who erected the present resi-
dence of Daniel Loucks with it in 1802. Peter
and Andrew were own brothers (see Middle-
burgh). Peter's children were William, John.
Hallis, Daniel, Andrew P., Mrs. Peter Brown
and Mrs. Joseph W. Van Schaick.
Prominent as a business man has been Isaac,
son of Daniel, who inherited the business quali-
ties of his grandfather Loucks, and the com-
mand of language of Dominie Labagh, his
mother's father. While we do not find him in
the list of officials, we see him as one of the
most active business men of his day, No un-
dertaking was too great to baffle his energies,
but with the vim of an earnest commander over
willing followers, he made business and it to
obey his mind. If he had been placed as many
other men, with great fortunes at his command,
and brought in contact with the gigantic enter-
prises of this day, we feel assured he would have
proved equal to them. With his small means
and isolated position while in his prime, he did
more business than the majority of his towns-
men do at the present time.
Andrew Loucks had but two children, and
both were daughters. Mrs. Bently removed to
the west, and Mrs. Lemuel Cross settled near
and reared an intelligent and useful family. Dr.
Cross, of Newark, and the late Captain Peter
Cross, were sons, the latter being the father
of Dr. Lemuel Cross, Augustus, Andrew, and
the late Mrs. Augustus C. Smith.
Peter, Mathias, and William Ball, sons of
Johannes Ball, of Schoharie, the chairman of the
Committee of Safety, settled in this town about
the year 1813. Peter located upon the farm
previously occupied by Dr. Pynneo, and now
by his grandson, George F. He was during
the latter part of the Revolution a Quarter-
master, and drew a pension as long as he lived.
His sons were William, John, and Peter M.
William, brother of Peter, settled upon Henry
Bellinger's farm, and Mathias upon a portion of
Jacob Dockstader's.
They were during the war staunch patriots,
as their father, against whom the stigma of dis-
loyalty was never breathed, as they were daily
in the service of their country.
TOWN OF SHARON.
245
KLING SETTLEMENT.
In the year 1758, Kling came from Ger-
many, and after a short residence of three years
at Stone Arabia, settled upon the present Van-
Ness Eldredge farm. The old gentleman had
two sons and one daughter, who married a
McDougle, who proved to be a desperate Tory,
and fled to Canada and did not return. His
farm, now owned by James Voorhees, was for-
feited. One of the sons wandered away from
home when quite young, and was never found,
while Luther married the eldest daughter of the
patriotic Sebastian France, who it will be re-
membered, was born upon the ocean. They had
four sons, Nicholas, George, Jacob, and Henry,
that settled within the County and died, with the
exception of Jacob, who removed to Wisconsin
and is still living. It is a remarkable occur-
rence that he reared a family of twelve children,
and each are now with families, without a death
in the circle, except the wife and mother, of
late deceased.
John Adam Kilts removed from Stone Arabia
in 1790, and purchased the farm upon which
Daniel and George Kilts, his grandsons, now
reside. The old gentleman brought the boards
with him from Stone Arabia to build a house.
The tract of land upon which he settled was in
dispute for many years, and at last settled by
the Court, in Kilts producing large blocks cut
from line trees, upon which were the marks
made by early surveyors. John Adam here laid
the foundation of the property which the present
families bearing the name enjoy. He reared
four sons, namely, Conradt, John, Adam, and
Peter, who were the fathers of the present
heads of the Kilts family.
Slate Hill Cemetery. — Among the many beau-
tiful cemeteries that bespeak reverence for the
dead, to be found in the County, none are more
attractive than Slate Hill Cemetery. It is situ-
ated upon a lofty hill of slate formation, from
which is presented one of those picturesque
sceneries of hill, mountain and vale that abound
throughout Schoharie County, whose beauty
and grandeur none can but admire. It was
incorporated July 6, 1866, and regularly laid
out in large plats, and broad roadways and foot-
paths that are kept in the best of order. A
receiving vault is near one of the entrances that
was erected the same year, at a large expense.
Many fine monuments are placed here that re-
flect credit upon the architect and the affection
of the living towards the dead that lie beneath
them. Upon them we find engraved, Wieting,
Dockstader, Empie, Bellinger, Conyne, Ram-
sey, Borst, Eldredge, Van Slyke, Sommers,
Pruyn, Loucks and Vroman, mostly families
of the County, whose fathers' strong and sinewy
arms felled the broad and heavy forest and laid
the foundation of the wealth here displayed as
well as that of our governmental structure, and
who long since passed the sad ordeal of death,
after lives ripe in affliction and adversity.
Here lies the first resident pastor of St. Peter's
and St. John's churches, and his son, Dr. John
C. Moeller, whose usefulness in life deserves a
passing tribute. He was born near the Rhine-
beck Church in 1788, and was educated under
the care of his worthy father and accomplished
mother. He studied medicine with Dr. Van-
Dyke, of Schoharie, and settled in this town
about the year 1814. He married Gertrude
Traver, who died in 1 830, at the age of thirty-
nine years, leaving six children : Mrs. Duryea
Beekman, Mrs. Samuel Beekman, Mrs. Van-
Ness Eldredge, Mrs. Jacob H. Diefendorf, E. L.
H. Moeller, of Albany, and Augustus Moeller,
of Chicago. The Doctor was a very skillful physi-
cian who took pride in his profession, and was
one of the leading men in the Lutheran church.
He represented the town upon the Board of
Supervisors in 1846, and died on the 5th of
May, 1849, at the age of sixty-one.
Rev. Moeller's life was sprinkled a little with
romance that perhaps may be of interest. His
first wife was a very unpleasant companion, as
she was a scold, and while the army to which the
Dominie was attached lay at Philadelphia a
barbacue was held upon the ice, to which his
wife was counseled not to attend fearful of
getting cold, but she went, and, as predicted by
her faithful husband, she caught a severe cold
and soon after died. While at the barbacue
the husband met the accomplished wife of a
Prussian Count, by the name of Zebwitz, who
was upon a tour through the Colonies at the
time the war commenced. The British block-
246
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
aded the Colonial ports, and he could not re-
turn home. He espoused the Patriots' cause,
and was commissioned a General after the
death of Montgomery, under whom he fought
at Quebec. Mrs. Zebwitz was also fascinated
with the Dominie, but undoubtedly kept it to
herself, and during the stay at Philadelphia they
were much in each others company, and each
was admired by the other. Ere the war closed
the Count died, and the pair wedded, and the
union was most pleasing. In 1787 they settled
at Rhinebeck, a very objectionable location for
one whose past days had been spent in regal
splendor. They were laboring, conscientious
Christians, and willingly deprived themselves of
ease and the luxuries of life, for the Master.
The Count and Countess had two sons that
died a few years after the father. The fruits of
the last marriage were Dr. John C. and Julia,
the wife of Dr. Almy, of Toddville, Otsego Co.
We find engraved upon her tomb-stone that
stands beside the husband's, " Julian, wife of
Rev. Henry Moeller, died July i2th, 1824, aged
seventy-five years and ten months," with an
appropriate epitaph.
Bellinger Family. — The Bellinger family of
this town has been a prominent one as success-
ful farmers, and strict adherents to Calvinistic
doctrines in a religious point of view. Their
ancestors came from Germany, as will be seen
by consulting the Middleburgh Chapter of this
work. Those found here are chiefly descendants
of Marcus, of Middleburgh. Hon Yost and John,
sons of Marcus, settled here in 1791. The
former had two sons, David and Yost, and the
latter four, namely, John, Jr., William, Henry,
and Marcus. The latter two have been prom-
inent as preachers of the " True Reformed
Church" over half a century. Henry preached
regularly at this place, Bethlehem, Albany
county, Greenbush, Wynderkill, and Piedmont,
near New York City, and was revered by his
different flocks as a noble, sincere man, full of
Christian virtues, and an untiring servant of the
Master. After expounding "the Word" to
many thousands in his plain, unpretending
manner, based upon strict doctrines, without
sympathy to the so-called "liberal views" of
other religious sects, he was called to the
realities of the "world beyond," while on the
route to fill an appointment at Piedmont on the
nth of October, 1877, at the age of eighty-
seven.
Marcus died within the past year. He com-
menced preaching about the time his brother
did, but did not supply as many parishes. Cana-
joharie, Duanesburgh, and Middleburgh, were
the fields of his labors, and he was also an un-
tiring teacher. William is the only one of the
four brothers living. One peculiarity attended
the labors of these men, which is worthy of
notice — the firm hold they had upon their fol-
lowers. Through all the ecclesiastical changes
from "conservative doctrines" to "liberal views"
that have been going on for the last few years
in most of the churches, these men whose views
were so repugnant to the general idea of the
day, have held their flocks and carried them
through, without dissentious seceding, and
stand to-day stronger in faith and numbers than
ever. They received only a common school
education, which must have been very limited,
and were industrious farmers and more than
common men. They were men of inflexible pur-
poses, indomitable energies, and of superior
tact.
Van Valkenburgh Family. — The original of
this family name is Valk in German, and Falk
in Holland Dutch, as we are informed by one
of the family, Dr. Jacob Van Valkenburgh,
whose researches into the family history have
been extended. The ancestors of this branch
of the Valk family came from Valkenburgh, at
present within the bounds of Holland, and to dis-
tinguish them from those of higher Germany after
they came to America, they were called after
the place from which they came, viz : John or
Henry Valk, from Valkenburgh, was changed
to John or Henry Van Valkenburgh — Van
meaning from. The first of that name in this
town was John Joseph, who came from Middle-
burgh and purchased one hundred and sixty-six
acres of land, now occupied by John J. and
Adam Van Valkenburgh, in October, 1792, pay-
ing therefor one hundred and fifty-four pounds,
four shillings. He had thirteen children, six
sons and seven daughters. The sons were :
Adam, John Joseph, Peter, Jacob, Joachim and
TOWN OF SHARON.
247
Henry. The original family of both branches
used the German language.
Tillapaugh Family. — Referring to the origin
of the Van Valkenburgh name, we will here
allude to another, which is quite prominent in
this and other northern towns of the County,
that originated from another family. It is
Tillapaugh. The original is Dillenbeck, which,
when spoken by the old stamp of Germans,
becomes " Dillapah," and when uttered by the
English tongue, with a broader accent, it becomes
Tillapaugh, as written now through the fancy
of one of the Dillenbeck family that adopted
the name. His own brothers, however, retained
the original.
GILBERT'S CORNERS.
This settlement was made about the year
1794, by families from Stone Arabia, among
whom was the Hyney family, (father of the late
John Hyney), also the Taylor's and Gilbert's.
The hamlet was named after Richard Gilbert.
Myron Culver also was an early settler, and
kept a small store for many years. The road
leading from this place to the Springs is one
from which fine views are obtained, especially
near and at the " Pavilion." The long stretch
of low land lying to the north, east and west
along the Mohawk, presents an attractive
scenery, while the mountains beyond make a
varied back-ground that is most pleasing.
Physicians. — Tinas Pynneo was the first physi-
cian in the town, and settled upon the present
George Ball place. George F. Fox studied
and formed a partnership with him in 1820, but
Pynneo died that year and Fox retained the field
to within a few years. John C. Moeller came
in 1814, and remained till his death in 1849-
Sylvanus Palmer followed in 1825 at Beekman's
Corners, and George B. Huddleston at Leesville
about the same time. Theodore Gilbert, James
Thompson, James Mereness, J. Green and
James Snyder followed in succession at the
latter place. Dr. Snyder, of late deceased,
leaves the place without a professional physi-
cian for the first time in sixty years. Upon the
building up of the village at the Springs, Dr.
John Loucks settled there about the year 1840,
and was followed by S. F. Fonda, in 1850.
After a practice at Leesville of seven years, Dr.
Green located at the Spa in 1853, and is still in
practice with Dr. Fonda. Doctors Jacob Dock-
stader, G. A. Williams and John T. Hard, all of
the allopathic school, except Dr. Dockstader,who
withdrew from that practice, and of late adopted
the homeopathic, are also there. Dr. Jacob Van-
Valkenburgh, of the electic school, succeeded
Dr. Fox at Sharon Hill, and still remains, and
to whom we are indebted for many facts con-
nected with the history of Sharon.
True Reformed Church of Sharon Hill. — The
" True Reformed Church of Sharon Hill " was
organized in 1829, with Henry Bellinger at its
head, having seceded from the " Reformed
Church " of " Turlah " in that year. The society
built a house of worship the season following,
upon the forks of the roads leading to Gardners-
ville and Cobleskill. In 1857 or 1858 the
present edifice was built upon Sharon Hill.
Henry Bellinger was the officiating pastor as
long as he lived, and since his death the pulpit
has not been regularly supplied. The cause of
seceding from the parent church was as we were
informed by the late Dr. Palmer, long a mem-
ber of this society, a difference of belief in
the doctrine of election and fore-ordination,
the seceders holding to the strict injunction of
the doctrine.
Masonic Lodge of Sharon Springs No. 624. —
This Lodge of " Free and Accepted Masons "
was organized June 20, 1867, with Barnabas B.
Eldredge as Worshipful Master.
Seth Eldredge, Senior Warden.
James W. Harper, Junior Warden.
L. H. Jackson, Secretary.
Joshua Ward, Seward Eldredge, Henry C.
Snyder, William Fox, members.
The membership has increased over one
hundred, and the Lodge is in a prospering con-
dition. Their rooms are spacious and well
furnished. The present officers are : —
James W. Harper, Worshipful Master.
A. P. Prime, Senior Warden.
Lyman D. Mereness, Junior Warden.
J. K. Harper, Treasurer.
W. H. Craig, Secretary.
248
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
A. J. Cook, Chaplain.
Emmet Kilts, Senior Deacon.
Andrew Turner, Junior Deacon.
George Copp, Senior Master of Ceremonies.
George Kilts, Junior Master of Ceremonies.
Hezekiah Simmons, Tiler.
Menzo France, Marshal.
George Kilts, M. W. Stratton, J. H. Best,
Trustees.
SHARON OFFICIALS.
This town presents a long list of officials.
Judge William Beekman, beside being the
first County Judge, represented the district in
the State Senate in 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801,
1802.
John Rice was the first Assemblyman from
the County. His successors, including those
from Seward, up to the time that town was
formed were : —
John Rice, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1808, 1809,
1810.
Henry Bellinger, 1806.
Barnabas Eldredge, 1820, 1821;
Robert Eldredge, 1826, 1831.
Peter Hynds, 1829.
John F. Killer, 1835.
George F. Fox, M. D., 1839.
Seth Eldredge, 1844.
James Parsons, 1848.
Edward Eldredge, 1865.
Robert Eldredge, Assistant Judge, 1833
1838.
The old town records have been carefully
preserved and give us the names of the super-
visors as follows: —
1796 — Tinas Pynneo.
1797 — Tinas Pynneo.
1798 — Peter Loucks.
!?99 — Peter Loucks.
1800 — Peter Loucks.
1801 — Peter Loucks.
1802 — Peter Loucks.
1803 — Peter Loucks.
1804 — Peter Loucks.
1805 — Peter Loucks.
1806 — Peter Loucks.
1807 — Peter Loucks.
1808— John Malick.
1809 — John Malick.
1815— Peter A. Hilton.
1816 — Jacob Crounse.
1817 — Peter A. Hilton.
1 8 1 8— John Rice.
1819— Peter A. Hilton.
1820 — Jacob Crounse.
1821 — Robert Eldredge.
1822— Robert Eldredge.
1823— Robert Eldredge.
1824 — Robert Eldredge.
1825 — Peter Hynds.
1826— Peter Hynds.
1827 — Peter Hynds.
1828 — Jacob Crounse.
1829 — Jacob Crounse.
1830 — Timothy Cook.
1831 — John Scott.
1832— John F. Killer.
1833 — Adam Empie.
1834— Robert Eldredge.
1835— Robert Eldredge.
1836 — Robert Eldredge.
l837 — Martin Merckley.
1838 — James Parsons.
1839 — William Royce.
1840 — Robert Eldredge.
1841— Seth Eldredge.
1842 — Cornelius Beekman.
1843 — Daniel D. Webster.
1844 — John Beakley.
1845 — David Becker.
1846— John C. Moeller.
1847 — Seymour Smith.
1848— John C. Empie.
1849— J. W Van Schaick.
1850— John L. Dockstader.
1851 — Adam Empie.
1852— Seymour Smith.
1853— Joseph Zeh.
1854— M. N. De Noyelles.
1855— P. H. Sharp.
1856— Luther Taylor.
1857 — Garrett Hone.
1858— Daniel Eldredge.
1859— M. N. De Noyelles.
1860— M. N. De Noyelles.
1 86 1 — Peter Low.
1862 — Peter Low.
1863— John A. Empie.
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
249
1864 — John Beakly.
1865— M. N. De Noyelles.
1866— Charles Craig.
1867— M. N. De Noyelles.
1868— M. N. De Noyelles.
1869— John B. Hoag.
1870 — John B. Hoag.
^7! — Nathan W. Stratton.
1872 — Nathan W. Stratton.
1873 — Augustus Parsons.
1874 — Peter A. Bellinger.
1875 — Peter A. Bellinger.
1876— Garrett Hone.
1877— Garrett Hone.
1878— Henry C. Lyker.
1879 — Henry C. Lyker.
1880— Henry C. Lyker.
1881 — Henry C. Lyker.
1882— Henry C. Lyker.
Upon the building of the railroad through
the town, bonds were issued to the sum of one
hundred thousand dollars, to aid in the con-
struction, of which amount $90,000 remained
unpaid, July i, 1881.
BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries of this town were defined in
1813, after those of the surrounding towns, and
were only described as follows by statute : —
"And all that part of the said County of
Schoharie bounded northerly, westerly, and
southwesterly by the bounds of the County,
and easterly and southeasterly by the towns of
Carlisle and Cobleskill, shall be and continue a
town by the name of Sharon." (36th Sess.
Chap. CL, (R. L.) Vol. II.)
CHAPTER XVI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
T)LENHEIM is one of the first towns formed
£j in the County, and originally comprised
the territory of Jefferson and a portion of Gil-
boa. The lands were first purchased of the
government by John Weatherhead and John
Butler, in 1769 and 1771, although small tracts
had been obtained from the Indians previous to
that time, which Sir William Johnson declared
to be void. But a small part of the territory
was settled before the Revolution, only that
bordering on Breakabeen, as farther up the
stream the flats were not broad enough to suit
the Germans; besides, the Indians located above
after disposing of their lands at and below
Schoharie. Upon the close of the Revolution
the territory was soon populated, and the town
has made progress in the ratio of others, con-
sidering the withering feature of lease lands and
quit-rents that were early sprung upon the
people. Had it not been for the unflinching
obstinacy of the first German settlers of Scho-
harie and Middleburgh in opposing the schemes
of landed autocrats and oppressive officials, a
goodly share of the County to-day would have
been chained down by yearly rents, and in a
continual litigation. We will refer particularly
to the rent troubles of this town after dwelling
upon the early history of it and the patriotic
settlers.
Captain Hager settled upon the farm now
occupied by Adelbert West, and was the son of
Henry Hager who located upon the present
Daniel Zeh farm in the town of Fulton.
The father and son, Jacob, no doubt were
the first families that settled south of the present
village of Breakabeen. Jacob Schaeffer, of
Weiser's dorf, and a Kneiskern family, of
Beaverdam, and the Beacraft family soon fol-
lowed them, ajid made a quiet settlement until
the commencement of the war. Henry Hager
came from Germany when a lad with an uncle>
Jacob Frederick Hager, a preacher, who settled
at the Camps. Three brothers of Henry also
came at the same time, one settling in Hagers-
town, Maryland, one in New Hampshire, and one
upon the Mohawk. Henry sought the German
flats, and in course of time married a sister of
Mrs. General Herkimer, and then removed to
this town, and at the commencement of the
Revolution was surrounded by all the comforts
and conveniences enjoyed by the farmer at that
day. His family consisted of five sons and one
daughter, namely, Joseph, Peter, John, Jacob,
David, and Mrs. Judge John M. Brown. The
2S0
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
father was in service through, the French war,
and near its close, Jacob arrived at the required
age to do military duty, and entered as a Lieu-
tenant under Colonel Sternbergh.
Owing to their connection with the " upper
fort," it being their especial field of patriotic
labor, we refer to his career more particularly
in the chapter upon that town. Upon the in-
vasion by Crysler, Brant, and Seths Henry, of
Vromansland in August, 1780, Captain Hager
was upon his farm gathering his harvest, and
was apprised of the affair by his brother, John,
who mounted a horse upon the arrival of Leek
at the fort with the sad news. Captain Hager
was unloading hay when his brother came, and
quickly throwing it off his wagon, the few in-
habitants of that vicinity were taken into it,
driven into the woods, and concealed near
Keyser's Kill. Henry Hager started with the
wagon, when a favorite dog, that began to bark,
was caught by him, and fearing it would betray
the fugitives, he cut its throat with his pocket-
knife.
After proceeding some distance from his
house, having forgotten some articles he in-
tended to have taken with him, he returned
and found it already occupied by the enemy,
who made him their prisoner. He was seventy-
seven years old, and, as he was known to the
enemy to be a firm Whig, his sons (one a cap-
tain), and several of his grandsons all being in
the rebel army, he was treated with marked
severity. They burned all of the Hager build-
ings and proceeded on their march to the
Susquehanna, and encamped for the night a
short distance southwest of North Blenheim, or
Patchin Hollow. " The wagon which carried
them from their homes," says Author Simms,
"was left in one place, the horses in another,
and the women and children were sheltered
beneath a shelving rock, in a ravine of the
mountain stream before named." "After the
women and children were disposed of, Captain
Hager, taking with him his brother and Law-
rence Bouck, Jacob Thomas and several others
who composed the guard mentioned, proceeded
from Keyser's Kill with due caution, to ascer-
tain if the "upper fort" had been captured.
It was nearly noon when Brant left the vicinity
of the fort, and nearly night when its com-
mandant and his men reached it." " On the
following day the women and children were
removed to the fort."
Once while upon the journey to Niagara
he received kind attention from an Indian.
Being old and barefoot it was impossible for
Hager to keep up with the party, and often he was
found some distance in the rear, for which he
was threatened with death each time, and upon
the occasion referred to, he saw one of the
savages coming on the backward track for the
purpose he supposed, of carrying their threats
into execution. Approaching him he spoke kindly
and gave him something to eat, and after a friendly
conversation upon a log by the roadside they con-
tinued the march. Hager was gone eleven
months, when he was exchanged and returned
to his desolated home.
Heacraft, the notorious Tory, who fled to
Canada in 1777, and returned several times to
different sections for murder and plunder, was a
resident of this town. His uncalled for murders
and taunting jeers of prisoners taken from
their homes by Indian patties, made his name
and presence the most distasteful to the patri-
ots.* After peace was proclaimed he had the
audacity to return to his old neighborhood,
among those he had injured all he possibly
could, to settle down again. Scarcely had the
fact of his returning become known among
the patriots than a squad of ten surrounded
the house in which he was staying one night,
and took the fiend to a grove of hickories a
short distance below the Blenheim bridge, where
they stripped off his clothing, undoubtedly with-
out etiquette, and bound him to a fallen tree.
Procuring ten withe hickory whips they sur-
rounded him and gave him fifty lashes upon his
bare back. At the conclusion of each ten, they
reminded him of his infamous acts. The first
was for being a Tory ; second, for the murder
of "that helpless boy, the son of- Vroman,
(see Fulton), whom you scalped and hung upon
the fence;" third, "for aiding in the massacre
of those who were your neighbors, the Vroman
family;" fourth, "for taunts, jeers and insults
when certain persons well-known to you were
captives among a savage enemy;" fifth, "for
*Patchin's Narrative.
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
coming again to the bosom of that country
upon which you have spit the venom of hate,
and thus added insult to injury never to be for-
gotten." After thus punishing the villain they
unbound and ordered him to " flee the country
and never return."
It has been said he expressed his gratitude,
after the fiftieth lash had been given, that he
had been so gently dealt with, but there was not
life enough left in him to say anything about it.
He was buried a short distance from the whip-
ping grounds, rather privately, where his ashes
lie to-day. The reader would naturally ask
who it was that meted justice to the murderer ?
If General Patchin, and brother, Isaac, Cap-
tain Hager, Lewalt Bartholomew and Casper
Martin had been asked who the remaining five
were, they would not have told, as the facts
were to be kept a secret.
No actual engagements occurred in this town
during the war, but several of the settlers were
made prisoners, and forced to endure untold
hardships. We will give space to General Free-
gift Patchin's narrative of his captive life, as
published by him over sixty years ago. We
will here state that his experience was that of
nearly all others, but few, too few, of less tor-
ture and endurance, and who were constitu-
tionally able to survive their hardships. In.
1798, General Patchin settled where Joseph
Fink now resides, and built a mill. He was
appointed a General of the Militia, and repre-
sented the County in the Assembly in 1804,
1805, 1820, 1821 and 1822, being in six
sessions, and was elected supervisor several
terms. He was a very intelligent man consider-
ing his limited opportunities, and died August
30, 1831, at the age of seventy-three years, not
having entirely recovered from the shock his con-
stitution received while a captive. His children
were : Mrs. George Martin, Mrs Samuel Burns,
afterwards Mrs. Nicholas Richtmyer, Lewis,
Mrs. Frederick Hager, Charles, and Mrs.
Joseph Johnson. Mrs. Martin is the only one
living, being ninety years of age.
The Captivity and Sufferings of General
Freegift Patchin. — In the year 1780, myself as
well as the whole population about the region
of old Schoharie, were held in readiness by
Colonel Peter Vroman as minute-men, to
be ready at a moment's warning, as the
Tories and Indians were a watchful and cruel
enemy. Around the region of the head of the
Delaware it was suspected there were persons
who favored the cause of the British ; a small
company of men therefore were sent out as
spies upon them, and also if possible to make a
quantity of maple sugar, as an abundance of
the maple grew there. Of this little company
Captain Alexander Harper had the command.
Fourteen persons were all that were sent out,
among whom were myself, Isaac Patchin, my
brother, Ezra Thorp, Lieutenant Henry Thorp,
and Major Henry. It was early in the month
of April — the second day of the month — when
we came to the place of rendezvous, a distance
from the forts of Schoharie of about thirty miles.
A heavy snow-storm came on, during which
about three feet of snow fell, in addition to that
which was on the ground before. We were not
in the least apprehensive of danger, as the
nearest fort of the enemy was at Niagara ; know-
ing also that Sullivan the year before had
scoured the Chemung and Genesee countries,
killed or driven the Indians to Canada ; also as
it was winter, and the snow very deep, we sup-
posed were circumstances of sufficient magni-
tude to prevent marauding parties effectually
from approaching from that quarter at that par-
ticular time. We had tapped, as the sugar
making phrase is, a great number of trees,
finding the proper utensils at hand, as they had
been before occupied in the same way by the
inhabitants who had fled to other places for
safety. A few hundred pounds of maple sugar
would have been a great acquisition, as the in-
mates of the forts were in want of all things,
having been compelled to flee from their homes
to Schoharie and other places of safety. We
had proceeded in our enterprise as merrily as
the fatiguing nature of the business would per-
mit, a few days, when on the 7th of April, 1780,
at about two o'clock in the afternoon, we were
suddenly beset and surrounded by forty-three
Indians and seven Tories. The names of the
Tories I forbear to mention, except two or
three, of whom the reader will hear in the
course of the narrative, the rest I have thought
proper not to name, as their descendants are
252
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
not chargeable with the misguided acts of their
fathers, and it is not my wish at this time of
day to cast reflections and grieve the innocent.
So silent had been the approach of the enemy
that three of our number lay weltering in their
blood before I or any of the rest knew they
were among us, as we were scattered here and
there busy with our work. I was not far from
our captain %hen I saw the Indians first, who
were accosted by Brant, their leader, as follows :
— "Harper, I am sorry to find you here."
" Why," said Harper, " Captain Brant, are you
sorry ? " " Because," he replied, " I must kill
you, though we were schoolmates in youth."
Then he lifted and flourished his tomahawk
over his head ready to execute the deed, but
suddenly, as if paralyzed by a stroke of magic,
stopped this act of murder, as if some new and
important thought had crossed his mind — when
he gazed at Harper with an eye as keen and
deadly as a serpent, saying, " Are there any
troops at the forts at Schoharie ?" Harper per-
ceived in a moment, that the answer to this
question would either save their lives or procure
their instant death; for if he should say no,
which would have been the truth, the Indians
would have killed them all and then proceeded
to old Schoharie, massacreing as they went, and
cut off the whole inhabitants before help could
have been had from any quarter, and the enemy,
as a wolf, when the morning appears, flees with
the shades of the night. Accordingly, he an-
swered, "There are three hundred Continental
troops now at the forts, who arrived there about
three days since." But the whole of this state-
ment was untrue; yet who will condemn the
captain, and say the act would need much
repentance ere it should have obtained forgive-
ness. On hearing this, the countenance of Brant
fell, when he waved with his hand a signal to the
chief, stopped the massacre, and called a coun-
cil of war ; all of which, from the time Brant had
brandished his hatchet over the head of Harper,
had been but the work of a moment.
The eleven survivors were seized, pinioned,
and turned all together in a hog-pen-, where they
were kept till the morning. A guard of Tories,
with one Beacraft by name at their head, was set
over them in the pen — a bloody villain, as will
appear in the course of this account.
All night Brant and his warriors, with the
Tories, were in fierce consultation whether the
prisoners should be put to death, or taken alive
to Niagara. The chiefs appeared swayed by
Brant, whose influence prevailed over the whole
opposition of the murderous crew ; there was a
reason for this, as will appear by-and-by. While
this question was pending, we could see plainly
their every act through the chinks of the pen,
as a monstrous fire was in their midst, and hear
every word, though none of us understood their
language but our captain, whose countenance
we could perceive, by the light of the fire, from
time to time changing with the alternate pas-
sions of hope and of fear, while the sweat ran
down his face from the mere labor of his mind,
although it was a cold night. And added to
this, the sentry, Beacraft, who was set as a
guard, would every now and then cry out to
us, " You will all be in hell before morning."
But there we were, tied neck and heels, or we
would have beat the pen about his head. Our
captain whispered to us that his word was
doubted by the Indians and Tories, who were
for killing us, and proceeding without delay to
Schoharie. At length the morning came, when
Brant and his associate chiefs, five in number,
ordered that Harper be brought before them.
Here the question was renewed by Brant, who
said, " We are suspicious that you have lied to
us ; " at the same time he sternly looked Harper
in the face, to see if a muscle moved with fear
or prevarication. To which our captain an-
swered with a smile, expressive of confidence
and scorn, and at the same time descriptive of
the most sincere and unvarying honesty, that
every word which he had spoken, respecting the
arrival of troops at Schoharie, was wholly true.
His answer was believed, at which moment not
only their own lives were saved, but also those
of hundreds of men, with helpless women and
children, who have not known to this day, except
the few to whom the story has been told, that
so great a Providence stepped in between them
and servitude, torture and death.
It was extremely mortifying to Brant to be
compelled to relinquish, at the very moment
when he was ready to grasp the utmost of his
wish, in the glory and riches he would have
acquired in the completion of his enterprise.
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
2S3
He had fed the hopes of his associate chiefs,
warriors and Tories with the same prospects ;
having calculated, from information long before
received, that Schoharie was in a defenseless
state, and dreaded no evil, which rendered it
extremely difficult to restrain thttn from killing
the prisoners out of mere fury at the disap-
pointment. A few moments of consultation
ensued, when the rest were ordered out of the
pen. Brant now disclosed the whole plan of
the expedition in English, expressing his regret
at its failure, stating that he and the other
chiefs had, with difficulty, saved them from
being scalped, and that he did not wish to kill
them in cold blood now, they had been together
a day and a night, and if they chose to go with
him to Niagara as captives of war, they might,
but if they failed on the way through fatigue or
want of food, they must not expect to live, as
their scalps were as good as their bodies.
They had no provisions with them, neither
had they eat anything as yet while we had been
their prisoners, except what they had found in oar
sap-bush, which they had at first devoured with
the rapacity of cannibals. We now took up our
line of march, with our arms strongly pinioned,
our shoulders sorely pressed with enormous
packs, our hearts bleeding at the dreadful
journey before us, and the servitude we were
exposed to undergo among the Indians, or if
bought by the British, imprisoned by land and
sea, was our certain fate, at least till the end of
the war, if we even survived the journey.
The snow was then more than three feet deep,
and being soft rendered it impossible for us
prisoners to travel, as we had no snow-shoes,
but the Indians had ; a part, therefore, of them
went before us and a part behind, all in Indian
file, so by keeping their tracks we were enabled
to go on, but if we happened to fall down, the
Indians would cry out, " Waugh Bostona." We
had traveled about ten or twelve miles, when
we came to a grist-mill, situated on the Dela-
ware, the owner of which welcomed this band
of infernals, and gave them such refreshments
as were in his power, but to us, poor prisoners,
he gave nothing, while we were made to sit apart
on a log beside the road. I shall never forget
the cruelty of three or four daughters of this
man, whose name I forbear to mention out of
pity to his descendants. These girls insisted
that they had better kill us there, for if by any
means we should ever get back, their own lives
would be taken by the Whigs ; their father also
observed to Brant that he had better have taken
more scalps and less prisoners. When we were
ready to proceed again, the miller gave Brant
about three bushels of shelled corn, which was
divided into eleven different parts and put upon
our backs, already too heavily burdened. This
corn was all the whole body of Indians and
ourselves had to subsist upon from there to
Niagara, except that which accidentally fell in
our way, a distance of more than three hundred
miles, entirely a wilderness. From this mill we
traveled directly down the river ; we had not,
however, gone ma.ny miles, when we met a
man who was a Tory, well-known to Brant, by
name Samuel Clockstone, who seeing us, the
prisoners, was surprised, as he knew us ; when
Brant related to him his adventure, and how
he had been defeated by the account Captain
Harper had given of the troops lately arrived at
Schoharie. " Troops," said Clockstone, "there
are no troops at that place, you may rely upon
it, Captain Brant, I have heard of none." In a
moment the snake eyes of Brant flashed murder,
and running to Harper, he said, in a voice of
unrestrained fury, his hatchet vibrating about
his head like the tongue of a viper, " How come
you to lie to me so?" When Harper, turning
to the Tory, said, " You know, Mr. Clockstone,
I have been there but four days since ; you
know since our party was stationed at the head
of the river, at the sap-bush, that I have been
once to the forts alone, and there were troops, as
I have stated, and if Captain Brant disbelieves
it, he does it at his peril." That Harper had
been there happened to be true, which the Tory
happened to know, when he replied, "Yes, I
know it." All the while Brant had glared in-
tensely on the countenance of Harper, if possi-
ble to discover some misgivings there, but all
was firm and fair; when he again believed him,
and resumed his march.
There was a very aged man by the name of
Brown, who had not gone off with the rest of
the^families who had fled the country. This
miserable old man, with two grandsons, mere
lads, were taken by Brant's party, and compelled
254
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
to go prisoners with us. The day after our
meeting with the Tory, as above described, this
old man, who was entirely bald from age, be-
came too weary to keep up with the rest, and
requested that he might be permitted to return,
and alleged as a reason, that he was too old to
take part in the war, and, therefore, could do
the King's cause no harm. At this request,
instead of answering him, a halt was made, and
the old man's pack taken from him, when he
spoke in a low voice to his grandsons, saying
that he should see them no more, for they
were going to kill him ; this he knew, being
acquainted with the manners of the Indians.
He was now taken to the rear of the party, and
left in the care of an Indian, whose face was
painted entirely black, as a token of his office,
which was to kill and scalp any of the prisoners
who might give out on the way. In a short
time the Indian came on again, with the bald
scalp of the old man dangling at the end of his
gun, hitched in between the ramrod and muz-
zle, this he often flapped in the boys' faces on
the journey. The place at which this was done
was just on the point of a mountain, not far
from opposite where Judge Foot used to live,
on the Delaware, below Delhi. There he was
left, and doubtless devoured by wild animals.
Human bones were afterwards found on that
part of the mountain.
We pursued our way down the Delaware till
we came to the Cook House, suffering very
much, night and day, from the tightness of the
cords with which our arms were bound. From
this place we crossed through the wilderness,
over hills and mountains, the most difficult to
be conceived of, till we came to a place called
Ochquago, on the Susquehanna river, which
had been an Indian settlement before the war.
Here they constructed several rafts out of old
logs, which they fastened together with withes
and poles passing crosswise, on which, after
untying us, we were placed, themselves manag-
ing to steer. These soon floated us down as
far as the mouth of the Chemung river, where
we disembarked and were again tied, taking up
our line of march for the Genesee country.
The Indians, we found, were more capable of
sustaining fatigue than we were and easily out-
traveled us, which circumstance would have led
to the loss of our lives had not a singular
Providence interfered to save us ! This was
the indisposition of Brant, who every other day
for a considerable time fell sick, so that the
party were compelled to wait for him, this gave
an opportunity for us to rest ourselves. Brant's
sickness was an attack of the fever and ague,
which he checked by the use of a preparation
from the rattlesnake. The rattlesnake he
caught on the side of a hi!l facing to the south,
on which the sun shone, and had melted away
the snow from the mouth of the den of those
serpents, where it appears one had crawled out,
being invited by the warmth.
The reader will also observe that about a
fortnight had now elapsed from the time of our
captivity, so that the season was farther ad-
vanced, and added to this, the snow is sooner
melted on the Chemung, in Pennsylvania, being
farther south by about three degrees than the
head of the Delaware, yet in places even there,
there was snow on the ground, and in the woods
it was still deep. Of this snake he made a
soup, which operated as a cure to the attack of
the ague. The reader will remember the three
bushels of corn given at the mill; this they fairly
and equally divided among us all, which
amounted to two handsful a day, and that none
should have more or less than another while it
lasted, the corn was counted as we received
them ; in this respect Brant was just and kind.
This corn we were allowed to boil in their
kettles when the Indians had finished theirs;
we generally contrived to pound it before we
boiled it, as we had found a mortar at a
deserted wigwam left by the Indians the year
before, who had been driven away by General
Sullivan. While in the neighborhood of what
is now called Tioga Point, we but narrowly
escaped every man of us being butchered on
the spot ; a miracle, as it were, saved us. The
cause was as follows : At this place, when Brant
was on his way down the Chemung on this
same expedition, but a few days before, he had
detached eleven Indians from his company to
pass through the woods from Tioga Point to a
place called the Minisink. It was known to
Brant that at this place were a few families,
where it was supposed several prisoners might
be made or scalps taken, which at Niagara
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
255
would fetch them eight dollars a piece. This
was the great stimulus by which the Indians in
the Revolution were incited by Butler, the
British agent, to perpetrate so many horrid
murders upon women, children, and helpless old
age in this region of country.
This party made their way to the Minisink,
where, lying concealed in the woods, they
managed to get into their possession, one after
another, five lusty men, and had brought them
as far as to the east side of the Susquehanna
opposite Tioga Point. Here they encamped
for the night, intending in the morning to con-
struct a raft in order to float themselves over
the river, as they had done on their way towards
the Minisink a few days before, and so pursue
their way up the Chemung which course was the
great thoroughfare of the Indians from the
Susquehanna country to that of the Genesee.
Meanwhile the eleven Indians lay fast asleep
being greatly fatigued and apprehending no
danger, as the prisoners were securely bound
and sleeping soundly, as the Indians supposed,
before they laid themselves down ; but as the
soul of one man, the prisoners were ever watch-
ing some opportunity to escape. But this was
not possible even if they could have made their
escape, unless they should first have effected
the death of the whole of the party of Indians.
This object therefore was their constant aim.
This night, by some means unknown, one of
the prisoners got loose, doubtless either by
knawing off his cord or by chafing it in two as
he lay upon it, or during the day had managed
to hitch it as often as he could against the
snags of the trees till it had become fretted and
weak in some place, so that at last he got it in
two. When this was effected, he silently cut
the cords of his fellows, when each man took a
hatchet, and in a moment nine of them received
their blades to their handles in their brains ;
but the sound of the blows in cutting through
the bones of their heads awakened the other
two, who sprung upon their feet as quick as
thought, when one of them, as he fled, received
the blade of a hatchet between his shoulders,
which, however, did not kill him nor prevent his
escape, yet he was terribly wounded.
These men who had so heroically made
their escape, returned, as was supposed, to their
homes to relate to their families and posterity
the perils of that dreadful night. After they
had gone, the two Indians returned to the spot
where lay their ruthless but unfortunate com-
panions, fast-locked, not only in the sleep of the
night, but that of death, never more to torment
the ear of civilized life with the death yell of
their sepulchral throats.
They took from the feet of their slaughtered
friends their mocassins, nine pair in number,
and then constructed a raft on which they
crossed the river, and had proceeded little way
up the Chemung where they had built a hut,
and the well Indian was endeavoring to cure
his wounded companion.
When the whooping of the party of Indians
to whom we were prisoners struck their ear, he
gave the death yell, which hung on the dull air
as the scream of a demon reverberating in
doleful echoes up and down the stream ; at
which the whole body made a halt and stood
in mute astonishment, not knowing what this
could mean ; when directly the two Indians
made their appearance, exhibiting the nine pair
of mocassins, and relating in the Indian tongue,
which Harper understood, the death of their
companions. In a moment, as if transformed
to devils, they threw themselves into a great
circle around us, exhibiting the most horrid
gestures, gnashing their teeth like a gang of
wolves ready to devour, brandishing their toma-
hawks over us, as so many arrows of death.
But here let it be spoken, to the praise of
Divine Providence, at the moment when we
had given ourselves up as lost, the very Indian,
who was a chief, and had been the only one of
the eleven who had escaped unhurt, threw him-
self into the midst of the ring, and with a shake
of his hand gave the signal of silence, when he
plead our cause by simply saying, " These are
not the men who killed our friends, and to take
the life of the innocent in cold blood, cannot be
right." As it happened, this Indian knew us all,
for he had lived about Schoharie before the
war, and was known as as an inoffensive and
kind-hearted native, but when the war came on,
had seen fit to join the British Indians ; his
words had the desired effect, arrested the mind
of Brant, and soothed to composure the terrific
256
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
storm that a moment before had threatened to
destroy us.
Again we resumed our course, bearing with
considerable more patience and fortitude the
anguish of our sufferings, than it is likely we
should have done had our lives not been pre-
served from a greater calamity just described.
We soon came to Newtown, where we were
nearly at the point of starvation, Indians and
all, as we had nothing to eat except a handful
or two of corn a day; and what the end would
have been is not hard to foresee, had not the
amazing number of wolf tracks remaining, di-
rected us to the carcass of a dead horse. The
poor brute had been left to take care of itself
the summer before by Sullivan, in his march to
the Indian country, being unfit for further ser-
vice as a pack-horse. Here, on the commons
of nature, which during the summer and fall, it
is likely, produced an abundance of pasturage,
but when winter came on and rendered it im-
possible for the poor worn-out animal to take
care of itself, death came to its relief. That it
had lived till the winter had become severe, was
evident from its not being in the least degree
putrescent, but was completely frozen, it having
been buried in the snow during the winter.
The wolves had torn and gnawed the upper
side quite away, but not being able to turn the
carcass over it was sound and entire on the
under side. This we seized upon, rejoicing as
at the finding of a hidden treasure ! It was
instantly cut to pieces, bones, head and hoofs,
and equally divided among the whole. Fires
were built, at which we roasted and eat, without
salt, each his own share, with the highest degree
of satisfaction.
Near this place we found the Painted Post,
which is now known over the whole continent,
to those conversant with the early history of our
country ; the origin of which was as follows :
Whether it was in the Revolution or in the
Dunmore battles with the Indians, which com-
menced in Virginia, or in the French war, I do
not know, an Indian chief on this spot had been
victorious in battle, killed and taken prisoners to
the number of sixty. This event he celebrated
by causing a tree to be taken from the forest
and hewed four square, painted red, and the
number he killed, which was twenty-eight, repre-
sented across the post in black paint, without
any heads, but those he took prisoners, which
were thirty, were represented with heads on, in
black paint, as the others. This post he erected
and thus handed down to posterity an account
that here a battle was fought, but by whom, and
who the sufferers were is covered in darkness,
except that it was between the whites and
Indians.
The post will probably continue as long as the
country shall remain inhabited, as the citizens
heretofore have uniformly replaced it with a
new one exactly like the original, whenever it
has become decayed. Nothing more of note
happened to us till we came to the Genesee
river, except a continued state of suffering.
We passed along between the Chemung and the
head of the lakes Cayuga and Seneca, leaving
the route of Sullivan, and went over the moun-
tains farther north. These mountains, as they
were very steep and high, covered with brush,
and our bodies being weak and emaciated, were
almost insurmountable, but at length we reached
the top of the last and highest, which over-
looks immeasurable wilds, the ancient abode of
men and nations unknown, whose history is
written only in the dust. Here we halted to
rest, when the Tory Beacraft took it in his head
to boast of what he had done in the way of
murder since the war began. He said that he
and others had killed some of the inhabitants
of Schoharie, and that among them was the
family of one Vroman. These he said they
soon despatched, except a boy of about fourteen
years of age, who fled across the flat toward the
Schoharie river. " I took after the lad," said
the Tory, " and although he ran like a spirit,
I soon overtook him, and putting my hand
under his chin laid him back on my thigh,
though he struggled hard, cut his throat, scalped
him, and hung the body across the fence."
This made my blood run cold; vengeance
boiled through every vein, but we dare not say
a word to provoke our enemies, as it would be
useless. This man, however, got his due, in a
measure, after the war was over, which will be
related at the end of this account.
Another of them, by the name of Barney
Cane, boasted that he had killed, one, Major
Hopkins, on Dimon Island, in Lake George.
J
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
257
" A party of pleasure," as he stated, " had gone
to this Island on a sailing excursion, and having
spent more time than they were aware of before
they were ready to return, concluded to encamp
and remain all night, as it would be impossible
for them to return to the fort. From the shore
where we lay hid, it was easy to watch their
motions ; and perceiving their defenseless situa-
tion, as soon as it was dark, we set off for the
Island, where we found them asleep by their
fire, and discharging our guns among them,
several were killed, among them was one woman
who had a suckling child, which was not hurt.
This we put to the breast of its dead mother,
and so we left it. * * * *
• * * * But Major Hopkins was
only wounded, his thigh-bone being broken ; he
started from his sleep to a stooping posture,
when I struck him," said Barney Cane, " with
the butt of my gun on the side of his head,
he fell over, but caught on one hand ; I then
knocked him the other way, when he caught
with the other hand ; a third blow I laid him
dead. These were all scalped except the infant.
In the morning, a party from the fort went and
brought away the dead, together with one they
found alive, although he was scalped, and the
babe, which was hanging and sobbing at the
bosom of its lifeless mother."
Having rested ourselves, and our tantalizing
companions having finished the stories of their
infamy, we descended the mountain towards the
Genesee, which we came in sight of the next
day about two o'clock. Here we were met by a
small party of natives, who had come to the
flats of the Genesee for the purpose of corn
planting, as soon as the waters of the river
should fall sufficiently to drain the ground of
its water. These Indians had with them a very
beautiful horse which Brant directed to be cut
to pieces in a moment, and divided equally
without dressing or any such fashionable delay,
which was done, no part of the animal what-
ever being suffered to be lost. There fell to
each man of the company but a small piece,
which we roasted, using the white ashes of our
fires as salt, which gave it a delicious relish;
this Brant himself showed us how to do. On
these flats were found infinite quantities of
ground nuts, a root in form and size about
equal to a musket ball, which, being roasted,
became exceedingly mealy and sweet. These,
together with our new acquisition of horse-
flesh, formed a delicious repast.
From this place Brant sent a runner to
Niagara, a distance of about eighty miles, in
order to inform the garrison of his approach,
and of the number of prisoners he had, their
names and quality. This was a most humane
act of Brant, and by this means he effected the
removal of all the Indian warriors in the two
camps contiguous to the fort. Brant was in
possession of a secret respecting Harper, which
he had carefully concealed in his own breast
during the whole journey, and, probably, in the
very first instance at the time when he dis-
covered that Harper was his prisoner, operated
by influencing him, if possible, in saving his life.
This secret consisted in a knowledge that there
was then in the fort a British officer who had
married a niece of Harper, Jane More, whose
mother was a sister of Captain Harper. This
girl, together with the mother and a sister, had
been captured at the massacre of Cherry Valley
and taken to Niagara. This information was
conveyed by means of the runner to the hus-
band of Jane More, Captain Powell, who, when
the girl was first brought by Butler and his
Indians, a prisoner to the fort, loved, courted
and honorably married. Now if Powell wished
to save the life of his wife's uncle he had the
opportunity, by doing as Brant had suggested,
that was, to send the warriors of both camps
down the 4ake to the nine-mile landing, with
the expectation of meeting Brant there, whose
prisoners would be given into their hands to be
dealt with as the genius of their natures' cus-
toms might suggest. Accordingly, Powell told
his wife that her uncle was among the prisoners
of Brant, who had sent him word, and that the
warriors must be sent away ; to whom he gave a
quantity of rum, as they thought, to aid in the
celebration of their infernal pow-wows at the
nine-mile landing, having obtained the consent
of his superior, Colonel Butler, to do so.
Brant had concealed, from both his Indians
and Tories, as well as from the prisoners, that
Powell, at the fort, was Harper's relative, or
that he had made the above arrangement.
The reader may probably wish to know why
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the warriors in those two camps must be sent
away, in order to save the lives of the prisoners.
All persons acquainted with Indian customs in
time of war, know very well that the unhappy
wretch who falls into their hands at such a time,
is compelled to run what is called the gauntlet,
between two rows of Indians, composed of
warriors, old men, women and children, who, as
the prisoner flies between them, if possible, to
reach a certain point assigned, called a council-
house, or a fort, receives from every one who
can reach him, a blow with the fist, club,
hatchet or knife, and even wadding fired into
their bodies, so that they generally die with
their wounds before they reach the appointed
place, though they struggle with all the violence
of hope and despair. We had now, on the
fourth day after the runner had been sent,
arrived within two miles of Niagara, when the
Tories began to tell us the danger we were soon
to be exposed to, in passing those two Indian
encampments, which, till then, we knew nothing
of; this difficulty they were careful to describe
in the most critical manner, so that every
step, although so near our journey's end, when
we hoped at least to have our hunger satisfied,
was as the steps of the wretch condemned to
die. But on coming to the first encampment
what was our surprise and joy at finding noth-
ing there capable of injuring us but a few old
women and children, who had indeed formed
themselves as before described. However, one
old squaw coming up in a very friendly manner
saluted me by saying, " Poor shild. poor shild,"
when she gave me a blow, which, as I was tired,
could not be parried, that nearly split my head
in two. Directly we came to the second
encampment, which was supposed to be more
dangerous, as the most bloody warriors were,
from choice, situated nearest the fort ; but
here, through the policy of Powell, a whole
regiment of British troops were thrown into
two parallel lines, extending through the whole
encampment, to protect us, as here were many
young lads of the natives quite able, if oppor-
tunity was given them, to hack and club us to
death before we reached the fort. But now the
desired fort, although it was to be our prison-
house, was seen through the opening woods. I
had come to within about five rods of the gate-
way, still agonizing under the effects of the
old squaw's blow, when a young savage, about
twelve years old, came running with a hatchet
in his hand directly up to me, and seizing hold
of the pe tu nip line, or cord, by which I was
tied, twitched me around so that we faced each
other, when he gave me a blow between my
eyes on the forehead that nearly dropped me
dead, as I was weak and faint; the blood
spouted out at a fearful rate, when a soldier
snatched the little demon's hatchet and flung it
into the lake. Whether Brant was awarded
over and above the eight dollars, (which was the
stipulated price per head), for Harper, or not, I
cannot tell; but as was most natural to sup-
pose, there was on the part of himself and
niece great joy on so unexpectedly falling in
with friends and relatives in the midst of ene-
mies, and on the part of Powell respect and
kindness was shown to Harper on account of
the lovely Jane More, who had become a talis-
man of peace between them.
We had scarcely arrived when we were
brought to the presence of a number of British
officers of the Crown, who blazed in all the
glory of military habiliments, and among them
as chief, was the bloated, insolent, unprincipled,
cruel, infamous Butler, whose name will stink
in the recollections of men to the latest page
of American history ; because it was he who
directed, rewarded, and encouraged the opera-
tions of the Indians and Tories all along from
Canada to the State of Delaware. This man
commenced in a very abusive manner to ques-
tion us respecting American affairs; and ad-
dressing me in particular, probably because he
was nearer me than any of the rest, whether
I did not think that by and by his Indians
would compel a general surrender of the
Yankees ! I replied to him in as modest a
manner as possible, not feeling in a mood of
repartee, as the blood from the wound in my
forehead still continued to trickle down my
face, covering my vest and bosom with blood,
that I did not wish to say anything about it nor
to give offense to any one. But he would not
excuse me; still insisting that I should say
whether I did not think so ; to which I firmly
replied — feeling what blood and spirit there
were yet left in me, to rouse a little — that if I
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
»59
must answer him, it was to say No ! and that
he might as well think to empty the lake of its
waters at a bucketful at a time, as to conquer
the Yankees in that way. At which he burst
out in a violent manner, calling me a Jamil
rebel, for giving him such an insolent answer,
and ordered me out of his sight ; but here,
when ready to sink to the floor, (not from any-
thing the huge bulk of flesh had said to me, but
from hunger, weariness, and the loss of blood,)
a noble-hearted soldier interposed, saying to
Butler, "The lad is not to blame, as you have
compelled him to answer your question, which
no doubt he has done according to the best of
his judgment." " Here, poor fellow, take this
glass of wine and drink." Thus the matter
ended.
We were now given over to the care of a
woman, Nancy Bundy by name, who had been
ordered to prepare us a soup, made of proper
materials, who was not slow to relieve our dis-
tress as far as she dare, as she also was a
prisoner. But in taking off the belt which I
had worn around my body, as the manner of
the Indians is, to keep the wind out of the
stomach, it appeared that I was falling to pieces,
so strange was the sensation, that I was ready
to disown my own body had I not been con-
vinced by my other senses that there was no
mistake.
I will just give the reader a short account of
this woman, as I received it from herself. She
stated that herself, husband, and two children
were captured at the massacre of Wyoming, by
Butler's Indians and Tories, and brought to .the
Genesee country, then entirely inhabited by the
natives. There she was parted from her hus-
band, the Indians carrying him she knew not
where, but to some other and distant tribe.
She had not been long in the possession of the
tribe after her husband was taken away, when
the Indian who had taken her prisoner, ad-
dressed her, and was desirous of making her
his wife; but she repulsed him, saying very
imprudently she had one husband, and it would
be unlawful to have more than one. This
seemed to satisfy him, and she saw no more of
him for a long time ; but after a while he came
back and renewed his suit, alleging that there
were no objections to her marrying him as her
husband was dead, for, said he, I found where
he was and I have killed him. She then told him
if he had killed her husband he might kill her
also, for she would not marry a murderer. When
he saw she was resolute and that his person was
hateful in her sight, he took and tied her, and
brought her to this place and sold her for eight
dollars.
From this prison, after being sold to the
British garrison for eight dollars a head, we
were sent across the lake to Carleton Island,
from this place down to the Cedars ; from the
Cedars we were transported from place to
place, till at length we were permanently lodged
in the prison at Chambly. Here we were put
in irons, and remained two years, suffering
everything but death, for want of clothes, fire,
food, medicine, exercise and pure air. At
length from the weight and inconvenience of
my irons I became so weak that I could not rise
from the floor, when my fellow-sufferer Thorp,
who was not as badly off as myself, used to help
me up.
The physician appointed to have the care of
the prisoners, whose name was Pendergrass,
paid but little attention to his charge, seldom
visiting us, but never examining closely into
our situation ; consequently a description of
my horrid condition would afflict the reader, on
which account I forbear it. At length however
this physician was removed and another put in
his place, of entirely contrary character; he was
humane, inquisitive, industrious and skillful.
When he came first to that part of the prison
where myself and about twenty others were
confined, the captain of the fort came with him,
when the doctor proceeded to examine us,
one by one, instead of giving us a general look
only, as the other had done. The place where
I sat was quite in the corner, I had chosen it
because it was the darkest and served to hide
me from observation more than any other part
of the room. I had contrived to get into my
possession an old rug of some sort which partly
hid my naked limbs ; this I kept over my lap in
the best possible manner.
After a while it became my turn to be ex-
amined, when he said : " Well my lad what is
the matter of you ? " From shame and fear
lest he would witness the loathsome predica-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ment which I was in, I said, " Nothing sir,"
•• Well then," said he "get up." " I cannot, sir,
said I." " He then took the end of his cane
and putting it under the blanket that was
partly over me, threw it one side, and a spec-
tacle of human suffering presented itself, such
as he had not dreamed of seeing. I had fixed
my eyes steadily on his face, to see if aught of
pity moved his breast, which I knew I could
trace in his countenance, if any appeared. He
turned pale ; a frown gathered on his brow, -the
curl of his lip denoted wrath ; when he turned
round to the captain of the fort, whose name
was Steel, and looking steadily at him said, in a
voice of thunder, " You infamous villain, in the
name of God, are you murdering people alive
here! send for your provost sergeant in a
moment, and knock off that poor fellow's spare
shackles, or I will smash you in a moment ! "
Oh, this language was balm to my wounds ; was
oil to my bleeding heart; it was the voice of
sympathy, of determined mercy, and immediate
relief. I had a soldier's heart, which shrunk
not ; a fountain of tears I had not in the
hour of battle ; but now they rushed out
amain, as if anxious to behold the man who, by
his goodness had drawn them from their deep
seclusion.
An entire change of situation now took place ;
our health was recovered, which rendered my
imprisonment quite tolerable. From this place
after a while we were sent to Rebel Island, or
Cutodelack or Cutthroat Island, where we re-
mained a year, when peace was declared.
We were now sent to Quebec and put on
board a cartel ship, and sent round to Boston ;
though before we reached that place we were
driven out to sea in a storm and nearly ship-
wrecked, suffering exceedingly; but at last
arrived at the desired haven where I once
more set foot on my native land and rejoice that
it was a land of liberty and Independence. As
fast as possible we made the best of our way to
Old Schoharie, which was our home, after an
absence of three years, during which I suffered
much, as well as my companions, for the love of
my country; which under the blessings of
Heaven I have enjoyed these many years,
feeling that it is a recompense in full measure.
May He, who never lost a battle perpetuate
the blessing to those who have it, to the latest
era of time.
Supposed Silver Mine. — -Years before the
Revolution, the Indians procured an ore at
some point in Blenheim that resembled silver,
and as soon as peace was proclaimed, efforts
were made by the speculative to find the vein
that the Indians had kept a secret. After several
ineffectual attempts, John and Wilhelmus
Bouck procured the services of one Casper
Bertram, a German mineralogist, or, as called
at that time a " chemister," whose superstition
was greater than his ability. After searching
for several years he concluded the precious ore
lay in large deposits upon the farm of Nicholas
Becker.
Accordingly, the Boucks drew up the follow-
ing:—
" Articles of Agreement made, concluded and
signed the seventeenth Day of December in the
year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred
and Four Between Nicholas Becker and
Catharine his wife of the town of Blenheim
in the county of Schoharie farmers of the first
part and John Bauch — Wilhelmus Bauch and
Casper Bertram of the town of Schoharie and
county aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth
that whereas it is probable from the situation
and appearance that there is ore in the farm of
the Party of the first part where he now resides
on the east side of the Schoharie creek or river
Southerly from his Dwelling house, and where-
as the Parties of the second part having an
inclination to Dig and work said ore or mine
have together with the parties of the first part
made the following mutual arrangements :
"Firstly It is agreed between both Parties
that the said Parties of the Second Part shall
have full power and authority to Dig the said
ore or mine and take out the ore of whatever
nature, forever, and further that the said Parties
of the second part shall have full power and
authority in their digging to follow the said ore
or ores in such direction as will be the most ad-
visable and best advantageous for both Parties
and also that the Parties of the Second part
shall have the privilege to go to and return from
the said mine with any team or carriage to Car-
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
261
ry off their ores, and to carry to the mine what
shall be required towards the mine and it is
further agreed between both parties, that the
party of the first part shall furnish all the wood
necessary for the mine if there is any required
for the same, and it is further agreed that the
second party shall work or dig the mine at their
own expense and charges, and that the party of
the first part shall have an equal fourth part of
all the ore which shall be dug out of said mine,
and the party of the second part shall have
three equal third parts of the said ore so dug by
the parties of the second part out of said mine,
and it is further agreed by both parties, that the
parties of the second part and their Heirs shall
have a lawful right to en joy the above Preveledges
for such term of time as the Parties of the second
part shall think Proper to quit the same, or un-
till such time that there is no more ore to be
found in said farm or mine. And for the more
absolute Performance and confermance of the
above articles, and to render the same more
effectual in the law, Both Parties Do respectfully
bind themselves, their Heirs, Executors and Ad-
ministrators and assignees for the above Per-
mitted times or Period.
"In witness whereof Both Parties to these
Presents have hereunto Interchangebly set
their Hands and seals the Day and year first
above written.
" Signed by Nicholas Becker and Catharine,
his wife, John Bouck and Casper Berthram, in
the presence of Elias Holladay and M. N. Sim-
mons, Jun."
Before seeking for the ore, Bertram had a
written oath or pledge which he took himself
and required those who assisted to do the same,
if not, their efforts would prove futile. The cross
that follows the jargon is to he understood as
the number of times each one was to cross
themselves over the heart with the forefinger of
the right hand, after walking over the ground
with an apple-tree branch, which was supposed
to be able to point to the spot, by order of the
" Spirit " that answered the charge, which was
as follows : —
" I charge you to reveal to me what I ask you
in the name of the three holy Kings, Casper,
Besler, and Melchior, who found the infant
Christ in the East, t t t
The jargon of course, was repeated in Ger-
man, and according to tradition, was effectual
in finding treasures.
The original of the oath was obtained and
preserved by John G. Gebhard, Jr., as was
also the articles of agreement, to whom we are
indebted for the privilege of a copy. It was
thought copper ore was obtained, but before the
mines began to work in earnest, an accident
happened to Bertram, that closed his life.
One of the Beckers was anxious to cut a cer-
tain piece of grass, and procured several hands
to assist — perhaps made "a "bee" to cut it —
and Bertram was one of the number, and in
mowing ahead of one of the laborers, he was
cut in the leg by him, and bled to death.
It is said he was buried in one corner of the
lot, and with him vanished the silver mines, but
not the idea of the treasure being hid in large
quantities within the rocks, as we still find those
who believe in an inexhaustable mine beneath
the giant hills, that will some day enrich the
country.
War of 1812. — When the war of 1812 was
proclaimed this part of the County was aroused
to a sense of patriotism that culminated in
twenty-five entering the service. The first that
went belonged to the regiment of militia and
every third one was drawn. Afterwards an
enlisting station was made at Schoharie village,
under Major Diedrick Van Vetchten. Daniel
Hager, grandson of Captain Jacob Hager was
a captain in the militia service and was in the
engagements at Sackett's Harbor and Platts-
burgh, as was also Captain Philip Bartholomew
in the same regiment, two men of firm adherence
to country, as were their grandfathers before
them.
Bartholomew Family. — John Bartholomew
and his wife, Dorothy, early purchased a tract
of land near the Charlotte, in the present county
of Otsego, and raised a large family. When
the Revolution commenced, they sought safety
in the Schoharie valley and proved to be staunch
patriots.
262
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
There were seventeen children, we are told,
by one of the family, (G. W. Bartholomew, now
of Austin, Texas,) and two of them at least
settled in Schoharie County, John and Philip.
The children of Philip settled at Fultonham,
Gilboa and Middleburgh, while those of John
were to be found in this town, as well as those
of Middleburgh.
The progenitors of this family came from
Holland and settled in Germantown, Penn.,
about the year 1740, and came from there to
the Charlotte in 1770.
One of the sons, Tewalt, was with the party
taken prisoners near Harpersfield, while making
sugar, in the spring of 1780, as stated in General
Patchin's manuscript. He returned to Scho-
harie at the close of the war, and for several
years lived near the Hagers.
Jacob Sutherland. — Among the notable resi
dents of this town was Jacob Sutherland, who
was a son-in-law of Chancellor John Lansing,
an owner of land lying in the town. In 1820
he was appointed one of the delegates to the
constitutional convention, and in debate proved
a very sound reasoner and intelligent debater.
During that time he was District Attorney for
the United States District Court, and in 1823
was elected State Senator, but did not take his
seat, as he received the appointment of Puisne
Justice, in the place of Joseph C. Yates, who
resigned when elected Governor. Mr. Suther-
land removed to Geneva, Ontario county, in
the district in which he served. He afterwards
removed to Albany and resigned the office of
Judge, in January, 1836, and was appointed
Clerk of the Court, which position we think he
held at the time of his death, which occurred in
May, 1 845, at the age of fifty-eight. He re-
sided upon the farm now occupied by O. J.
Spring, and lived in princely style for those
days, and was much respected by his townsmen.
His debates upon the Elective Franchise and
Appointing Power, the two subjects that caused
the warmest discussion that was held in the
constitutional convention, were ingenious and
forcible, displaying true Democratic principles,
and oratorical reasoning with fearless expression.
He was born in Stanford, Duchess County,
and educated for the bar, for which he was well
fitted intellectually, and being connected with
the best legal families of the day, and men of
political influence, he was pushed along to
prominence and usefulness, while yet a young
man, through appointments much, we are told,
against his natural retiring disposition.
The May ham Family. — Among the early set-
tlers of the town was Henry Maham, an emi-
grant from Ireland, who settled upon Blenheim
Hill, when that section was a dense forest. He
reared a family of six sons, William, John,
Cornelius, Henry, Thomas and Stephen, who
settled within the County, with the exception of
Henry and Thomas, the former removing to
Catskill and the latter to Niagara Falls. John
changed the spelling of the name by writing it
May ham, while the other members of the family
retain the original, Maham. The descendants
of John adhere to the father's custom and are
to be known by the adoption of the_y. To this
branch of the family belongs Stephen L. May-
ham, now of Schoharie village, who has proved
to be a representative man, and in whom the
qualities of a scholar and honest man are to be
found. A brother, Isaac F., long since dead,
also, through self-culture, attained a prominence
. as a scholar and medical professional at Car-
lisle, but passed away many years ago in the
bloom of a successful career. Stephen May-
ham was the first man to lease a farm of Chan-
cellor Lansing in the town, which he purchased
at a nominal price during the anti-rent troubles
of the 40*5.
The Methodist Church of North Blenheim is
the oldest religious organization in the town. It
was organized by Reverends Heman and Nathan
Bangs as early as 1800, and has been a pros-
perous society through its long existence. The
early records are not accessible, or were not
at least to us, which we regret exceedingly.
Previous to 1828, meetings were held in private
houses and the school-house; the preachers being
what was called in those days " circuit riders."
In that year the present church edifice was
erected, which has been remodeled, and com-
pares favorably with the County churches.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Eminence.
This class was formed about the year 1830
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
263
and after the Reformed Church was built wor-
shipped within it in union with that society.
The Methodist class purchased the building,
and in 1854 erected the present one. The
pastors have been many since the organization,
among whom were : •
Paul R. Brown,
Osborn,
Hedstone,
Bloomer,
Carver,
Bangs,
Mitchell,
Stout,
Stewart,
Lakin,
Wright,
Couchman,
Decker,
Taylor,
Woodruff,
Martin,
Cornish,
White,
Tousley, the present incumbent.
Our informant, Mr. J. H. Burrows, to whom
we are grateful for many favors, says, "The
pastors thus named have officiated, but perhaps
are not placed in their order." This society
conducted a camp meeting near the Reformed
Church in August, 1881, that was quite largely
attended, and awoke a deep interest in the re-
ligious cause.
The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of
North Blenheim. — About the year 1830, a
Presbyterian church was here formed in con-
nection with that of Jefferson, but their num-
bers were few, and being unable to sustain the
organization the elders of that society, P. I.
Hager, Frederick Hager and N. Wyckoff, peti-
tioned to the Classis of Schoharie on the i6th
of February, 1852, "to be recognized by them
as belonging to, and forming a part of their
church." The Classis "deeming it expedient,
resolved to comply with the petition," and
proceeded to organize it as the " Reformed
Protestant Dutch Church of North Blenheim."
On the 22d of May following, "the officers
were installed and ordained, whose names had
been before the church three successive Sab-
baths, as no objections having been brought
against them."
The officers were as follows :
BUert.
Adam H. Hager,
Nathan Wyckoff,
Frederick Hager,
Peter I. Hager.
Deacons.
Chauncey Vroman,
Munson Morehouse.
Clerk.
Chauncey Vroman.
Pastors.
1852 — J. H. VanWoert.
1853-1859— Wm. G. E. See.
1859-1867— T. L. Shafer.
1867-1870 — Albertus Vanderwater.
1871 -W. L. James.
1872-1882— E. Miller.
Upon the formation of this church, the Break-
abeen Church was connected in pastorate, and
still remains so. The church edifice was built
in 1853, and ordained in November of that
year.
Blenheim Bridge. — On the igth of April,
1828, an act was passed to incorporate the
" Blenheim Bridge Company." The first char-
ter expired 8th October, 1857, and was extended
to thirty years by the Board of Supervisors, as
by petition of George W. Martin and William
Fink, as directors. It was built by a stock
company. Hezekiah Dickerman was a share-
holder, and purchased the remaining stock which
he presented to his daughter, Mrs. Charles
Waite, of Jefferson county, who, in 1871, sold
to Mr. Moses Hubert, the present owner. It
is the third toll bridge across the Schoharie,
and, like the Esperance and Middleburgh
bridges, has withstood devastating floods, and
still stands firm.
Anti-Rent Troubles. — As stated in Chapter
IV of this work, the only actual collision be-
tween the Anti-Renters and the sheriff occurred
in this town. William Fink kept the hotel still
264
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
standing, where Sheriff Brown and Bouck were
stopping, and the "Anti's" were encamped
about four miles to the westward, upon lands
owned by the Baldwin family, and known as
" Baldwin's Heights." As stated, the officers
were seized a short time after dark, and hurried
to their encampment, where tar and feathers
were in readiness to be presented to them with-
out ceremony. A witness, without interest,
(except curiosity,) informs us that a vote was
taken by the painted chieftains whether to com-
mit the act or not, which was vociferously
carried. After parleying awhile another vote
was taken, but did not receive a unanimous
affirmative, and after voting several limes, each
with less vigor, it was decided to " refrain from
the act." Just at that moment the horses hoofs
struck a bridge near, and the party began to
disperse, some hastily, others leisurely, until the
captives were left alone, with the exception of
the village boys, who had been attracted to the
place to see the fun. The rent troubles soon
died away much to the credit of the people,
without bloodshed or waste of tar.
fink's Tavern. — The old house still stands as
a relic of other days, around which cluster many
incidents that memory recalls to the old resi-
dents and travelers with fondness, yet not per-
haps with pride. When the old house was in
its business glory, the people, as a mass, pre-
sented a rougher edged morality than now,
which perhaps produced more sensational
pleasures, yet did but little, if anything, to
elevate character, improve society, and advance
enterprise. William Fink was a son of John
Fink, who was found in the valley with the pa-
triotic Hagers, Martins, and others of 1776,
" daring for the right." When the war closed
they settled here, and were followed by General
Patchin, making a neighborhood of sturdy
patriots, whose children with fondness repeat
the many incidents that occurred along the
valley one hundred years ago.
Robert, John, Casper, and George Martin,
were sturdy pioneers, whose ire was easily
aroused upon the appearance of a Tory. The
three former were engaged in several scouting
expeditions, and were officious patriots. The
latter was the youngest and married a daughter of
General Patchin. Casper was the eldest, and
was one of the left-handed men that laid the
lash upon the back of Beacraft for his inhuman
butcheries. We were told by Miss Catharine
Hager that her father, the Judge, saw the body
of the Vroman boy that Beacraft killed, to-
gether with those that were slain upon that day,
as they lay in a wagon to be taken to the fort.
They were terribly mutilated and covered with
blood, presenting a sickening scene. In taking
the scalp from the head an incision was made,
usually a little below the crown, and the point
of the knife forced into the skull, and by hold-
ing it obliquely, was easily guided to cut a
circular piece, which varied in size, according
to the " taste " of the butcher ; usually the
whole upper scalp was taken, which will cause
that part covering the forehead to fall over the
face, making the victim unrecognizable until
raised to its position.
SUPERVISORS.
The first records of this town were lost or
destroyed many years ago, and without doubt
interesting matter forever lost.
1848 — Stephen Badgley.
1849 — Chauncey Vroman.
1850 — Alonzo C. Morehouse.
1851 — Hezekiah Dickerman.
1852 — Thomas H. Knickerbocker.
1853 — John Mayham.
1854 — John Badgley.
1855— Almerin M. Martin.
1856— Nathan S. Peaslee.
1857 — Mathew Fetter.
1858— Stephen L. Mayham.
1859— Stephen L. Mayham.
1860 — Stephen L. Curtis.
1 86 1 — George Morehouse.
1862 — John Badgley.
1863 — Silas Sweet.
1864— Giles S. Champlin.
1865— Silas Sweet.
1 866 -Silas Sweet.
1867 — John Hager.
1868— Silas Sweet.
1869— Silas Sweet.
1870 — Silas Sweet.
1871 — Edwin Kingsley.
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
265
1872 — Silas Sweet.
1873 — Silas Sweet.
1874— Silas Sweet.
1875— John Hager.
1876 — John Hager.
1877 — Edwin Kingsley.
1878 — George Granby.
1879 — Edwin D. Hager.
1880— Edwin D. Hager.
1881 — George Granby.
1882— J. Perry Champlin.
BOUNDARIES.
By a final act passed by the Legislature
April 12, 1813, the bounds of the town were
defined as follows: —
" All that part of said County of Schoharie
beginning at a point in the south bounds of
Middleburgh where the same is intersected by
the east line of Walter Butler's patent, north of
the dwelling-house now or late of Christian
Schaeffer, thence south along the said line of
Walter Butler's patent to Smith's patent, thence
south along the line of Smith's patent to Edward
Clark's patent, thence along the east and south
bounds of Edward Clark's patent to the middle
of Schoharie creek, thence southerly through
the middle of said creek to the south bounds of
the County, thence westerly along the same to
the town of Jefferson, thence along the easterly
bounds of the town of Jefferson to the southerly
bounds of the town of Middleburgh, thence
easterly along the said southerly bounds to the
place of beginning, shall be and continue by
the name of Blenheim."
Gilboa and a portion of Fulton was taken
from the above, making the north of the former
and the south of the latter, the south and north
lines of Blenheim.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BARENT KEYSER.
The Keyser and Schaeffer families came to
the upper part of old Breakabeen some time
after the year 1750. They became related by
marriage, and were closely connected in many
business transactions.
It is said the stream that forms a junction
with the Schoharie near the present village, or
modern Breakabeen, was named Keyser Kill,
after the first settler, and grandfather of the
subject of this sketch. That pioneer built a
small grist-mill about the year 1765 at some
point in this part of the valley, but the exact
location is not definitely known. He also
reared a family of boys who numbered at least
four, but through the agency of the Revolution-
ary war — diverse political opinions — and death
by exposures, peculiar to those times, but two
families were left in the States at the close of
that war, Abram, as stated in Chapter XIII,
and the family of the grandfather of our subject,
Barent. One of the sons married Catharine, a
daughter of Jacob Schaeffer, from whom she
received a farm lying in the town of Sharon as
her portion, to which the family removed about
the year 1795. Barent, the son and third in
name, was there born on the 5th day of August,
1799. In 1805 the family returned to the
valley and settled upon the farm now owned
and occupied by Mr. Keyser.
266
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The family being large, Mr. Keyser "worked
out" by the month among the farmers of the
valley, and by following the frugal customs of
the day he laid by a few hundred dollars, which
he was induced by his mother to pay upon
debts against the homestead. He assumed the
responsibility, and in a few years became the
owner of the farm. It being mostly covered
[BARENT KEYSER AND WIFE.]
with heavy timber, it can be imagined an im-
mense amount of labor was required to bring it
to its present state of cultivation. But industry
coupled with energy and frugality, made the
great change, and gave to Mr. Keyser a com-
petency and pleasant home to enjoy in his old
age.
When his labor commenced upon the farm,
he states that the woods abounded with deer,
and it was not an unusual occurrence to see
several in a herd grazing upon the side of the
mountain, especially in the spring of the year,
when they could find the low and tender
bushes. During one winter in Mr. Keyser's
time, the snow being very deep, with a heavy
crust upon it, a neighbor of his killed over
seventy with an ax. Bears were also numerous
and plagued the farmers by killing their hogs
and sheep. It is indeed pleasing to those that
experienced the trials and labors attending the
pioneers of the hills of Blenheim to recount them
over and over again, and contrast those days
with the present, and draw from it lessons
worthy to be heeded by their children and
grandchildren who enjoy the fruits of their
labors.
Mr. Keyser early married a sister of the
present HonYost Warner, of Warner Hill,
who long years ago passed on to the spirit
world, after assisting the husband in his early
struggles against the thousand obstacles that
were placed in his way, and rearing the following
family of children: Mrs. John Mattice, Mrs.
Henry Parslow, Mrs. Henry Smith, Mrs.
Henry Keyser, George, John, and Jacob.
Being a hard-working man, Mr. Keyser has
TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
267
never aspired to official honors, therefore never
held any office beyond local trusts imposed
upon him by the neighborhood of which he has
so long been a respected member.
When a young man he served his time in the
State Militia, and was detailed as guard at the
execution of Casler in 1818, and also of Van
Alstine the year following.
JACOB L. SHAFER.
Jacob L. Shafer is a descendant of Hendrick
Schaeffer, one of the early settlers of Brunen
" dorf." His grandfather, Jacob Schaeffer, as
particularly stated in a preceding chapter of
this work, settled upon the farm now owned by
Mr. Shafer, several years previous to the Revo-
lution. Here his family of five sons were born,
some of whom Americanized the name from
Schaeffer to Shaver or Shafer, according to
their fancy. The sons were Hendricus, Garrett,
Christian, Marcus, and Jacob. Hendricus, as
will be seen, settled in Schoharie ; Garrett
retained the old place now belonging to Jacob
L. ; Christian located upon the opposite side
of the creek; and Marcus settled in Sharon.
Jacob was a mute and remained single.
Jacob L. is a son of Garrett Shafer, and is
the only male descendant in the town of Blen-
heim, excepting his sons. He was born there
February 27, 1815, receiving but a meager
education in his youth, yet strictly tutored
in the school of honesty, industry and frugality.
Being of a reserved disposition, Mr. Shafer
has never aspired above agricultural pursuits,
but has kept steadily on, improving and adding
to the inheritance derived from the father.
Holding no official trust, but minor local ones,
he has confined himself strictly to his own and
268
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
family affairs, yet never refusing proffers of aid
to the unfortunate, nor embracing an oppor-
tunity for taking the advantage of anyone.
But few men are held in greater esteem by
their townsmen than Mr. Shafer, for his adher-
ence to Christian principles in every position
in which he can be placed. His honors lie in
his integrity, and not in his accumulations. His
children are : Mrs. Daniel Bouck, Mrs. Hiram
Kniskern, Gideon, Albert, Joseph A., Walter,
Mary, William G. and Edward D. They have
been carefully guided through their youth, in the
life principles of their parents, and are now
active and useful citizens.
CHAPTER XVII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SEWARD.
TOWN FORMED — CONTROVERSY BETWEEN
WHIGS AND DEMOCRATS — PETER HYNDS —
HENRY HAINES — FIRST GRIST MILL— CAP-
TURE OF THE HYNDS FAMILY — TREATMENT
OF MARIA HYNDS — THE CRYSLER BROTHERS
— INVASION OF SETHS HENRY — MURDER OF
MICHAEL MERCKLEY — OF CATHARINE AND
SEBASTIAN FRANCE — JOHN FRANCE MUR-
DERED— CAPTURE OF HENRY AND His ES-
CAPE— MURDER OF YOUNG Fox — FREDERICK
MERCKLEY'S FAMILY — FRANCE FAMILY —
JOHN RICE— FIRST MEETING HOUSE— HIS-
TORICAL ASSOCIATIONS — MURDER OF MR.
AND MRS. HOFFMAN — TORIES' PASSION —
OTTMAN BOYS TAKEN PRISONERS — RHINE-
BECK CHURCH — HENRY MOELLER AND OTHER
PASTORS — FIRST SETTLERS OF RHINEBECK. —
GOLD MINE — STROBECK — POST OFFICE
HYNDSVILLE — SEWARD VALLEY — SEWARD
STATION — GARDNERSVILLE — REV. PHILIP
WEITING — COLONEL WILLETT'S RAIDS
MILLS — BUSINESS INTERESTS — CHURCHES —
DAIRY INTERESTS — PHYSICIANS — • TOWN
BONDS — SUPERVISORS — BOUNDARIES.
Q KVVARD was formed from Sharon, February
V_j JI! 1840. Several years previous to the
formation of the town, considerable partisan
feeling was displayed throughout Sharon, and
in fact extended through the Western Assembly
District of the County. The Whig element of
Sharon was within the present limits of Seward,
and they desired to run the line, so as to make
a town of that political sentiment, while the
Democrats run a line to make it Democratic.
At last Peter Hynds, a thorough active Demo-
crat, and a very influential man, headed the
Democratic faction, and Jedediah Miller, of
Cobleskill, the Whig. After repeated lines
were run, and much loud speaking and many
impressive arguments used, the factions met in
the political field in the fall of 1838, running
the two veterans for Member of Assembly.
Miller was elected, but failed to get the desired
enactment passed, after petitions and protests
in abundance had been sent to the " Honorable
Body." But Miller's interest was awakened,
and not being discouraged, he still "insisted,"
and in 1840, while Charles Goodyear, of Scho-
harie, and Seymour Boughton, of Summit, were
in the Assembly, the bill was passed. Miller,
being consulted as to the name of the town,
wrote upon a slip of paper " Seward," in honor
of the then acting governor. During the year
of that local political excitement, the United
States Government and Mexico were having
considerable trouble over Texas, and Hynds
desired to call the new town after that disputed
territory ; a very appropriate name considering
the controversy. About the time Hynds was
defeated by Miller, the Texans and Mexi-
cans under Santa Anna, had an engagement,
.in which the Mexican General was defeated.
The opponents of Hynds gave to him the
appellation of " Santa Anna," by which he was
known until his death.
Peter Hynds was a very energetic man, in
whom the people had great confidence. In
TOWN OF SEWARD.
269
1829 he represented the Western District in
the Assembly, and each year was honored by
his townsmen with some office of trust. He
was justice of the peace for a long series of
years, and was the first supervisor elected in
the town, which office he held for three terms,
1840, 1841 and 1851. On the 24th of August,
1864, he died at Hyndsville, in the sixty-fifth
year of his age.
The earliest settlement in the town is sup-
posed to have been in 1754. Judging by cer-
tain circumstances, as well as by a careful
searching of old records, we believe that the
Haines family were the first settlers in this
town, although their settlement has been fixed
at a later date by many. We may possibly be
mistaken, still we are led to think they were
the first, followed soon after by Sebastian
France, William Spornhyer, Henry Fritz, Will-
iam Hynds, and two brothers, Frederick and
Michael Merck ley. They were all Germans
of the Palatine order, trusty, industrious and
frugal.
We have examined letters, deeds and leases,
given to different parties, (actual settlers), and
find the earliest date to be 1757. One lease
from Johannes Lawyer requires the lessee to
make the first payment in 1764, thereby giving
the tenant an opportunity of building and
putting such other improvements upon the
place as were necessary, without crippling them
financially. There are a few places in town the
titles of which were obtained from the Indi-
ans. The Haines farm is one. David H.
Haines, the present occupant of the old home-
stead, is the great-grandchild of the first settler,
Henry Haines. He was ever a friend to the
Indians, and when his son. David, made free to
side with the Colonists, the old man became
very wroth, and upon making his will gave the
other children the greater portion of his prop-
erty. The first grist-mill in the town, and in
the western part of the County, was built by
him near Mr. David H. Haines' present farm
buildings.
At the time of the Revolution these farmers
were well-to-do, with comfortable frame-houses
and spacious barns. They were visited three
times by the Indians and Tories, who did not
fail to leave their marks of rapine and plunder,
as well as blood and murder. Upon the 4th of
July, 1780, a party of seven Indians, led by
Adam Crysler, surprised the family of William
Hynds,* while at dinner. They made the whole
family, eight in number, prisoners. After cap-
turing four horses, upon the backs of which
they placed Mrs. Hynds and the small children,
together with the plunder taken from the house,
the party moved off, and traveled that after-
noon to Summit lake.
The Hynds family were gone three or four
days before the remaining families of New
Dorlach knew of their capture.
They were taken to Niagara, and were very
well treated considering the brutality used upon
many of their prisoners. Mrs. Hynds and four
children died while in captivity. The remain-
der of the family returned after an absence of
two years and one-half, excepting Mary, one of
the oldest children, who was separated from
the family at Niagara, and was not allowed to
return for nearly three years after Mr. Hynds.
Thus we see the farm, stock and everything
was left behind, without anyone to take charge
of them, and the family hurried off at the
mercy of a treacherous foe, who, upon the
impulse of the moment, were as likely to mur-
der the whole family as to spare them.
One of the children, Maria, after became
the wife of Peter Bouck, of Cobleskill, and
mother-in-law of Abram L. Lawyer. She was
about twelve years of age when taken, and was
forced to travel on foot, at times in torture
from cuts and bruises. She had long hair, and
the savages, both white and red, often caught
her by it, and flung her around as if she were
inanimate. They often threatened to kill her,
*The Indians and Crysler appeared at Michael Merck-
ley's at dusk, and demanded quarters for the night. In
the course of the evening, the party retired to a room
and held a private council. Mr. Merckley told his
family that he was fearful mischief was entertained,
and told them to keep a watch over them. A Fritz
girl and a daughter of Frederick Merckley were present,
and they listened at the door, but were detected, and
an Indian placed as sentinel. They held a council and
asked of the girls if France was at home, being told
that he was not, they retired for the night, and in the
morning captured the Hynds family.
270
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and took pains to torture the mind, if not the
body. At one time, while in a chamber above
a party of fiends, she heard them consulting in
regard to taking her scalp, and was called down
with the expectation of the act being com-
mitted, but owing to some cause or other she
was allowed to return to her cheerless quarters.
The few families living in this part of New
Dorlach were in friendship, regardless of their
political differences, and with the exception of
Philip Crysler and family, those that sided with
the Crown remained quiet and did nothing to
injure or molest their patriotic neighbors.
Settling as they did among the Indians,
receiving lands and many favors from them,
years before any political disturbances arose, it
could not be expected otherwise than that a
friendship should spring up between them,
which they hardly dared to disturb, as they
were entirely at the savages' mercy, and to cast
the epithet of " Tory " upon many of them
for their passiveness is hardly just. But the
Crysler families — Adam, Philip, William and
John — four brothers living in different sections
of the County, were demons in human form,
whose brutal acts outvied those of the uncivil-
ized barbarian, and are a stain upon the history
of civilized mankind. We are pleased however
to make one exception in the Crysler family of
one that was a true patriot, although but a mere
lad. Philip owned the farm now occupied by
Abram France, at Gardnersville, and when he
came from Canada, (where he fled in 1777 with
his brothers,) after his family, his son, George,
refused to go, and left home to keep out of his
father's way. He served the Colonists as a
scout and remained firm and patriotic through-
out the struggle. His father's farm was con-
fiscated at the close of the war and should have
been given to the son as a reward for his pa-
triotism. He lived in the town of Sharon for
many years, 'but at present we do not know of
his whereabouts. After the murders committed
by and at the instigation of his father, George
seemed to loathe his parent.
A few years ago another son of Philip
returned to regain the farm by legal means, but
he was unsuccessful and returned to Canada.
Within the territory of Seward, many in-
cidents peculiar only to the Revolution, were
enacted, a few of which we can speak of with a
certainty, while around others there lies a haze
which we have been unable to penetrate, and of
them we will remain silent.
On the 1 8th of October following the capture
of the Hynds' family, a party of eighteen In-
dians and three Tories, led by Seths Henry
and Philip Crysler, made their appearance at
Michael Merckley's house, which stood back of
Austin Sexton's barn. This party, it was
thought by Simms, arrived in the neighborhood
a day or two previous, but kept themselves
secreted. The day before their appearance,
Colonel Johnson invaded the Schoharie valley
with a body of cut-throats, among whom it was
believed was Seths Henry, the notorious Scho-
harie redskin. Simms thinks the party that
appeared at Merckley's waited in secret to know
of Johnson's success and to be joined by Seths
Henry. It might be possible that the whole
party were with Johnson, as in numbers there is
strength, and it was useless for them to be idle
when possibly they would be wanted, and upon
the retreat of Johnson they might have broken
off and come up here to devastate and assist
Crysler's family to Canada. However that
may be, they appeared here on the i8th, and
upon Mr. Merckley riding up towards his house
on horseback, from a visit west, he was shot
and scalped.
His niece, Catharine, a daughter of Frederick
Merckley, had accompanied her uncle, but had
loitered behind in company with Betsey or
Elizabeth, a daughter of Sebastian France.
Hearing the report of the gun, and perhaps
anticipating danger, she rode on, leaving Miss
France near her home. As Catharine neared
her uncle's house, (having nearly a mile further
to ride to reach her own home,) and seeing the
lifeless body of her uncle, she urged her horse
on up the knoll in front of the Merckley house,
heedless of the Indians' orders for her to stop.
Seths Henry standing by a stone — still to be
seen — leveled his rifle and fired upon her, when
she fell from the horse, mortally wounded.
Upon scalping her, Seths Henry said he
would not have shot her if he had known she
was such a pretty paleface. Such is the simple
TOWN OF SKWARI).
271
story, as told by the near descendants of Miss
Merckley, and the fact that she was soon to
marry a true patriot — Christopher France, son
of Sebastian — added much interest to the
dy. Like the uncalled for murder of Jane
McCrea, it stands upon record against the
virtues of the " defender of the faith," as an-
other demoniacal act so frequently committed
by the "defender's" hired emissaries during the
American Revolution.
After their murdering the old gentleman and
Catharine, a portion of the party moved west to
the residence of Sebastian France, a committee-
man, which stood near the present site of
William Denmon's dwelling. Mrs. Denmon is
a descendant of Sebastian France. Upon the
Indians arriving here, the children only were at
home, Mrs. France being at Mr. Haines, a short
distance west, on a visit, and Mr. France hear-
ing the report of the gun which fired upon Mr.
and Miss Merckley, had taken his gun and
entered the woods back of the house to learn
the cause of the noise. He came very near
meeting the party, but evading them and know-
ing he could not reach his own house without
detection, he hurried off to Schoharie for assist-
ance, a distance of at least sixteen miles.
Simrns says the children were standing upon
a stoop in front of the door, when the Indians
came, and John, one of the oldest children, was
struck on the head and felled by an Indian,
near an out-door oven, which stood where Mr.
Denmon's ash-leach now stands. Henry, a
younger brother, was taken in charge by another
Indian, from whom he ran away, but was re-
taken. Mrs. France hearing the noise, returned
home to find one of her boys weltering in his
blood. The anguish that filled that mother's
heart no pencil can describe; yet those demons
could look on and laugh at such scenes ! Upon
her entreating the Indians — who were helping
themselves to her eatables — not to hurt the
remaining children, they promised they would
not. Henry watched his opportunity to escape,
and when his captor's head was turned, sprang
out of the door and fled towards the woods.
The Indian that struck John immediately ran
over to Hoffman's, a short distance west, to
dispatch him and his wife, but they hearing the
noise at France's, sought safety in the woods,
thereby cheating the Indian out of their scalps.
Philip Crysler's wife afterwards stated that
he was at home when the Indians appeared at
the France place, and she advised him to put
on his Indian dress and go over and save
the France family, as she was under many obli-
gations to them. Upon his reaching the place,
the family was spared through his influence, but
such fiends cannot be believed. It is very
doubtful as to his being at home, as he was at
the Merckley house but an hour before.
About the time Henry escaped the last time,
the Indian that ran over to Hoffman's returned,
and upon finding that the boy had escaped and
John still living, he cleft his skull with his toma-
hawk and took his scalp. The poor boy after
receiving the first blow, vainly tried to follow
the whispered advice of Henry, "to crawl under
the oven," as the loss of blood and stunning
effect of the brute's blow rendered him too
weak to move. With what solicitude Henry
and the remaining children must have looked
upon their helpless brother! The party soon
left, without doing farther damage to the family,
but applied the torch to the barn and stacks,
which soon reduced the labor of the season to
ashes. Mrs. France carried the body of her
son in the house, and with the remainder of
the family concealed themselves in the woods.
The party proceeded to Haines', who was a
loyalist, and captured a few slaves, then turned
their course back down the creek, to join the
rest of the party that was left at Merckley's.
They burned the Michael Merckley buildings
and William Spornhyer's, which stood where
George Winegard now resides, also Frederick
Merckley's, the father of Catharine, and passed
over the hills to the south, with two Merckley
girls and a boy (Martin), and a lad by the name
of Fox, together with the slaves, as prisoners.
The Fox boy cried to return, and was murdered
upon the south side of the creek. The fact
was not known at New Dorlach of the boy's
death until a long time after, when it was com-
municated by letter from the Merckley girls to
their friends, although bones had been found,
but to whom they belonged, was a mystery.
Martin was taken to Canada, from whence he
272
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
returned at the close of the war, and became
the father of our informant, David Mercklty.
One son of Frederick Merckley was with
Christopher France at the "lower fort," and
two were under Captain Hager, and served with
Arnold in 1777. Christian, a boy older than
Martin, was at home, who, together with the par-
ents was secreted in the woods when the savage
party returned and burnt the buildings. They
fled to the "lower fort" and from thence to
the Hellebergh's, where they remained until the
war closed, when they returned to their
desolated homes and began life anew. One of
the sons went to Canada and procured the
brother, Martin, from a squaw that had adopted
him as her son.
The accusation against Michael Merckley of
being disloyal, we are far from being able to
credit, and are led to believe it was an unjust
charge, prompted by a neighbor's maliciousness
after a period of over fifty years from the mas-
sacre. That the transaction, as related of the
private counsel held at Merckley's house, is cor-
rect, we are convinced, and from the tenor of
the charges made, only a very fibre-like proof
can be gleaned of there being any truth in them.
If Merckley advised the savage party to cap-
ture Hynds and family, who told of it? Would
he ? If the captors did, should they be sooner
believed in that matter than in any other?
Should such deceivers be believed at all ? Did
the patriots of that day put any weight in their
words ? Again, even the massacre of the old
man, or the circumstances attending it, are cited
as evidence of his friendly relations with the
loyal cause ! " He discovered," says Simms,
" the Indians about the door, but conscious of
his kind feelings towards them, and zeal in the
royal cause, while in the act of dismounting from
his horse with perfect unconcern, he was shot
down." Who could assume to know what he
thought and felt ? With his family in the house,
surrounded by a blood-drinking band, and know-
ing by their past history, they would as soon thirst
for their blood as any others,he could not, with the
heart of a true father, feel unconcerned, and his
riding up to the party when he might have
evaded them by keeping back, was no evidence
of his unconcern or zeal only for his family.
Had he, upon seeing the savages around the
house, put spur to his horse and eluded them,
he would have been branded as a coward, with-
out a father's heart, and justly too. Many in
those days, were unjustly accused.
There are families to-day, whose grandparents
were connected with both sides in that contest,
that accuse the Hynds family of being loyalists,
and say they were pretended prisoners, not only
the Hynds, but others who were true patriots.
When we come to trace the origin of such
charges, we invariably find them to be old family
feuds that never die out in the old German
breast. We find Michael Merckley to have been
a man well advanced in years, a widower of
considerable means, and lived a gentleman,
without manual labor.
He was the scribe, or head man of the -neigh-
borhood, and took no active part in the strug-
gle, was friendly to all, and an honored man.
The family of Frederick Merckley were at-
tached to the Colonial cause, and were active
participants from the son John, entering service
under Arnold to relieve Gansevoort, to the close
of the struggle, yet they too, were accused of
being friends to the Crown.
About the year 1790, a very energetic man
by the name of John Rice, from New London
county, Connecticut, settled upon the Michael
Merckley farm, and after a few years built a
" tavern " upon the site of Austin Sexton's resi-
dence. Here Old Sharon for many years held
its elections, law suits, and did other public
business. He built a grist-mill, and the place
was known as " Rice's Mills." Rice was justice
of the peace for many years, and represented
the County in the legislature four terms, 1796,
J797, i798 and 1832, and was the first member
sent from Schoharie after the County was formed.
It was entitled to but one member at that time,
but in 1832 John Ingold, Jr., of Schoharie
village, was his colleague.
Squire Sexton, who now resides between the
old tavern stand and the creek, and has held the
office of justice for thirty years, related an inci-
dent in regard to Rice's official acts. Two
men had a suit to be tried before him, and
went to his office for that purpose, when, upon
conversing, their troubles engaged their conver-
TOWN OF SEWARD.
273
sation, and, as is usually the case, each became
angry, and in their passion " let out " more, per-
haps, than they intended relative to the case.
Rice sat at his desk writing, and upon one of
the men asking him if it was not time to call
the suit, " Why yes," said Rice, " the time is
up, and I've rendered judgment upon your own
confession." An inexpensive way of trying law-
suits. Rice was supervisor of the town in 1814
and 1818, and held a Colonel's commission,
and was a very energetic business man, much
respected by all who knew him. He died Sep-
tember 8, 1832, aged seventy-two years.
First Meeting House. — But a few rods east of
where Catharine Merckley was shot, towards
the Methodist Church, near a large elm tree,
the first church was built west of Schoharie. It
was but a rude log building, and must have
been built about the year 1760. Here Peter
N. Sommers, and an occasional missionary,
preached to the settlers of Dorlach until the
Rhinebeck Church was built, and it was in this
rude building that a few of the pioneers assem-
bled, during the war, for the purpose of holding
a prayer-meeting. While thus engaged, one of
the company espied a band of Indians, fifteen
in number, wending their way towards the
house. Knowing that to retreat would arouse
their vengeance, and, being unarmed, the leader
of the meeting fell upon his knees and requested
the remainder to do so, and pray for protection.
Some moments passed in silent prayer, and the
Indians not making any appearance, their
movements were noticed and it was found that
when within a few rods of the building they
had changed their course, and left them un-
molested. Many such escapes were experi-
enced through that struggle, which seemed to
mark the interposition of a watchful Provi-
dence, and impressed the early settlers with a
deep sense of their dependence up«n Him.
This neighborhood is as full of historical
interest as any other in the County. It seems
to us that the scenery around would convey to
the stranger the idea of romance, if not of
tragedy. Here the log cabin was reared in the
depth of the forest, to which the scattering set-
tlers might resort to hear the gospel preached,
and mingle their petitions at the Throne of
Grace. Here the aged Merckley and beautiful
Catharine fell by the hand of relentless hatred,
and whose tragic end will resound to posterity
and lead many to view the ground thus made
memorable, and bow at the humble tombstone
that marks her grave, in pity and admiration.
One hundred years have come and gone since
her death, and with them have passed the near
friends whose tears were those of deep affec-
tion at the recital of the tale, yet again and
again it is being told with no less degree of
interest, but with more of romance.
Tradition unfolds a touching recital of an in-
cident connected with the murder of young
France, but a short distance above. While pros-
trated by the blow the Indian gave him, the
mother returned, and upon approaching her son,
he partially arose, and exclaimed with weakness
and pain, in an appealing tone, "Ma-ma, mam-
ma ! " and fell fainting at the mother's feet. No
death throes upon a bed of sickness, could
pierce the heart with such vehement anguish as
the appealing, confiding and agonized cry of the
young man to the weak, helpless, and yet love-
clinging mother. Beneath a rude stone, near
where the h'eart-rending act transpired, lie the
remains of poor John France, a lad of but four-
teen years of age, the only offence for which he
suffered being that he was the son of a patriot,
and a helpless, defenseless child !
Nearly opposite of the blood-stained door-
step of Francis, the year following, upon the
day of the battle of Sharon, a few Indians and
Tories, on their retreat, murdered old Mr. and
Mrs. Hoffman.
They lived upon the place now known as the
" Klock farm." It was thought that the old
couple's sympathies were favorable to the Crown,
but some personal animosity prompted the
Tories — Philip Crysler, perhaps — to murder the
old man and his wife.
Mr. Hoffman was an aged man, and was at-
tending religious services at the barn of Con-
radt Brown, at the foot of the hill, upon which
" Turlah church " was afterwards built. It is
now occupied by Martin L. Borst. While Som-
mers was reading a psalm, a messenger arrived,
stating that he heard firing some distance west,
and in all probability the enemy were not far
distant. The meeting broke up, and many made
haste to their homes, to secrete their families
and effects, while others started in the : d.rect.on
of the firing, to discover the cause. Mr. I
man was nearly two miles from his home, and
hastened there, only to be murdered. As
he approached the house, the Indians appeared
and led him and his wife outside of the door-
yard and tomahawked them. Mrs. Hoffman's
sister, Catharine Engle, then on a visit, escaped.
The main force of the army passed along to the
north of the house, and crossed the West Kill, at
the place, where the previous year Mr. Merck-
ley and niece were murdered, and encamped for
the night where Seward Valley village stands.
The two preceding years in which the murderers
appeared in this neighborhood, Mr. and Mrs.
Hoffman had secreted themselves in the woods,
knowing no doubt, of the hatred towards them,
of the Tory Crysler. At such times it requires
but a small offense to lead such fiends to com-
mit the most heinous crimes. Mrs. Hoffman
was a daughter of Conradt Engle. Many times
during the war, the Indians, when left at liberty
to act, kindly left the aged and infants un-
harmed, while the Tories did not scruple to
murder them without a pretext. It seemed to
be the Tories ruling passion to destroy, torture
and murder in the most inhuman ways.
We cannot recall to mind a single instance
where the Indians were their equals in tortur-
ing, unless it was at the instigation of their pale
faced allies ; and much as the stigma rests upon
the character of the savages, for acts committed
during the Revolution, for cruelty and blood-
thirst, those of the Tories outvie them all.
The France Family. — The oldest child of
Sebastian France was born on the ocean in
1754, and merried in 1772 to Luther Kling, a
notice of whom may be found elsewhere.
Catharine, the second daughter, married Wm.
Oilman, who was taken prisoner in 1782.
Betsey or Elizabeth, married Paul Shank, (see
Cobleskill,) while the sons, Henry, Lawrence,
and Jacob, married and reared families. Chris-
topher married but died without heirs. After
the murder of John, and burning of the barn
buildings, the family removed to Watervliet and
remained there until the war closed. Sebastian
Centennial Anniversary.- -The incidents of
the 1 8th of October, 1780, were celebrated
near the grave of Miss Merckley, on the cen-
tennial day. Gilbert France, a son of Henry
France, presided, and able addresses were
delivered by Hon. Charles Holmes, John Van
Schaick, and William S. Clark. An appropriate
poem was recited by a descendant, Miss Effie
France, written for the occasion by H. H.
Johnson. Nearly four thousand people were in
attendance, and united to make the day one of
interest and long to be remembered. Relics of
one hundred years ago were exhibited, among
which was wearing apparel of Miss Merckley,
worn upon the day of her assassination ; the old
chair of Sebastian France ; Indian accoutre-
ments ; ancient books, and many other things
of interest belonging to the families connected
with the early settlers of the neighborhood.
Captivity of the Ottman Children.— Some
time in September, 1782. three brothers, William,
Nicholas, and Peter, children of Christian Ott-
man, (then spelled Uttman) who lived where
Isaac Ottman now lives, were taken prisoners by
a party of Indians and carried to Niagara. Ac-
companying the Indians was a squaw, who had
many times been hospitably succored by the
family, whom Mrs. Ottman followed for some
distance with such entreaties as only a mother
can express, but of no avail. As she appealed
to the squaw, she only answered " It's not me !
not me ! " When the children returned, one of
their captors came with them, and Peter desired
to follow the Indian back, having become
fascinated with Indian life, which highly pleased
the redskin. He desired to return to Canada
with them, but the parents objected, and not
until (tradition says) the Indian cut off the fore-
top of each, with a small bit of the scalp, would
the children consent to remain. Upon his
doing so they rushed to the mother and were
contented. The story in regard to the foretop
however, is without foundation. There were
seven sons in the Ottman family who have long
since passed away, and were the father and
grandfather of the innumerable Ottmans of to-
TOWN OF SKWARD.
275
day. They were in order of their ages, William,
Daniel, John, Nicholas, Peter, George, and
Cornelius. The party that took the boys captive
passed down to Cobleskill village and made
more prisoners, as stated in that chapter.
Christian Ottman, the father, came from
Germany in 1761, and settled here soon after.
The family name is variously spelled Ottman,
Otman, Uttman, Utman, Oatman, yet all direct
descendants of Christian. He died at the age
of one hundred and two.
The first frame house of worship built in the
town was the Rhinebeck Church, which is still
standing. About the year 1 760, quite a number
settled here from Rhinebeck, on the Hudson,
and the territory north and northwest of Law-
yersville was called "New Rhinebeck." This
Lutheran society was organized by Peter N.
Sommers in 1772, and a re-organization was
effected according to act of 1801, in February,
1808. The edifice was built in 1785, and
stands as the only relic in this section, of "ye
olden time." The windows have been taken
out and the old monument has the appearance
of " wrecked desolation." Vandalism has made
fearful work upon it. Many years ago it was
remodeled, and the high-backed pews and
antique pulpit were replaced by those of more
modern date. The entrance was effected at
the side, instead of at the end of the building, as
is the custom at the present day. The pulpit
stood opposite the door, and the gallery was
upon three sides. The original desk should
have been preserved, as it would have been a
great curiosity at the present time, and greater
still for years to come. It was an octagon,
standing against the wall, upon one pillar or
leg. requiring eight or ten steps to reach it.
Back of the desk was a sounding-board, reaching
quite high, and from the centre of the top, ribs,
similar to those of an umbrella, spread out over
the desk, and were covered with thinly wrought
boards, giving the pulpit .and parachute over it,
the appearance of a modern drinking goblet,
with another inverted above it. There was not
room enough for more than one in the desk,
and when its occupant sat down, the congrega-
tion could only discern the top of his head. A
Baptist minister once preached in this pulpit
and made the remark that he "felt like stand-
ing in a hogshead and being compelled to speak
through the bung-hole." As we stand within
the desolated walls of this time-honored temple
of our fathers, imagination can but lead us back
to the days when aged Sommers, feeble and
blind, drew vivid pictures of the sufferings of
his Christ, upon whose arm he leaned so many
years, and drew from his sturdy and faithful
flock their honest "Amen !" as his feeble voice
expressed his heartfelt sympathy and love. Here
met men, women, and children, our parents
and grandparents, after a lonely walk of many
miles through the forest, to hear the word of
God preached in a plain and unpretending
manner.
One Henry Moeller, pronounced in English,
Miller, was the first stationed minister, and
preached here for many years. Johannes Law-
yer, Jr., owning a tract of land here, sold to the
Lutherans of Cobleskill, Rhinebeck and "Tur-
lah," in March, 1789, for ^no, a farm of
1 50 acres, upon which the church stands, for the
support of it. In 1794, the members from
Cobleskill built the il brick church," and with-
drew from this.
A year or two after, the " Turlah " members
built the church we mentioned as standing up-
on the brow of the hill above Borst's and called
it " St. John's."
The " Turlah church " stood in the town of
Seward, but a new one was built within a few
years, a short distance west, and is in the town
of Sharon. Moeller officiated as pastor of both
churches, and died here at an advanced age,
and was buried in the Rhinebeck cemetery, and
afterwards at Slate Hill. The epitaph upon his
tombstone he wrote himself, and reads, " After
a long and hard pilgrimage, wherein I often
erred, my Divine Saviour Jesus Christ led me
by his holy word and spirit to His eternal home."
He was a chaplain in the army, under General
Washington, during the Revolution, and settled
here soon after peace was proclaimed.
At the time the Cobleskill Lutherans with-
drew from Rhinebeck, some difficulty was ex-
perienced and lasted several years, in regard to
the church property, but it was amicably settled
in 1808. In that year fifty acres of the farm
276
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
was set off for their benefit, which was " in full
of all accounts." The structure was built by
both Lutherans and Dutch Reformed, each wor-
shipping within the walls with Christian spirit,
and when the latter built a church of their own
in 1800 at Lawyersville, the Lutherans promised
to refund the amount of money the Reformed
church had contributed, and did so in 1808, at
the time the fifty acres were set off for
their benefit. They became then the sole
occupants and owners of the church and prop-
erty. Prosperity smiled upon this society for
many years, but like all things earthly it was
doomed to trouble and decay. The revolt
upon church discipline and technical doctrines
of many staunch churchmen, gave rise to the
" New School " or " Franckean Synod," and this
church received a shock from which it has not
and perhaps never will recover. In 1865 the
farm was sold, and the last church meeting
under the old order was held February 9, 1867,
Daniel Engle being elected trustee, and Philip
W. Strobeck, clerk. The associate trustees
were Paul Strobeck and John J. Petrie.
The pastors of this ancient church have been
as follows : —
Peter N. Sommers and others, of Schoharie
church, up to 1806, when Henry Moeller came
and remained till 1822.
Abraham Crounse, from 1823 to 1828.
Philip Weiting, from 1828 to 1838.
Mr. Emmerick, from 1838 to 1867, when only
occasional preaching was sustained.
The " Rhinebeck Church " was called " St.
Peter's.
Mr. Lawyer also sold one hundred and fifty
acres of land lying to the east of the Rhinebeck
lot, for the support of a " Reformed Church,"
and was occupied by Mr. Kinney. Upon the
farm a parsonage was built, but not a church.
Judge John M. Brown bought the parsonage in
1805, and removed it opposite of Hager Brown's
barn, as a residence, where he lived many years.
The church was erected at Lawyersville in 1800.
The first settlers of Rhinebeck now included
in the territory of Seward, were the Loucks,
Uttmans, (Ottman), Fredericks, and Browns.
They were a hardy, industrious class of people,
and a few of them nobly acted in the cause of
liberty in after years, and exhibited a Spartan
bravery and an endurance which we take pride
in ascribing as characteristic of the American
pioneer. A few families of this settlement who
were loyal to the Crown were passive, with but
two exceptions, and did nothing to injure the
Colonial cause.
Many of the old orchards through the town of
Seward were brought from Schoharie and
Breakabeen by the first settlers, upon their
backs. We find they are not backward each
season in their old age, in supplying their owners
with an abundance of fruit, and we will not be
overdrawing facts in saying that the farmers of
this town, as a class, are not negligent in taking
care of their orchards as well as their rich lands,
and take pride in keeping everything around
them in order.
Gold Mine. — But a short distance from the
" Rhinebeck Church" are to be seen marks of a
supposed rich paying "gold digging" that was
commenced but a few years ago by one of the
enterprising farmers of this locality. A son
visited the west, and while there was induced
to have his "fortune told" by an expert, that
drew his knowledge from a common quartz
crystal of a prodigious size, and which was said
to be a " diamond." The young man was
made acquainted with the cheering news that a
gold mine could be found by digging in a cer-
tain spot upon his father's farm. He returned
to his home, and upon stating the circumstance
of the "fortune telling" to the family they
became satisfied that there must be a "divinity"
in the stone or man, and sent for him. Upon
his coming, to use the words of our informant,
" he walked right to the spot." Work was soon
commenced, and the laborers being "worthy of
their hire," a small sum, say a few hundred
dollars, was expended. But on reaching the
depth as instructed, the gold was not there, but
instead, said our friend, a curious soil showed
itself, which made the shovels as blue as "indigo
bags." They little thought that they were so
near the brimstone "pit" upon making the
"blue" discovery! Being too eager and ex-
citable, perhaps they "spoke" to each other
just before they reached the gold, which would
TOWN OF SEWARD.
277
cause the treasures to vanish, according to the
belief of our good old Dutch fathers and
mothers. There is indeed gold to be found in
these noble hillsides and valleys, but not by
digging such large holes. It is found in the
corn and potato hills, in the rich pastures and
luxuriant meadow lands, but careful industry
and economy must be used to find it instead of
a " diamond."
For many years after 1800, a tavern was kept
by John Adam Strobeck, father of the late Paul
Strobeck, upon the place of the latter's late
residence. Here "general training" was quite
often held, with its variety of amusements and
gingerbread sales, and "high old times" in
general, enjoyed by the hardy sons of the soil,
which enlivened their wearisome life. An
occasional horse-race was seen between the
lusty wheat-fed horses, that always enjoyed the
fun as well as their owners ; also justice, here
sat stalwart, amidst clouds of tobacco-smoke
and fumes of " nog " and " flip," in all the
dignity of an ancient burgomaster, rendering
judgments against "counstopples" if the merits
of the case could not warrant them against the
plaintiffs or defendants. Hon Adam, as he
was familiarly known, always drove good horses,
and was captain in mischief for fun, especially
while on the road to Albany with grain, when
several neighbors would go in company, as was
the custom, and run horses, turn around sign-
posts, and occasionally have a few " rough and
tumbles."
The cost of marketing produce fifty or sixty
years ago, was more in gateage than in hotel
accommodations, providing they did not drink
too often. Lodging was six cents, horse stabling
one shilling. The farmer carried his hay and
grain to feed, beside his own "dinner box."
Every bar-room was furnished with a large
table, upon which the farmers would place their
victuals and each one " help himself," without
preference to claims. In extreme cold weather
they indulged in a glass of " flip " to " warm
up," and wash the food down ; and in extreme
heat to "cool off" and assist digestion; but
when the weather was moderate — between the
two extremes — one or two " horns " were taken,
to be prepared for sudden changes. The ex-
pense was trifling, three cents for a single drink
and a "quarter" for the crowd regardless of
its numbers.
Hon Adam was in the battle of Sharon and
was wounded in the hip from which he never
fully recovered. After peace was proclaimed
he settled here and amassed a fine property,
and was followed by his son, Paul. Mr. Stro-
beck was a staunch patriot and a very chari-
table man, except to Tories, who were objects
of his hatred. Long after the war closed, a
gathering for training or a lawsuit was made at
the Strobeck house, and among the number
was an inveterate Tory, whose crimes had been
many, by the name of Monk, and who boasted
while under the influence of liquor, of his crimes.
Strobeck caught him up and threw him in the
large dutch fireplace that contained a blazing
fire, and nearly burnt him to death. For many
years the village now called " Hyndsville " was
known as " Hoffmans Mills," which consisted
of a grist and saw-mill, the former being the
first one at this place, erected in 1795. When
the postoffice was established, Squire Hyn,ds
received the appointment as postmaster, and
the office as well as the place was named after
him. It is fitting that all places bear the
family name of the first settlers. The village
being upon the Sharon & Cherry Valley rail-
road, which connects with one of the trunk
lines of the State, is accessible to all parts, and
by enterprise, aided by capital, may be made a
flourishing manufacturing town, as the water
privileges are very inviting. There is a superior
quarry of flagging-stone near the railroad,
from which those of large dimensions are ob-
tained. Here are about two hundred inhabi-
tants, two hotels, two variety stores, two wagon
shops, one undertaker and two blacksmith
shops, and a tin and cooper shop. A short
distance east of the village upon the north bank
of the West Kill, is the pleasant mansion of
John Hynds, whose father, (Henry) was taken
prisoner by the Indians on the 4th of July, 1 780,
as already mentioned. Mr. Hynd's mother was
a daughter of Nicholas Warner, another pris-
oner, and who is a true sample of the original
German settlers. His father was absent from
home, as a prisoner, two years, and after marry-
278
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ing, settled upon this place. The old gentleman
died in 1854, at the age of eighty-four years, and
was buried upon a pleasant knoll not far from
the mansion. The grandfather, William, settled
upon the south side of the creek, where George
Winegard now resides, about the year 1756.
He was a German, hardy and industrious.
When the feeble colonists made a strike in
Freedom's cause, we find he fainted not but
stood firm, fearless and vigilant. When we
consider his situation, in the midst of the forest,
upon the hunting grounds of the savage, far
from assistance when needed, liable to be
tortured and slain any moment for his political
sentiments, we cannot but admire and won-
der at his bravery and zeal. Such characters
brighten the pages of history.
The town has two postoffices, one at Hynds-
ville and the other at Seward station. " Seward
Valley " is a village in the north-west part of
the town and is pleasantly located. It was
formerly called " Neeley's Hollow " after one
of the prominent citizens and first settlers,
Mathew Neeley, from Florida, Montgomery
c<5unty. He settled upon the place now occu-
pied by Hagadorn, and was a black-
smith and Baptist preacher. He founded the
Baptist church at this place over which he pre-
sided for several years. He kept the first
store in the place, and was a very energetic
business man, but removed to Cattaraugus
county, where he died at a ripe old age.
Here are two churches, a grist and saw-mill,
and about thirty houses. A foundry was run
successfully for many years, but at present it
" is not." The Seward postoffice was formerly
here, but upon the completion of the rail-
road through the town, a station was established
about one mile distant to the northeast, and
named Seward Station, and the postoffice was
removed to it.
SEWARD STATION.
Quite a settlement is being formed, which
consists of a hotel, two stores, grist-mill and
nearly twenty houses. Clark B. Griggs was
the pioneer settler of this hamlet, as a mer-
chant and hotel keeper. It being a central sta-
tion for a large territory, well cultivated and
productive, the prospect of its becoming an
active business centre seems favorable. Nearly
two miles from the station to the north is Gard-
nersville.
GARDNERSVILLE.
Gardnersville is a small hamlet, named in
honor of Dow B. Gardner, who was long en-
gaged in the mercantile business, but removed
to Albany, and was the ticket agent of the
" Rensselaer & Saratoga" railroad for several
years. He was the father of "Billy" Gardner,
the first regular conductor on the Albany &
Susquehanna railroad, which position he held
for many years.
The farm upon which resides Abram France,
as we have before mentioned, was the " Crysler
farm," but the old house stood farther to the
east than the present one. When the property
was confiscated after the war, Lawrence France
purchased it, whose heir now resides upon the
farm.
The large and substantial church standing
here was built by the Lutherans of the " new
school " that withdrew from the Rhinebeck and
" Turlah " churches under the leadership of
Rev. Philip Weiting.
Rev. Philip Weiting. — Mr. Weiting was born
in Minden, Montgomery county, N. Y., Sept.
23, 1800, and entered the ministry in 1825, at
Le Roy, Jefferson county, N. Y., from whence
he removed to New Rhinebeck, in 1828, to
officiate over that church and Dorlach, which
position he held for forty years, and brought
them from a ': fading " shadow to their present
high standard, by his untiring labors and fervent
godliness. Upon the division of the Synod,
Mr. Weiting and his followers claimed the
Rhinebeck church property, while the Dorlach
charge, which held to the old Synod, com-
menced litigation to retain it. After many
years of legal dispute the courts decided
against the new school's (Franckean Evangelic
Lutheran Synod,) rights to the property, and
Mr. Weiting and flock found themselves desti-
tute of a house of worship. Measures were
immediately taken, and in 1849 this church of
Gardnersville was dedicated, but the building
was burned soon after, supposed to have been
TOWN OF SEWARD.
279
the work of an incendiary. Not daunted, the
present one soon took its place, in which the
greatest efforts of Mr. Weitings life in the
cause of the Master, were witnessed. The con-
gregation was large, covering a wide extent of
territory, and it became necessary to build a
branch at Lawyersville, which was done, in the
latter part of 1849, and dedicated in February,
1850.
Mr. Weiting preached his valedictory sermon
on the first day of October, 1868, the fortieth
anniversary of his pastorate over his charge —
in which he said " The aggregate of money
raised by these two churches during my ministry
is $35,000, or an average of $800 a year." His
last sermon was preached in the new brick
Lutheran church at Cobleskill, on the i8th day
of July, 1869. The fruits of his ministry in the
sparsely settled section in which he was placed
were, "received to membership, 1,250, baptized
1,300, marriages solemnized, 800, and 1,700
funerals attended." " Fifteen of his spiritual
children," — says his memoir — "entered or are
about to enter the ministerial calling."
On the 7th of September, 1869, Mr. Weiting
died, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and was
buried in the "Slate Hill Cemetery" by a large
concourse of friends, by whom he was dearly
loved.
His biographer says, which is true, also of his
whole life in all relations: " The secret of his
successful ministry was earnestness, fidelity,
perseverance."*
Railroads. — The railroads have proved the
death blow to the little hamlets scattered
throughout the County that were unfortunate
enough to lie away from their lines, as quite a
business in a small way was once done there.
The "defunct" little Janesville boasted of being
quite active and attractive, but its life and
energy have flown, and the rattling of the wheels
and shriek of the whistle, that pass with the
speed of the wind, prove to be exultations of
triumph over their feeble efforts to "do some-
thing."
However, the good people have a church,
where they assemble and worship; several
mechanical shops to drive away "gloomy fore-
*See portrait, Town of Cobleskill.
bodings," and many homes that are as cheery
as if a railroad ran around each one. It mat-
ters little, where peace and plenty abound,
especially where fond affection draws its golden
cord around the hearthstone, and makes it in
the true sense of the term a " home — be it ever
so humble."
Colontl Willetfs Raid for Subsistence.— Dur-
ing the Revolutionary struggle many farmers of
New Dorlach were well-to-do, and raised large
crops, and being loyalists, Colonel Willett in
command at Fort Plain, occasionally sent forag-
ing parties over to obtain supplies, such as grain,
meat, and other articles for subsistence, which
they took without "leave or license." But one
suit at law emanated from those acts of which
we have been made acquainted, from the fact
that the articles thus taken were from those
who were unable to prove their loyalty to the
Colonies. The suit was brought on to recover
fees for obtaining damages from the govern-
ment, which brought out the following facts : —
On the day of the battle of Sharon, Colonel
Willett and his men followed the retreating
force to Conradt Brown's, (where the meeting
was broken up upon hearing the firing,) and
made a raid upon his eatable effects. Finding
a goodly store, they came at different times.
At the close of the war, Brown proved his
patriotism and petitioned for redress. The
Legislature of New York passed an act in 1785
exonerating Willett, and required him to ac-
count to the State for the property so taken,
and to pay the value of the same or account to
the Treasurer of New York, that it might be
brought into account with the United States.
It was paid by the Government to New York
in 1790, with interest, in order that the persons
who were entitled to the same might make
application to the Legislature for the amount.
The amount in 1790 was $1,575.00. We
believe the money was obtained, but whether
the heirs of Brown or the agents employed to
get the amount realized the most, we are unable
to say. Several other claims against the gov-
ernment for "subsistence" thus taken from
New Dorlach, were presented, but the failure of
the claimants to prove their allegiance debarred
them from receiving any compensation.
2 So
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
.—Tke first grist-mill in the town was
built about the year 1765, by Henry Haines, a
little below the bridge that crosses the stream
near the " Haines farm " buildings. The next
were " Rice's Mills " near Squire Sextons, and
soon after " Hoffmans Mills." H. A. Warner
is the present proprietor of the "Seward Grist-
mill" near the station, which was built in 1795.
A saw-mill is connected, which has for long
years assisted to clear the forest, and cause a
scarcity of water through the summer months,
that has compelled the purchase of an engine to
drive the grist-mill, as in many other instances
throughout the country. The waste of lumber
in past years has been great, while nothing has
been done towards the propagation of forest
trees.
In 1850 Tobias Warner and G. Miller
erected the mill now owned by John McChes-
ney, with four run of stone, capable of grinding
three hundred bushels daily. These mills,
together with several saw-mills add much to
the business of the town beside affording a
convenience that may well be highly appreciated.
Merchants. — The first merchant of Hynds-
ville was Abram Hynds, a son of Henry. He
built the present brick store occupied by Philip
P. Hilton. Mr. Hilton succeeded him in 1839,
and is a son of Peter A. Hilton, for a long time
a merchant and supervisor of Sharon. His trade
is in dry goods, groceries, crockery and hardware,
as also is James A. Wilber and Clark B. Griggs,
at Seward Station, and Wright Bros., of the
Valley. M. E. Myers, of Hyndsville, and N.
Southworth at Janesville keep a line of grocer-
ies only. Q. & H. B. Calkins, of Hyndsville.
Menzo Brown, of Janesville, and Chas. Brown,
of the Valley, are engaged in wagon and sleigh
making. H. B. Loyd is undertaker and furniture
dealer, at Janesville. It is a fact, that before
the railroad was built through the county local
merchants and tradesmen were more numerous
and more busily engaged than at present.
Trade of all kinds has been led off to more
distant centers, where competition is formed,
to invite trade.
The " Hyndsville Cornet Band " composed of
fifteen pieces, under the leadership of Henry
Bellinger, is an organization worthy of our
attention, as it has but few if any equals in the
country. It was organized in 1868 by farmers
and mechanics, of whom proficiency in musical
attainments is not expected.
CHURCHES.
There are five churches in the town, which
consist of three Methodist, one Baptist, and
one Lutheran, and are so situated that the in-
habitants can conveniently attend divine ser-
vice.
The Baptist Church of Seward Valley.—
records of this church prove it to be the oldest
organization in the town, excepting the New
Rhinebeck, which has long ceased to wield its
influence. We find upon the fly-leaf of the
church-book that upon the i8th of October,
1820, "Agreeable to request of a number of
Baptist Brethren belonging to the towns of
Sharon and Decatur, a number of delegates
from the following churches met in council : —
From the church of Charlestown — Elder Elisha
Herrick, brothers Ebenezer Norris and Moses
Persons; from the church of Summit —
Julian Beeman, brothers Elisha Bruce and
David D. Rider; from the church in Schoharie
—Elder Burton Carpenter ; from the church in
Worcester — Deacon David Holmes, brothers
David Goat, Allen Sheldon and Edward Finder.
After singing and prayer, Elder Herrick was
chosen moderator, and Elder Burton Carpenter,
clerk. Articles of faith and practice were then
presented."
The church was thus formed under the
Rensselaerville Association, and Mathew Nealy,
a self-made preacher, officiated as such, holding
their meetings alternately at this place and the
school-house in Decatur. Sometime between
1820 and 1824, Elder Leonard Marsh settled as
pastor, but for some transgression of conduct,
perphaps did work of some kind upon the Sab-
bath, which was not unusual, for nearly all of
the inhabitants after church service — especially
the German element. A committee was ap-
pointed by the Rensselaerville Association, and
met in November, 1824, "to inquire into the
situation of the church." The result was " As
to Elder L. G. Marsh, we are of the opinion that
the repeated shifting of his principles and the
TOWN OF SEWARI).
281
manner of dealing with the church renders him
unworthy of the confidence of his brethren."
At a meeting held a few days after at Decatur,
the same committee decided to " withdraw the
hand of fellowship from Leonard Marsh and
Deacon Matthew Nealy, for disregarding the
first day of the week as the Christian Sabbath
in principle, and for advocating the cause of a
transgressor."
Their first house of worship was built upon
the south side of the creek, in 1834. Being
small for the congregation we find, February
20, 1856, "the building of the Seward Baptist
church and shed is let this day to Josephus
Simmons by the job at $1,350," and on the
3ist of December, the new church was dedi-
cated. This church was not incorporated until
the 3ist day of December, 1857.
The following have officiated as preachers :—
Elders Herrick and Matthew Nealy to 1824.
Leonard G. Marsh, from 1824 to 1825.
Herrick, Nealy and Marsh, to 1834.
Henry Toping, 1834.
Elijah Spafford, 1851.
H. H. Chase, 1853.
C. Brown, 1854.
Elijah Spafford, 1855.
Russel H. Spafford, 1859.
G. W. Abrams, 1863 to 1865.
I. Powell, 1871.
G. W. Wentworth, 1873.
Levi Rury, 1874.
P. C. Bently, 1875.
The pulpit was supplied by Elder Collins,
of Richmondville, to April, 1880, when
Homer Denton was called and accepted,
and still remains.
Seward Centre Methodist Episcopal Church.
— The first records of this society reach back to
September 17, 1831, when Isaac Grant was
preacher in charge, andWilliam Diefendorf and
Frederick Ramsey were local preachers in the
" Sharon Circuit." At a meeting, William Cal-
kins and William M. Wilcox were chosen cir-
cuit stewards. The first election of trustees
was held on the i8th of March, 1833, when
Alfred Williams, William Boyce, William Cal-
kins, Dermon Rowley, and Hiram Sexton, were
chosen, and at the same time it was
" Resolved, That this religious society shall
be known and distinguished as the Zion Society
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the town
of Sharon."
Articles of incorporation were adopted and
the society became an established and legal
body. Rev. Isaac Grant and David H. France
presided at the meeting. The year following,
1834, the present edifice was erected, and the
society was one of the largest in the County.
Upon the building of the railroad through
Hyndsville, the people of that section antici-
pated a progressive village, and built a fine
edifice as a branch of this church, also the por-
tion of the society living at and near Seward
Valley built a neat and substantial church at
their place, also as a branch. All three are as
one parish, and the pastors of the mother
church and the two branches are as follows,
with years in which they served : —
1831 — Isaac Grant.
1832 — Isaac Grant.
1833 — Isaac Grant and William Allen.
1834 — Edward Dennison and Abram
Fish.
1835 — Isaac Grant.
1836 — George Harmon.
1837 — Jared C. Ransom.
!838 — Isaac D. Warren.
1839 — Alexander C. Daniels and John
T. Wright.
0 — Alexander C. Daniels and John
T. Wright.
i — Eben L. North.
1842 — Eben L. North and Abram Die-
fendorf.
3 — Frederick Brazee.
4 — R. M. Van Schaick.
5 — C. Pomeroy.
^46 — Amos Osborn.
1847 — Amos Osborn.
1848 — Amos Osborn.
1849 — Joel Squires.
1850 — Joel Squires.
1851— C. E. Giddings.
1852— C. E. Giddings.
1853 — E. Watson.
1854— E. Watson.
1855— A. Lyon.
282
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
A break here seems to be made, and perhaps
re-united with the Richmondville circuit.
1864— M. B. Mead.
1867—8. S. Ford.
1869— A. J. Day.
,870— W. J. Sand.
! 873—0. E. Metcalf.
1874— E. E. Taylor.
1876— A. W. Smith.
1877— W. J. Chapman.
1880— J. H. Clark, at present officiating.
Gardnersville Lutheran Church. — The early
history of this society is so intimately con-
nected with the life and labors of the late Philip
Weiting, that we have referred to it in a notice
of that veteran's life. Since he resigned the
pastorate of this church, the pulpit has been
supplied by the following : Chauncy Diefen-
dorf, N. Daniels, H. L. Dox, the present pastor.
Mr. Dox wrote the life of Philip Weiting,
from which we glean the facts in our notice of
the veteran preacher.
The Dairy Interest of the town has become
of marked proportions. The pure spring water
of the hills, and succulent grasses, unite to make
dairying a special feature of the farmer's pur-
suits. There are at present three large cheese
factories with a united capacity for the milk of
fifteen hundred cows, while many dairymen man-
ufacture both cheese and butter themselves, the
amount of which we are unable to learn, but of
such amount as to rank the town among the first
of the County in the dairy products.
The cheese associations are the " Seward Val-
ley Cheese Factory," " Seward Centre Cheese
Factory," and "Gardnersville Cheese Factory."
PHYSICIANS.
Doctors White, of Cherry Valley, Pinneo, of
Sharon, and Shepherd, of Lawyersville, were
the early practitioners of this town, and the
first resident one was Andrew Hines, about the
year 1835. He was followed by Doctors Mosher
and Charles Abrams. The latter was a superior
scholar, and usually taught a class in the lan-
guages and mathematics. Doctors Sutphun and
Eldredge, preceded the present, excepting E. O.
Bruce, who graduated at the Castleton Medical
College, in 1858, and was contemporary with
the latter. Doctor Henry A. Myer is a gradu-
ate of the Syracuse Medical School, of the class
of 1853, and licensed in 1874, by the Eclectic
Medical Society.
Doctor Charles Dickerson, of Seward Station,
graduated in 1860, at the Albany Medical Col-
lege.
The town gave bonds to aid in the construc-
tion of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad,
to the amount of $30,000, although the road
did not reach the bounds of the town. At the
time the " Erie railroad war " was waging, the
stock of the Susquehanna, and town bonds
given to it were at par. The town wisely sold
the bonds and was released from paying them.
Upon the building of the Sharon and Cherry
Valley branch the people once more put forth
a helping hand, and issued bonds to the amount
of $25,000 to assist in the construction, a
greater part ot which is unpaid. The road
passes through the central part of the town, by
following the West Kill, and proves a great con-
venience to the inhabitants, by making a ready
market for their products, at their doors, or
cheap transportation to distant marts. We do
not know of a township that is more conveni-
ently located, more picturesque in appearance,
or is more productive than the town of
Seward. It has 20,106 acres of land whose
corrected valuation in 1880 was $499,272.
The population by census of 1875 was 1772, of
which number 416 is found upon the tax list of
1880 with an assessed valuation of $15,475,
personal. The total amount of tax for that
year was $8,559.27. Interest and five per cent
of railroad bonds was $2,834; rate per cent of
tax on each dollar assessed $.0275.
THE CLOVE.
That section of the town called " The Clove,"
is a romantic spot, and first settled by the Coss
family, who are still its occupants. The valley
was originally called "Clauver Kloof," meaning
Clover Valley, from the wild clover being found
there. In after years Clauver was dropped and
it was known as "The Kloof," a name given to
such dish-like valleys by the Dutch, and which
in English is "The Clove." Undoubtedly
Isaac Vroman, (Low Dutch) who did the sur-
veying of the Dorlach Patent, and was here in
I73°» together with other Low Dutchmen, who
were interested in these lands, gave the valley
TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
283
the Low Dutch name, as those that first settled
here were Germans, and in their language would
have called it " Klauftche." The hills surround-
ing were called by the Indians Onnondada.
SUPERVISORS.
The following is a list of Supervisors elected
in the town with the date of their election : —
1840 — Peter Hynds.
1841— Peter Hynds.
1842 — Andrew Hynds.
1843 — Austin Sexton.
1844 — Austin Sexton.
1845— John C. Shutts.
1 846 — Abraham Sternbergh.
1847 — Abraham Sternbergh.
1848— Robert M. Van Schaick.
1849 — Tobias Warner.
1850 — Abraham Sternbergh.
1851 — Peter Hynds.
1852— Alfred W. Rowley.
1853 — Joseph Zeh.
1854 — Kirtland Handy.
1855 — Nathaniel South worth.
1856 — John C. Shutts.
1857 — John C. Shutts.
1858— John C. Shutts.
1859 — Jacob H. Diefendorf.
1860 — Isaac Bellinger.
1 86 1 — Henry A. Stall.
1862 — Isaac Bellinger.
1863 — Isaac Bellinger.
1864 — Isaac Bellinger.
1865 — Abraham Sternbergh.
1866 — Abraham Sternbergh.
1867 — Abraham Sternbergh.
1868— E. O. Bruce.
1869— E. O. Bruce.
1870 — Sylvester Diefendorf.
1871— H. A. Warner.
1872— H. A. Warner.
1873— H. A. Warner.
1874 — John G. Empie.
1875— H. A. Warner.
1876 — John G. Empie.
l877 — Jonr» Patry.
1878 — Elias Pierce.
1879 — Elias Pierce, (deceased.)
1879 — John Patry, elected to fill vacancy.
1880— David H. Osterhout.
1881 — Menzo Young.
1882 — Menzo Young.
LEGISLATURE.
The town was represented in the Legislature
in 1841, by Nicholas Beekman, and in 1849, by
Austin Sexton.
CHAPTER XVIII. ,
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
FORMATION OF TOWN — FIRST SETTLEMENT —
GEORGE WARNER — His HOUSE — JOHN ZEA
AND FAMILY — APPEARANCE OF AN ENEMY —
BORST BROTHERS' CONFLICT — ASSISTANCE
CALLED — MARCH TO WARNER'S HOUSE —
AMBUSHED BY INDIANS — FLIGHT — STAND AT
WARNER'S — PATRIOTISM OF SOLDIERS — BAT-
TLE GROUND — INCIDENTS OF THE DAY —
TORY BROTHERS — BUILDINGS BURNED —
GEORGE WARNER, JR., TAKEN PRISONER —
NICHOLAS WARNER'S FAMILY RELICS — CAP-
TAIN SNYDER — His LIFE — SNYDER FAMILY —
WARNERVILLE — GEORGE MANN — WARNER-
VILLE METHODIST CHURCH — CHRISTIAN
CHURCH — SEMINARY — RICHMONDVILLE SASH
AND BLIND FACTORY — BRADLEY'S FULLING
MILL — FOUNDRY — FIRST TAVERN — JOHN
WARNER — FIRST JUSTICE OF THE PEACE —
HON. JOHN WESTOVER — FIRST MAIL CARRIER
— PHYSICIANS — CHURCHES — METHODIST —
LUTHERAN — CHRISTIAN — SEMINARY — RICH-
MONDVILLE BANK — NEWSPAPERS — SCHOOL
AT WEST RICHMONDVILLE — THE JUMEL LITI-
GATION— THE TOWN RAILROAD BONDS
SUPERVISORS — PRESENT BUSINESS OF TOWN.
WE find that the " Schoharie County Direc-
tory" and "French's Gazetteer," two
works often referred to, are in error in regard
to the date of this town's formation. They both
give the date, April n, 1845. Isaac Mann, a
284
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
practical surveyor, now living in the town, sur-
veyed the line in February, 1849 and on the
nth of April following, an act was passed by
the Legislature, making it a town, taking the
whole from the town of Cobleskill, and giving it
the name of the postoffice— Richmondville.
On the aistof October, 1851, a portion of
Seward was annexed, making the town's pres-
ent territory.
First Settlement. — Warner Family. — The
first settlers were George Warner and John
Zea, who came from Germany and settled
near the hamlet now known as Warnerville.
There were three of the Warner brothers that
immigrated to this country, who were the pro-
genitors of the family bearing that name
throughout the country, especially in Albany
and Schoharie counties. They were George,
Sniffle and HonYost, or Joseph. Stuffle, or
Christopher, settled in Berne, Albany county, of
whom Dr. Philip I. Werner, of Barnerville, is a
descendant. While those of the name living at
Warner Hill east of Schoharieville are descend-
ants of HonYost.
The original name is Werner and some
branches of the family write it so, while others
give the German e the sound of English a and
write it Warner. Those living in this locality
use the latter orthography. George Warner
was born in 1720, and settled here in the spring
of 1764, in a log house that stood near where
James Warner now resides, and reared two sons,
whose connection with him in the Revolutiona-
ry struggles, made the family name memorable
upon Schoharie County history. Nicholas and
George Jr., were staunch patriots, although
young — and the only children that were old
enough to take a part in the conflict.
Both have long since been laid by the ashes
of their father, upon a knoll back of the present
residence of James Warner,a grandson of George,
Jr. Even the children have grown old and
died, the last, Marcus, son of George Jr., passed
away within the past year at the ripe old age of
eighty-eight. We had the pleasure of meeting
him a few months before he died and listened
to his trembling voice as he recited many in-
cidents connected with his father's life, and
which often animated his feeble form, as if new
life and vigor were given it, and enkindled a
sparkle in his eye of a patriotic and courageous
glow, which spoke plainly that the true and tried
spirit of '76 yet lived. He was born, lived and
died upon the same building site, which seems
a remarkable case, since the modern Americans
have become "ramblers" but it is only one of
many, to be found in our staid Schoharie. The
first house built by Warner, as we have men-
tioned, was a log hut, but some time previous to
1778, a frame one was built near the family
burial ground, and a trace of its cellar may
still be seen. This house, Author Simms says,
was the first building burned in the Schoharie
settlements by the enemy in the Revolution. It
was in the burning of that house, that two,
more than Spartans fell, whose valor gives lustre
to the annals of history, and which we will shortly
consider. The family built another frame
building after peace was proclaimed, in which
Marcus was born and which stood where James
Warner's residence now stands.
John Zea and Family. — As before stated,
John Zea settled here at the same time — in
1764 — and occupied the farm now owned by
Alexander Larkin. The old house stood near
the creek, upon the south side of the road, and
was the only one west of Warner's until after
the Revolution.
Some time previous to 1778, Zea and his
wife passed away, leaving his sons, John and
Nicholas, and four daughters, in possession of
the farm, that comprised a large tract at that
time, but which has since been cut up into
several farms. The family has become extinct,
there not being one left bearing the name.
John was killed in the battle of Cobleskill, and
was unmarried, and his brother Nicholas proved
to be a Tory, and fled to Canada, from whence
he did not return, and leaving only a daughter
as his issue.
Appearance of an Enemy. — As nothing oc-
curred in this part of Cobleskill settlement,
(with the exception of the addition of the
Frimire family as settlers east of the Warner
place soon after 1764), until the day before the
battle of Cobleskill, we will now consider the
facts relating to that event, which proved the
TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
285
most disastrous to the settlement, and which
also proved the true political sentiments of the
few citizens of the valley.
All border settlements had been in a constant
state of alarm, as the Tories had threatened an
invasion, which gave rise to the organization of
the militia company in the valley for protection.
Lieutenant Jacob Borst and brother Joseph,
accompanied by John Frimire, started early
on the morning of May 30, 1778, upon a scout-
ing expedition down the Schenevus creek.
After traveling nearly to the head-waters of
that stream and the Cobleskill, Frimire expressed
his fears of a safe return home, as he believed
he had a presentiment of misfortune. His com-
rades allowed him to return, which led many,
that perhaps had less patriotism, to cast the
epithet of "Tory" upon him. The Borst brothers
continued on, and returned the next day, and
overtook two Indians a short distance east of
the present village. They accused the brothers
of being in quest of Indians, and showed a dis-
position for an encounter by throwing the prim-
ing from one of the brothers' guns, after a pre-
tended salutation.
"Joseph," says Judge Brown in his brief his-
tory, " with ready presence of mind and good
resolution, dropped his own gun and clinched
the Indian's piece — took hold and twisted the
flint out of the cock, and then replied in Mo.
hawk, ' To zenery it sagat ;' that is to say, ' It
is good that this is just so.' At this, the Indian
clinched Borst with lion-like fury. Borst, not in
the least daunted, but with good resolution, also
took a rash hold, gave a hearty Indian whoop,
which took away half of the Indian's strength,
and soon brought him down on his knees. At
this time a shot fell behind his back. The In-
dian, almost naked, strove to extricate himself
from Borst's hands, now slipped loose and ran
off leaving his gun in the lodge. -Lieutenant
Borst, who by this time had finished the best
part of his business with the other Indian, ran
up to his brother and picked up his gun, but
Hanyerry escaped. *
"Lieutenant Borst now stood in every way
exposed. The other Indian, Oness Taap, came
up and demanded him to surrender prisoner ;
he made one step back, and replied, ' Taghte,'
which is to say ' no !' then shot him through the
body, and broke his backbone, so let him lay,
and made off."
The Borst brothers returned to the militia
rendezvous at Christian Brown's, and reported
the facts, which no doubt led the small com-
pany to believe that the two Indians were not
alone but were sent forward by a large force to
reconnoitre. A messenger was sent to Scho-
harie for assistance, and Captain Patrick of the
regular service, and forty continental soldiers
were sent over and arrived early in the morning
of June ist, at Captain Brown's, where sixteen
of the valley militia had assembled. Leaving
the patriots to become better acquainted with
each other, we will examine into the movements
of the enemy. Captain Brant the dreaded Mo-
hawk chief, had raised a force of Aquago In-
dians and a few loyalists, and marched to Cherry
Valley for the purpose of destroying the place,
but believing a force of Tryon county militia
was stationed there and not wishing to hazard
an attack, he turned his steps towards Cobles-
kill to devastate the valley.
The force arrived at the Zea house early in
the morning of June ist,* and Brant had a
friendly consultation with Nicholas, which his four
sisters witnessed, and which gave them to un-
derstand for the first time that he was a loyalist
or as more plainly expressed by them " a Tory."
The girls fled from the house, and, undoubtedly,
apprised the Warner family or some others, of
the enemy's proximity, who communicated the
fact to the force at Captain Brown's.
Ambuscade and Battle. — The enemy lay
quiet above Zea's, and the troops marched up
to the Warner house and while being regaled
by the host's good-cheer and joined by four
more militia, a few redskins presented them-
selves to the westward of the house to intimi-
date the patriots. Captain Brown and his men,
who were well acquainted with Indian strategy,
divined their object, but Captain Patrick would
not listen to their cautious warnings, and, being
superior in rank, ordered the troops to follow
the Indians. Obeying the command, the force,
* The date of the battle we accept of J. R. Simnis'
" Border Wars "
286
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
numbering but sixty, pursued them, and were
led in an ambush upon the broad flat west of
the Snyder brothers' present residence, which
proved disastrous to the Patriots, and showed
the truth of Brown's warnings. Captain Patrick,
with many others, fell upon the first fire, and
the command was given by Brown to retreat,
as he saw the enemy were strong in numbers,
and were closing upon them. They fought
desperately from tree to tree on their retreat
towards the Warner house, but they were so
pressed they were obliged to make a precipitate
flight. Upon nearing the house, they saw that
strategy must be used or all would be either
killed or taken prisoners, and their families in
the lower part of the valley also become objects
of torture and death, as the barbarous clan
would pour down upon them before they knew
of their presence.
The house being reached, four noble braves
entered to give battle to their pursuers and en-
able the remainder to effect their escape and
apprise their families of their danger. Soon
the building was surrounded by the whole force,
numbering in the neighborhood of three hun-
dred, whose savage propensities were excited
to unmerciful ends. Bravely, heroically they
fought, but
"Alas ! 'twas but to die."
The torch was applied, and the eager, mad-
dening flames, as if jubilant to finish the fiend-
ish work, soon reduced the dwelling to ashes.
During the burning, a Continental soldier tried
to make his escape but was caught, and an act
of cruelty practiced upon his helpless body that
should make the prince of demons blush. His
abdomen was opened and his entrails fastened
to a tree, and he compelled to walk around it
until he sank in untold agony. In derision of
the government's financial distress, a roll of
Continental bills were placed in his mouth and
left. Another one tried to escape but was shot,
and two, Marlines Ferster and John Frimire,
were burned with the building. Those men
knew if they loitered here their doom would be
sealed, yet they threw themselves as barricades
before the foe to save others. They fell as the
three hundred at the pass of Thermopylae, whose
valor has brightened history's page for centuries.
Poets have tuned their lyres to praise in song
those heroic Spartans, and for ages, granite
spires reared by a grateful and admiring nation
have marked the spot as sacred ground upon
which they so fearlessly fell. But here lie Fer-
ster and Frimire, and their unknown comrades,
at the gates of new born civilization, as it were,
without a tablet to mark their resting place !
Almost unknown, forgotten ! Yet here they lie,
true martyrs in a holy cause.
A small detachment a few days after the con-
flict, from Schoharie, laid them here in rude
pits, without display — without a chant, except
such as emanates from the very depths of loving
hearts, by trembling sighs and flowing tears.*
Beyond the stream, upon a distant bank, a
marble shaft marks the spot where lies a martyr
of a later date, after defending the gates of
our country's harbor from a brother's reckless
hatred. George W. Snyder, of Sumter memory,
was a worthy son to lie beside the ashes of
Ferster, Frimire and others that fell here in
1778.
The contemplation of such spirits can but
animate lesser ones to deeper love of humanity,
and firmer, stronger love of country.
After the enemy left the house they passed
down the valley, laying houses and barns in
ashes; but the women and children having
timely notice, secreted themselves in the forest
and escaped unharmed. The murderous clan
retraced their steps to the battle-ground and
buried about sixty of their comrades, that the
patriots killed, in a morass to the west, a trace
of which may still be seen. They encamped
for several days on the flat below the village, to
care for their wounded, and then passed over
to the Charlotte trail to their wigwams.
The patriots were scattered throughout the
woods, and several days elapsed before they all
reached the fort and a knowledge of their loss
was ascertained. From the little band of sixty,
twenty-two were killed, and two made prisoners,
(Continentals) and several wounded. It will
be seen that every shot made by the little force,
was to kill.
As we have mentioned, the engagement was
upon the broad flat west of the Snyder brothers'
*Simms.
TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
287
residence. The Indians formed a half circle,
their right lying against the rise of ground to
the south of the road, and the left near the
creek. The Patriots marched in the center of
the opening, and gained nearly the center of
the circle, before they were apprised of their
critical situation, and upon learning it, fell
back a short distance, which debarred the enemy
from closing upon them and cutting off a
retreat. Finding their numbers were great, it
was useless to undertake to cope with them,
and a retreat was made, although stubbornly.
As we before stated, there were four girls in
the Zea family, Sophronia, (afterwards Mrs.
John Karker,) of whom Adam, Philip, and
Peter William, are grandchildren, Miss Catha-
rine, Lana, (Mrs. Luther Snyder,) and Mar
garet, (Mrs. Christopher Warner,) of Albany
county.
Sophronia was the eldest, and was about six-
teen, and upon arriving where Cobleskill village
now stands, upon their way to the Schoharie
fort, having missed her pocket, (a necessary
appendage in those days,) in which a few family
valuables were placed, she resolved to return to
the house and procure it, bidding her sisters to
flee direct to the fort and not wait for her
return. After traveling back to the homestead
and obtaining the article, she started alone for
the fort, and upon her arrival, found that Cath-
arine had strayed away from the rest and was
not to be found. Three days passed without
any tidings of her fate, and she was given up as
killed or taken prisoner. Towards night of the
third day, a couple of men were on their way to
fish near the " Lime Kilns," in Middleburgh,
when they were startled by a moaning in a rock
hole a short distance off. Upon approaching,
they found Catharine nearly dead with fright
and cold. She refused to leave her retreat,
fearful of being massacred by her rescuers, and
they were obliged to carry her to the fort. Her
mental powers were so shocked that she never
recovered, although she lived to the age of
eighty-three.
Sophronia received a visit from her brother,
Nicholas, after she married, it being the first
time he returned from Canada, where he fled
after the battle, but her patriotism overcame
family affection, and she refused to extend even
the courtesy of a chair for him to sit upon. She
accused him of being in the battle and shooting
his brother, John, which he did not deny. The
brothers had made an agreement after the
father's death to the effect that John should
join the militia, and Nicholas remain at home
and attend to the farm, and while thus engaged
it was ascertained that he acted as a spy, and
gave all the information he could obtain regard-
ing the Patriots' movements to their enemy,
without being suspected.
All of the buildings that stood within the
present limits of the town were burned by the
enemy, excepting the Zea buildings and the
old log house first reared by George Warner,
which it was thought was spared for the purpose
of Warner to occupy, that they might return
some future time and capture him. Warner
was a " Committee man " and a bounty of
twenty dollars was given by the British officers
for any such officials as prisoners, and eight
dollars for their scalp.
Twice this settlement was visited by the enemy
for the purpose of taking George Warner, Sr.,
prisoner. Upon the 8th of July, 1782, Adam
Crysler at the head of a small squad of Indians
appeared at the log house, and not being fortu-
nate in finding the father at home, took the son,
George, Jr., prisoner, and held him as such at
Niagara until peace was proclaimed, when
with several others he ran away and returned
home. His captivity was attended with less
severity than many others, yet as often was the
case, snakes, horseflesh and many other un-
palatable eatables were resorted to, to sustain
life while upon the march. The day before
the taking of George, Jr., the same party ap-
peared upon Fox's creek and committed
murder, as will be seen by consulting the chapter
on the town of Wright.
In December (i8th,) following the capture of
George, Jr., the renowned murderer, Seths
Henry with a party of eight fellow savages ap-
peared suddenly at the log house and took the
father and son prisoners and left the neighbor-
hood without being noticed. They staid the
night previous with a Tory in the Rhinebeck
settlement, expecting to capture John Philip
288
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
K.arker, but he being away from home they
passed over to Warner's. The party directed
their steps towards the Charlotte trail, through
a new fallen snow and encamped for the night
near Summit village.
Nicholas watched his opportunity late at
night and made his escape, traveling the greater
part of the distance with bare feet. The old
gentleman was taken to Canada and received
very good treatment considering the nature of
his host. He was exchanged after an absence
of eleven months and returned to his family.
We see at one time three of this family were
held as prisoners by the unmerciful foe. Drear
must have been the fireside the night following
the capture of the husband and son. The fate
of George, Jr. was unknown. The thousand
phantoms which the imagination leads the terri-
fied mind to view must have made the wife and
mother's heart quiver in terror and dismay.
We cannot wonder at the bitter hatred that
filled the breasts of the patriotic women of the
Revolution towards the Tories and Indians.
The former were feared throughout the border
settlements more than the latter, as their hearts
seemed to be calloused, many times in tortur-
ing, where the uncivilized Indians were merciful.
It is a fact, that the most inhuman, more than
brutish, acts that were committed during the
war were by, or at, the instigation of those who
were called civilized. The most wanton acts
of cruelty were committed by them upon
friends and even kinsmen, such as put the
" untutored savage " to blush.
Nicholas Warner.— Undoubtedly there did
not exist a man that bore a greater enmity to
the Indians and Tories than Nicholas Warner.
He was an inveterate enemy to them. While
upon a scouting expedition he encountered an
Indian in the woods, and both " took to trees."
Warner peered out one side of the tree to see
his " game," but drew back with his eyes' full of
chips, from the bark which the Indian's bullet
caused to fly as it whizzed past. After clearing
his eyes, he ventured once more, and supposed
he had a fair chance at the head of the redskin,
and fired. Instead of the head, it was the
Indian's hat placed upon the end of the ramrod
to deceive Warner, and as soon as he fired, the
Indian jumped with tomahawk uplifted to dis-
patch his unarmed neighbor. Before he reached
him, Nicholas had reloaded, and with equal
dexterity unloaded his trusty rifle in the head
of the wily warrior. At another time, while
hunting, he espied an Indian some distance up
the creek, quietly fishing, and being a good
marksman and fond of game, his rifle, he said,
was pointed that way and it went ofif, but he
never went to see if he hit him.
At the time Warner settled here in 1764, he
built a "barrack," near the house, in which he
stored hay and grain, as was the custom among
the first settlers, they being too poor to build
barns. They were constructed by placing four
posts in the ground forming a square, and run-
ning high enough to admit a good sized stack.
Upon the top of the posts was placed a roof
made of boards, or, in their absence poles, and
thatched with straw or evergreen boughs. Many
built the roof so as to be raised or lowered, at
will, to give better protection to the products.
This "barrack" was burned the day of the
battle, and the unburned posts were left by the
owner and his sons who followed him, as
memorials of that disastrous day. After a lapse
of one hundred and ten years, Mr. Isaac Mann,
a great-grandson, cut a piece from one of those
posts, which he now uses as a ruler. It is
sound and lithe as a lately cut stick. Mr. Mann
has also the Warner High Dutch Bible which
George, Sr., brought over with him from Ger-
many. The cover is of board and very heavy
leather. It is well bound, neatly printed, and
profusely illustrated. In comparing them with
the fine steel cuts that embellish the Bibles of
to-day, or of this work, one is struck with the
advancement art has made. While the family
were scattered hither and thither — now home-
less—terror-stricken and despondent, so many
times through their life-struggles— they clung to
the old Bible and brought it through all
calamities unhurt. As we turned its yellow,
clumsy leaves, this thought struck us— of all
the family relics, the "Old Bible" stands pre-
eminent! "It was grandfather's," or my
"great-grandfather's," or, perhaps, it was
" mother's, and she gave it to me ! " Holy
instructor— always bound to us by holy asso-
ciations! A brutish spirit indeed it must be,
TOWN OF RICHMONDVII, !.!•:.
289
that would refuse to cling to it with deep
reverence !
Capt. George W. Snyder. — Crossing over the
valley we come to the grave of one to whom
honor is due. Beneath a plain, yet substantial
monument, lies the soldier, and upon it we read
upon the west side : —
LIEUT. GEO. W. SNYDER,
BORN AT COBLESKILL,
JULY 30, 1833.
DIED AT WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Nov. 17, 1 86 1.
And upon the east : —
ONE OF THE GALLANT DEFENDERS OF FORT
SUMTER.
Upon the north : —
A GRADUATE OF UNION COLLEGE, ALSO OF THE
MILITARY ACADEMY OF WEST POINT, WITH
THE HIGHEST HONORS OF HIS CLASS.
And on the south : —
AIDE-DE-CAMP OF GENERAL HEINTZELMAN,
AT THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN.
George W. Snyder was the son of William
Snyder, and great-grandson of the old patriot,
Nicholas Warner.
He commenced attending the district school
at Cobleskill village at the age of four years,
and was so diligent in his studies and apt in
learning, that within one week he learned his
letters. The same characteristics were notice-
able through his whole life, and placed him at
the head of everything in which he enlisted his
energies.
We scarce meet with one whose onward
course was as progressive as George W. Snyder's,
or with one whose demise draws upon our sym-
pathies more, as in him we could but see a still
greater and nobler career drawing towards him
through his energetic, studious and amiable life.
At the age of ten he was sent to the Schoharie
Academy, and from there to Franklin, Delaware
county, and Cherry Valley successively, and
returned to Schoharie to prepare for Union
College, which he entered in the year 1850, at
the age of seventeen.
Remaining there but two years, he received
his diplomas as "Majistre'" and " Baccalaurie,"
in July, 1852, and entered the military school
at West Point a few months after, where he
redoubled his energies and received his first
recommendation from the officers of the school
to the President, from whom he was honored
by promotion as Brevet Second Lieutenant of
the Corps of Engineers, on the ist of July,
1856, signed by Franklin Pierce, and his secre-
tary, Jefferson Davis. On the 2 ist of August
following, he was raised in his class by the same
to Second Lieutenant, and promoted by Presi-
dent James Buchanan, to First Lieutenant, on
on the ist of July, 1860. His commission from
President Lincoln, as Captain, was given on
the 1 4th of April, 1861, and on the 2 ist of
July following, he was honored by another
certificate, signed by President Abraham Lincoln
and his secretary, Simon Cameron, promoting
him to the rank of Major, "For gallant and
meritorious services in the Manassas campaign."
A few days before he died he was honored by
the appointment of Colonel, by President Lin-
coln. While acting as First Lieutenant under
Major Anderson, he was with the gallant com-
pany that held Fort Sumter against the mis-
guided Carolinians, and it was through exposure
and the use of unwholesome food and water
that he was attacked with a diarrhoea which
became chronic, and closed his life upon the
1 7th of November, 1861.
Upon the evacuation of Fort Sumter, Snyder
reported at Washington, and immediately com-
menced actual field services. He had charge of
the landing of the first troops at Annapolis, and
was in General Heintzelman's staff at the battle
of Bull Run, and brought off the last of our
troops from the field in good order.
The New York Times, in its issue of Novem-
ber 22, said of him: —
" Zealous and unflinching in the discharge of
his duties — no matter how disagreeable they
might be — he overtasked his body and fell an
easy prey to the fever which ended his career.
His former comrades in arms, mourn in him
the loss of one of the brightest ornaments of
290
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
their profession, and his country has lost the
services of an upright, fearless and devoted
officer."
The progenitor of this Snyder family was
William Snyder, who came from the Helleberg
before the Revolution, and during that struggle
acted as a militia man and home guard.
He married a daughter of George Warner
Sr and settled upon the farm now owned and
occupied by Sylvester McDonald, where he
began in 1800 to " keep tavern," the mam road
to Schenevus running upon that side of the
creek. Their children were Peter W., and
Maria, the latter a wife of Henry Mann.
Peter W., married a daughter of Nicholas
Warner, to whom one child was born, William,
the father of Captain George W. Snyder.
WARNERVILLE.
This little hamlet was formerly and for many
years known as " Mann's Valley," after the
family of Captain George Mann, of Schohane,
who removed to this place in 1786. The Cap-
tain had five sons and four daughters, who at
one time lived near with families, and made
quite a settlement of their own.
Their names were : —
Peter,
Henry,
Philip,
Jacob,
Abram,
Betsy, (Mrs. Colyer.)
Catharine,
Christina, (Mrs. Jacob Kromer,) -
Lana, (Mrs. Adam A. Shaver.)
Peter's children were : —
Ex-Sheriff Henry Mann,
Isaac,
Abram,
George,
Mrs. Calkins.
Henry's children were : —
Alexander,
William H.,
George L.,
David,
Mrs. Henry Mann,
Mrs. Ephraim Warner,
Catharine.
Philip's children were : —
Tobias,
Mrs. Jeremiah Richtmyer.
Abram' s children were:—
Mrs. Peter Hilts,
Alexander,
David S.,
Mrs. Fuller,
Abram,
George,
Judson,
William,
Miss Etta.
Peter was the oldest son and kept the first tav-
ern west of Cobleskill, which stood nearly oppo-
site of Alexander Larkin's residence. Here he
catered to the wants of the community and travel-
ing public for many years, and after closing up
his business, his brother Henry opened quite
an extensive establishment between Segar &
Mann's store and the blacksmith shop, south,
and followed the business a long time. But
the whole has been cleared away and not a trace
of the old familiar haunt remains. The name
of the place was afterwards changed to Cobles-
kill Centre, and still later to its present name
of Warnerville. When the plank road was in
operation and for some time before, the little
hamlet presented a lively appearance as a farm-
ers' business centre, but the railroad drew a veil
over its prosperity and wafted the attractions,
all down to the village of Cobleskill, leaving
Warnerville quiet. The postoffice was estab-
lished in 1831 as ''• Mann's Valley" and Abram
Mann received the appointment as postmaster,
and kept the office in Henry Mann's Inn.
The tannery that is now owned by Jarvis
Peak was built about the year 1834, by Joseph
W. Courier, and afterwards purchased by
Henry Webb. It was quite an extensive con-
cern for several years and added much to the
business interest of the place.
There were for many years two hotels found
here, but fire laid them in ashes, and at present
a former private house is occupied as such, but
TOWN OF RICHMONDVII.LK.
the custom that for years made the business
paying, ceased with the life of road travel.
Churches. — The present Methodist church
was organized in 1840, and the edifice built in
1848. Its pastorate is connected with that of
Cobleskill.
Christian Church was organized in 1846
by the veteran John Ross, of Charlestown, with
a membership of eleven. The house of wor-
ship was built the same year and repaired in
1870. The pulpit has been supplied by other
churches, until the organization of the Rich-
mondville Christian Society, where one regular
pastor officiates in both.
Seminary. — During the "Seminary epidemic"
of 1850 and 1854 that swept over the country
and excited.the usual steady minds of the peo-
ple, and made sad havoc with the accumulation
of years of economy and industry, the citizens
of this place erected a fine edifice for the ac-
commodation of two hundred boarding pupils.
It is very pleasantly situated and has all the
conveniences necessary for a first-class institu-
tion.
It was erected in 1853 at a cost of thirty
thousand dollars, and was opened in the fall of
that year with — - Douglass as principal,
and a corps of twelve assistants. Not proving
successful the institution was closed and re-
mained so until November, 1861, when a school
was commenced with Chester C. Thorne as
principal, under the title of Union Literary
Institute. The course of instruction embraced
the essential branches of a thorough and ac-
complished English and classical education.
The school continued one year and one-half
and closed.
The building remained vacant until the year
1870, when Prof. Dean Smith refurnished it,
and commenced the school as "Dean's College"
but after a trial of eighteen months, Prof.
Smith's efforts proved futile to make it a self-
sustaining enterprise, and the building was once
more abandoned for school purposes, and it has
stood idle since. It is but a grim monument
to inexperience and people's folly.
The first grist-mill in the town was built
back of George M. Warner's residence, by
David Lawyer, immediately after the Revolu-
tion. His son Lambert occupied the farm in
after years, but was not the Lambert Lawyer
of Cobleskill, as supposed by many. The lat-
ter was an uncle of the former Lambert.
RlCHMONUVILLE.
In drawing near Richmondville one is struck
with the location of the village for manufactur-
ing purposes. Perhaps the steady rumbling of
mills and earnest hammer strokes awaken our
mechanical genius, and lure the mind down to
the massive reservoirs that obstruct the streams
of lesser flow, throughout Connecticut and
Massachusetts and hold back the water to en-
able the largest mills to run incessantly the
year round and give employment to thousands
of laborers. There is not a more attractive
spot in the County for such enterprises than is
found here. There are at present one flour
and two provender mills, two saw, one paper
and two cider mills, a sash and blind factory, one
woolen mill, a machine shop and foundry, one
grain cradle and two cloth drier manufacturies,
each and all doing a good business. There are
also harness, blacksmith, cooper and shoe
shops in abundance driven by the sinewy arms
of the industrious people.
The Richmondville paper-mill was estab-
lished in 1865 by Westover & Foster and is
capable of running three tons of coarse straw
paper per day.
The first grist-mill was built upon the site of
John Welter's present mill, by Asa Bailey in
1807. The present one has three run of stone
and is capable of grinding five hundred bushels
per day.
Nearly eighty years ago, some one unknown
to our informant, Mr. M. N. Bradley, built a
small mill for fulling cloth upon the site of the
present one. A few years after a carding ma-
chine was attached. The cloth was fulled only,
it being taken to a small log house near and
sheared by hand. In 1837 it became the prop-
erty of Milo Bradley, of Barnerville, and
under his and sons' management it became
an important enterprise of the place. In 1872
Mr. M. N. Bradley put in a full set of ma-
chinery for manufacturing all kinds of domestic
292
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
goods, which has added still more to the value
of the property as well as convenience for the
rural surroundings. From eight thousand to
ten thousand pounds of wool are carded yearly
and nearly an equal number of yards of cloth
• manufactured.
Richmondrille Iron Works, — The foundry
was first built by William Wood and for many
years owned and managed by his son Henry
Wood in the manufacture of plows and fixtures,
stoves, scrapers, engine fixtures and all other
articles common to a country foundry. It is at
present under the management of A. B. Stevens
and bids fair to reach a high standard among
the shops of the valley.
The present business of the works will aver-
age at least from twenty to twenty-five tons of
castings yearly, employing from six to eight
workmen.
The first hotel to accommodate the traveling
public in the village was kept by George Dox,
where the Westover house now stands, about
the year 1795. Dox was a son of George Dox
who came from Germany before the Revolution,
and settled below the Hellebergh, and after the
war closed, at Richmondville. His sons were
George, Michael, John and Jacob. The family
living at Beard's Hollow are those of Michael,
who settled there in 1802. Following Dox
in the inn was Ezra Ackley in 1804, upon
the ground now occupied by the resi-
dence of Mrs. Felton. The third keeper of
the house was John Warner, son of George
Warner, Jr., who was appointed the first post-
master upon the establishment of the office at
this place in 1825. Nearly one year ago we
visited Mrs. John Warner,* at the residence of
her son-in-law, James Harroway, and although
eighty-seven long and eventful years had passed
over her head, we found her still active and
communicative.
She was a daughter of the late John Spraker,
of Palatine-on-the-Mohawk. We find the
" boys " of those days would " a wooing go "
away from home, as now, and to judge by the"
outlines of Mrs. Warner's face, her husband
* She has since died.
had an eye to beauty as well as intelligence.
We love to sit by such aged ones, whose lives
have been busy and eventful, and listen to
them, when their minds are as clear and strong
as hers. We find many as old, but their memo-
ries are but slender threads uniting the past with
the present, and much worn by Time's vibra-
tions and too weak to tell any but wandering
tales.
First Justice of the Peace. — Mr. Nor-
cutt was the first justice of the peace in the
old town of Cobleskill, and received his appoint-
ment in 1805. He was succeeded by Asa
Bailey in 1809. Norcutt and Bailey both died
in that year, and Jonah Westover, who removed
from Berkshire county, Mass., in 1808, was
appointed to the office, and held it until the
year 1829, when he was succeeded by his son,
Hon. John Westover, who held the office to the
year 1863. In 1834 he was honored by the
appointment of Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas, which office he held thirteen years. He
was associated with John C. Wright and Charles
Goodyear. In 1835 he represented the town
of Cobleskill in the Board of Supervisors, and
in 1853 was elected to the Assembly, where his
exertions were enlisted in giving birth to the
Albany & Susquehanna Railroad project, in
which he took a deep interest, and became one
of the leaders of the enterprise. He has re-
peatedly been chosen one of its directors, and
in that position as elsewhere, has exhibited that
strict business characteristic which has been
prominent throughout his life, and made him
one of the County's foremost men.
Mr. Westover was born in Berkshire county,
Mass., in 1797, and still exhibits an unusually-
sagacious mind, and the same extraordinary
vim for business as in younger years. We find
very few, comparatively, that make life a suc-
cess. We do not mean in accumulating wealth,
but in making themselves useful and exemplary,
doing much for the public good, and trustworthy.
In every position, both public and private, Mr.
Westover has shown the same indomitable
energy to act wisely, and the present firm and
substantial business of the place are the fruits of
his spirit.
TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
First Mail Carrier. — A man by the name of
Webb living at West Richmondville was the
first mail carrier to this place over ten years
previous to the establishment of the postoffice.
He brought the newspapers from Cobleskill on
horseback, and at a late date carried the mail
as far as Unadilla, and was known as Deacon
Webb. Whether his strict religious life gave
him the appellation, or it was " honorary," for
his ease in calling so often upon his Maker,
when behind time, as mail carriers usually do,
we are unable to say. Poor horse-ridden Webb
little thought as he sat perched upon his trusty
charger with a small mail bag strapped " on
behind" that before he was forgotten, a screech-
ing, puffing monster would wind along the sides
of these hills, with a long snake-like train
"Singing through the forest
Rattling over ridges,
Shooting under arches
Rumbling over bridges,"
appearing and disappearing in less time than he
could seat himself in the saddle and chirp " gee
up."
However, Webb caught the spirit of improve-
ment and carried the mail in a one-horse wagon.
He continued the business about twenty-five
years, and gave up the reins to Oliver Bass, who
put a coach upon the route through to Albany.
Many who are now living, well remember as the
old yellow and red " Rocking coach " drove up to
the door, how perfect every arrangement seemed
to be, and with what ease and comfort a trip to
Albany or Binghamton could be made in. the
short space of ten or twelve hours.
Physicians. — In 1812 Dr. John Nichols settled
in the village and was the first regular practicing
physician. He died in 1819 and his remains lie
in the Methodist cemetery. A vacancy being
made upon his death, the people made a call on
the Medical School of New York for a physician
in March, 1820.
Dr. Thomas B. Van Alstyne, a native of Kin-
derhook, N. Y., and a student of the noted Dr.
White, of Hudson, N. Y., was sent in answer to
the above request, who continued to practice to
the year 1856, and reared a family of six chil-
dren, each of whom have made themselves
worthy of a worthy father, and become promi-
nent and useful citizens.
Thomas J., is a resident of Albany, and has
occupied the county judicial bench for two
terms, highly satisfactory as a gentleman and an
able jurist. He was elected at the late election
to the United States Congress, and takes his
seat in December, 1883.
Sylvester M. Van Alstyne followed his father
in the practice of medicine, and stood at the
head of the medical fraternity in the County.
He represented the town in the Board of Super-
visors in the years 1862, 1863, 1864, 1875,
1876, where he displayed the ability of a legis-
lator, that very few possess. He died October
28, 1882.
We give space to the following article from the
Richmondville Democrat, of October 28, 1 882 : —
" In the death of Dr. S. M. Van Alstyne,
Richmondville loses one of its most worthy
citizens. Dr. Van Alstyne was born on the
28th day of February, 1833. He had the full
advantages of a complete education, and was
always regarded as one of the most learned in
our community. At the early age of seventeen
he received an appointment to the military
academy of West Point. During his stay at
that institution his peculiar brilliancy and edu-
cation placed him at the head of his class,
which exalted position he maintained until,
submitting to the very urgent solicitations of
his parents, he resigned his position at West
Point and chose the study of medicine as his
profession, graduating with high honors at the
Albany Medical College, December 2, 1854.
He was a member of the Schoharie County
Medical Society, also of the New York State
Medical Society. As a physician he occupied
a position which can only be obtained by a
thorough study, and application to one's chosen
profession. He was selected by his townsmen
to represent them in the Board of Supervisors
for five years, discharging the duties pertaining
to this office to their utmost satisfaction.
"He was married on the Qth of July, 1855,
to Cynthia E. Whitney, daughter of Colonel
Whitney, of Milford, N. Y. He leaves a wife,
one son — Dr. T. B. Van Alstyne, of Richmond-
ville, and two daughters — Mrs. Dr. Voorhees,
of Auburn, N. Y., and Miss Adah Van Alstyne,
of Richmondville.
294
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
" Dr. Van Alstyne was a conscientious Chris-
tian, a true gentleman, a kind husband, and lov-
ing father. His death will be a great loss to
this community, and his genial presence and
kindly recognitions will be missed by all. We
can pay no higher tribute to the memory of our
distinguished friend, neighbor and physician
than to say that a great, grand and noble
Christian man has gone to his rest."
Fayette E., became a mechanic and settled
at Binghamton where he now resides.
John studied medicine and commenced to
practice in 1865, and remained till the year
1873, when he removed to Binghamton, where
he still resides, and stands at the head of his
profession. He received, very shortly after grad-
uatingin 1862, acommission as assistant-surgeon
of the 3d N. Y. V. C., was soon promoted to
surgeon of the regiment, and toward close of
the war was made brigade surgeon.
Mrs. Joseph K. Barry, [deceased,] of Chicago,
and Mrs. J. L. Multer, of the Independent Cal-
istogian, of California, are the daughters that com-
plete the family of six, whose early training in the
principles of right and usefulness have made
them an honor to the place of their birth.
Dr. Thomas Skinner located here in 1833, and
after removed to Hartwick and died near Syra-
cuse in 1879. J. B. Rossman came in 1840 and
remained till 1850 when he located at Albany.
Dr. Henry Barnes was in practice here some
years. Dr. Valentine Cornell came in 1865 and
removed to Cobleskill village in 1874, where he
died in 1877.
Dr. Atkins came in 1874 and the year follow-
ing located- at Saratoga village, and thence to
Essex, N. Y., where he enjoys a lucrative practice.
Dr. George H. Leonard, of East Worcester
located here in 1858 and entered the Union
army in 1863 as assistant surgeon and died of
consumption soon after.
Dr. Thomas B. Van Alstyne, grandson of the
first Thomas B., opened an office in June, 1881,
and at present is the only physician practicing
in the village. He is the only male represent-
ative of the Van Alstyne family now residing
in the county, and bids fair to maintain the
enviable reputation acquired by his ancestors.
Dr. Rowley settled at Warnerville about
1832 and died there in 1846 and was succeeded
by Dr. Jared Chase in 1850 and Dr. Eli Bois
& Son in 1854. The elder Bois died in 1857
and Willard succeeded him and still remains.
Dr. H. S. Gale removed from West Fulton in the
spring of 1881, who together with Doctors Chase
and Bois attend to the " ills " of their friends.
Churches — Here we find four churches whose
appearance bespeak the enterprise of the people
as well as their pride in their houses of worship.
The Methodist Church is the pioneer, it
being organized in 1820 by John Bangs.
Their meetings were held in the school house
until the year 1836 when an edifice was erected.
The present one was built in 1866 and will seat
nearly seven hundred. A prosperous Sabbath
School and large Bible class are sustained by
the society and a deep interest in the religious
cause is manifested by the church as a whole.
The Lutheran Church was organized in
1830 and the first edifice erected in 1833. The
present one was built in 1857, being repaired
and enlarged in 1876, and will seat over six
hundred. The records have not been preserved
in such order as to enable us to glean the desired
information but we find John Selemer was the
first pastor and after a few years was recalled
and died in 1876, at the age of sixty-nine.
He was followed by Ira Parker, P. Ludden,
S. Curtis, Charles L. Barringer and Jacob Paul
the latter at present officiating.
There is also connected with this church a
large Sabbath School and Bible class in whose
behalf the society takes a lively interest.
The Baptist Church was next in organization
and was formed in 1838 by twenty-six members.
The records say, "At a council held in Rich-
mondville on the i3th of June 1838 by the
delegates from the Baptist churches in Summit,
Jefferson, Worcester, Westford, Cobleskill, Ful-
ton and Harpersfield, it was thought proper to
constitute a Baptist church in the above men-
tioned place to be called the 'Richmondville
Baptist Church'. A constitution was drawn up
embracing articles of confession, Faith and
practice and entered upon the church-book,
which tersely exhibits the sincerity, stability and
character of professors of that day.
" At a covenant meeting held September
n, 1841, Elder Walter Covey was appointed
TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
295
a committee to prepare an article on Temper-
ance which he did and attached it to the
church articles of Practice. It being the first
move by the body in the cause we here copy
the same. " We believe that intemperance is a
great evil and therefore we will not use intoxi-
cating liquors as a beverage, nor traffic in them
nor provide them as an article of entertainment,
or for persons in our employment and that we
will discountenance their use throughout the
community."
The following Elders have officiated : —
^38 — David B. Collins.
1839 — James Ingles.
1840— Walter Covey.
1841— Walter Covey.
1842— L. C. Bates.
1843 — L. C. Bates.
1844— L. C. Bates.
1845 — L. C. Bates.
1846—!,. C. Bates.
1847— L. C. Bates.
1849 — W. Covey.
1850— L. E. Spafford.
1851 — L. E. Spafford.
1852— L. E. Spafford.
1853— A. S. Davis.
1854— A. S. Davis.
1855— A. S. Davis.
1856 — George Evans.
1857 — George Evans.
1858 — George Evans.
1859 — C. C. Boorne.
1860— C, C, Boorne.
1 86 1— C. C. Boorne.
1862— C. C. Boorne.
1863— C. C. Boorne.
1866— W. M. Halleck.
1867— W. M. Halleck.
,868— W. M. Halleck.
.1869— W. M. Halleck.
I87i_P. C. Bently.
1872— P. C. Bently.
1873 — G. W. Remington.
1874 — G. W. Remington,
1875 — G. W, Remington.
i8j(, — G, W. Remington,
1877 — G. W. Remington.
1878—0. B. Collins.
1879—0. B. Collins.
i88o—O. W. Cook.
1881 — R. Lehman and present.
The first church edifice was built in 1843.
Rithmomh'ille Bank — Mr. Westover, for many
years, feeling the inconvenience of having no
bank to transact business in a systematic man-
ner, with his ample means established a banking
house which was opened for the convenience of
the business public on the first day of April
1881.
J. M. Foster long interested in the business
of the place, was associated in the enterprise,
making the firm Westover & Foster, Bankers.
The business men of the village and surround-
ing country fully appreciate the convenience,
and assure their confidence, in a flattering pat-
ronage.
Christian Church — The Christian church
was built in 1875 at a cost of twenty-five hun-
dred dollars and dedicated on the 4th of Jan-
uary 1876 under the pastorate of A. J. Wei-
ton, who was followed by T. N. Davis and
D. M. Tuller, the present incumbent. This
church, as before mentioned is connected in pas-
torate with the "Christian church of Warner-
ville."
Seminary — In the spring of 1852 the citizens
of this place concluded to make a permanent
investment of a few thousand dollars in one of
those palatial seminaries to which many com-
munities, suddenly become partial. During the
summer of that year a building was erected up-
on the lot, now occupied by James N. Burn-
ison and school commenced in the fall under
very flattering circumstances.
One night in December of the same year an
incendiary laid the whole in ashes, which was a
heavy stroke to the stockholders.
But believing in the wisdom of the invest-
ment a similar building was built the season fol-
lowing and opened for patronage in the fall of
1853. The success of this institution was con-
sidered certain, but in 185 4 the second structure
was burned and after an expenditure of nearly
sixty thousand dollars, further efforts to rebuild
were abandoned.
296
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Newspapers. — The first paper published was
the Sclwliarie County Democrat, by the pro-
prietors of the Schcnei'iis Monitor, •]. J. & J. L.
Multer. The issue bears date November 5,
1870. The paper was purchased in 1876 by J.
B. Olmstead and its title changed to the Rich-
iih'iith'ille Democrat. Mr. Olmstead has steadily
improved the paper and made of it a neat,
readable and newsy sheet that fully deserves its
success.
District Schools. — At what time the first
schoolhouse was built we have not been able
to learn, but it is supposed about the year 1807.
The present school building was erected in
1865. It is a graded school, having become
such under the charge of George Ostrander.
Three teachers are employed with an average
of over one-hundred pupils. The studies are
the higher English branches, and no pains or
expense are spared to make it a first-class
school. J. E. Mann is the present principal.
The road leading to the west follows the
course of the Cobleskill and winds around the
lofty hills, that the waters have broken through,
presenting to the traveler a varied and pleasing
picture. The broad fields lying upon the hill-
sides are productive of both winter grain and
grasses, and well adapted for dairying purposes,
being well watered. Snugly located a short
distance above the village is William Rocker-
fellow, grandson of Captain Rockerfellow, of
Revolutionary fame.
Mr. Rockerfellow's father moved from Colum-
bia county upon " Dutch Hill" in 1812. The
family bearing that name, of the Schoharie
valley, originally belong to the same descend-
ants of brothers who emigrated from Germany
at an early day. Mr. Rockerfellow's success in
the accumulation of property is an example of
what the will can perform if aggravated to
work under unfavorable circumstances, and is
worthy to be here recorded. During his boy-
hood days, he was both uncouth in appearance
and dissipated in habits, having allowed himself
to be drifted along without care, by the uni-
versal custom of the valley in fighting, horse-
racing, gambling and dancing. Peter Poland
was the keeper of the "Inn" that is now
Kennedy's wagon-shop in Cobleskill village,
and he had a daughter Elizabeth, who awakened
Rockerfellow's inward soul, and which the father
forbade the daughter, to countenance. But
their sympathies were mutual, and after being
driven away several times, with the idea of the
old gentleman's opinion of him firmly impressed,
the young lover firmly decided to change his
course in life and show the family that he was
neither lazy or intemperate. Changing his whole
course of conduct he began in earnest, with
eyes and ears opened to every opportunity, to
gain a livelihood independent of his family or
persecutors. Gaining here and there, with
care and industry, we now find him upon the
verge of seventy with a large property, and by his
side is found one happy in her choice and sur-
roundings, knowing that their combined efforts
have brought William's prophesy true, that "they
could see the day they could buy the whole of
them out."
WEST RICHMONDVILLE.
West Richmondville is a small hamlet near
the county line, and comprises a small Metho-
dist church which was built in 1865, a black-
smith shop and a few dwellings. It was origi-
nally known as Caryleville, but upon the post-
office being established it was changed to its
present name.
The first settlers of this neighborhood were
Cornelius Ten Eyck and his son Bornt, John,
Moses and Isaac Caryle, John Lampson, Madi-
son Skinner, Joel Bates, Isaac White, John
Houck, George Jones and Robert Smith, (the
latter from Duchess county,) whose son
Solomon still lives upon the old place, at the
age of seventy-five, in the vigor of early life.
Asa Foster settled about the year 1816 ; Isaac
Caryle built a distillery about the year 1810,
and run the same to 1820, also a store. The
lands not then occupied, around this place were
purchased in 1815, by Stephen Jumel, the hus-
band of the renowned Madame Jumel. Owing
to the fact of Jumel's property causing a long
litigation, we will here state the circumstances
and give a sketch of Mr. Jumel's life, as written
by Mr. J. G. Caryle, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who
lived with Mr. Jumel and was well acquainted
TOWN OF RICHMONDVILLE.
297
with the family affairs. A settlement of the
litigation, we believe was clue to Mr. Caryle's
testimony in the case. Mr. Caryle was born
near West Richmondville, in 1813. He says: —
"I first became acquainted with Madame Jumel
of New York city in the town of Sharon, Scho-
harie county in 1826. My father then lived
upon lands owned by Stephen Jumel, a French-
man of the Kingdom of France, City of Paris.
He had been a resident of New York city from
the year 1795 until the year 1815 when he re-
turned to France. Mr. Jumel left France
when a young man and took up his residence
in the Island of St. Domingo that being at the
time a French province. He then engaged in
trade and run a coffee plantation up to i 793 when
at the uprising of the Blacks, and extermination
of the Whites, Mr. Jumel made his escape in the
following manner. He had an old colored man
living with him who was very much attached to
Mr. Jumel, who told him of the approaching in-
surrection which Jumel did not credit at the
time, but from observation he finally concluded
to make the best shift possible and wait the
result. He gathered in all the coffee and spices
he could and loaded a brig and consigned the
cargo to a firm in New York. When the time
came, the black man took Jumel in the moun-
tains and secreted him in the rocks, stating that
if the blacks did not rise as represented and the
town not burned then Jumel could return, but
if the blacks rebelled, then he must look out for
himself. The result was the Whites were mas-
sacred and the place burned.
"Jumel remained in the mountains for several
days, and the black not making his appearance
and being a good swimmer, swam across the
bay to a small island where he subsisted for
several days on such barks and grapes as he
could collect. After many days a sail made for
the port and finding the place burned, did
make a landing, supposing there was something
wrong. Mr. Jumel with his garments signaled
the vessel and a boat was sent and took him in.
Learning the state of affairs from him they put
to sea for St. Helena where Jumel shipped for
France, and arrived in New York the year fol-
lowing. With what money he left in New York
and the proceeds of his cargo of coffee etc. he
commenced trade and became a heavy ship-
ping merchant, and during the time of the em-
bargo, made, through the importation of French
brandy and wfnes a fortune, amounting to two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which was,
in that day considered ample.
"It was during that success he became ac-
quainted with Eliza Bowne a beautiful young
woman from Providence, R. I. whom he mar-
ried and who became the noted Madame Jumel.
In 1809 or '10 Mr. Jumel retired from business
in part and bought a fine property at Washing-
ton Heights and moved to it, from Whitehall
street. All things not running smoothly — or to
Mr. Jumel's liking, in 1815 he left for France
taking with him an adopted daughter — a niece
of Madame Jumel. He kept the girl in France
seven years and educated her in the French
schools, when Madame went over and returned
with the niece to New York in 1826. She had
a power of attorney from Mr. Jumel to take
charge of affairs in New York for the benefit
of her husband.
"Under the power of attorney, Madame Jumel
sold in 1827, the entire estate of Jumel, em-
bracing several hundred acres in the town of
Sharon, (now Richmondville and Seward,)
Decatur and Worcester, Otsego county."
The town of Richmondville consists of 19,844
acres of land, with an assessed valuation in
1 880, of $442,700, and a population of 2, 1 1 9 in-
habitants. Bonds were issued to aid in the con-
struction of the railroad to the amount of $50,-
ooo, upon which there remained due $14,552.
This amount was raised by special tax in 1881,
and the debt liquidated. Total amount of town
expenses in 1879, was $824.50. Total amount
of tax, including interest on bonds, $5,844.04.
SUPERVISORS.
— Peter H. Warner.
Peter H. Warner.
Thomas B. Van Alstyne.
David Mann.
David Mann.
William Snyder.
William Snyder.
Tobias Mann.
1857 — Tobias Mann.
1858 — Tobias Mann.
1859 — Tobias Mann.
1850
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
2.)S
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
,860 — Dr. Jared Chase.
1 86 1— Dr. Jared Chase.
1862— Dr. S. M. Van Alstyne.
, 863— Dr. S. M. Van Alstyne.
1864— Dr. Sylvester M. Van Alstyne.
1865 — Dr. Jared Chase.
1866— William T. La Mont.
1867— William T. La Mont.
,868— James A. Warner.
j869 — James A. Warner.
t8;o — John Westover.
,871 — James Harroway.
1872 — James Harroway.
1873 — James Harroway.
1874 — James Harroway.
1875— Dr. S. M. Van Alstyne.
1876— Dr. S. M. Van Alstyne.
1877— Fred Moot.
! 878— Fred Moot.
1879— Samuel Butler.
1880— Thomas W. Zeh, Jr.
1 88 1 — Dr. Jared Chase.
1882— Samuel Butler.
The following items were furnished through the kind-
ness of J. B. Olmstead, Esq. : —
The village of Richmondville was incorporated in
1881, and is now officered by a Board of three trustees,
police justice, constable, collector, etc.
There was organized in this town, in 1882, a Board
of Health in accordance with the law. Dr. H . S Gale,
of Warnerville, is the present Health officer, and H. S.
Lewis, Town clerk, is Registrar of Vital Statistics.
Cemeteries. — Situated near the village are two ceme-
teries, the " Sunnyside " and "Rural." They are both
organized and incorporated. Both have fine grounds,
being laid out very tastily, and many of the lots are
adorned with handsome monuments.
Water Power Company. — Lying upon the hills south
of the village are two large reservoirs. These are now
owned and controlled by an incorporated company, the
stock being owned by the various manufacturers. This is
one of the most important institutions in town, and the
company will doubtless soon build another reservoir, and
then the supply of water will be unfailing and sufficient
to run any manufacturing enterprise that desires water-
power.
School. — The village school is now in a very flourish-
ing condition. There are three teachers employed, and
it has two departments. The teachers are : — Prof. C.
Northrup, principal ; Misses E. Evans and Ella La
Mont, assistants. The Board of Education consists of
three members, viz : — Freeman Loveland, William T.
LaMont and E. L. Snyder.
The following is a list of the various persons engaged
in business in the town : —
Rif/imondville.
Bank of Richmondville, John Westover, president,
James M. Foster, cashier ; organized in 1880.
1 1 . Krasier c.Y Son, general merchants.
Win. T. LaMont, groceries and feed.
Robinson & Fox, general merchants.
Holmes & Drew, general merchants.
Nathan Hogebooin, dry-goods and notions.
J. C. Smith, groceries, boots and shoes, flourand feed.
Mary Babcock, millinery store.
Thomas L. Shafer, jewelry store.
David H. Smith, hardware, stoves and tinware.
R. F. Royal, hardware, stoves and tinware.
G. W. Ostrander, drugs and hardware.
M. W. Harroway, flour, feed and coal.
II. S. Lewis, furniture and undertaking.
Thomas W. Zeh, meat market.
H. M. Sheldon, oysters, fish and vegetables.
T. B. Warner, photographer and general insurance
agent.
D. B. Van Dusen, hay dealer.
John M. Campbell, dealer in horses, wagons, and
revolving horse-rakes, etc.
Ed. Fox, poultry dealer.
Richmondville Manufacturing Co., Hiram Couch-
man, proprietor, grain cradles, forks, etc.
Milo H. Bradley, manufacturer of domestic woolen
goods, cloth, yarns, fulled mittens, etc.
Richmondville Iron Works, A. B. Stevens, proprietor,
hop-drying furnaces, plows, water-wheels, etc.
C. E. Dickinson, manufacturer of straw paper.
Mosher Brothers, flouring mill.
Westover & Olendorf, sash, blinds and doors.
S. 1'. Canlield, clothes dryers and box blueing.
Samuel Hannis, manufacturer of hop-presses.
Henry Brazee. wagon and carriage maker.
John Neer, wagon and carriage maker.
Decker & Co., manufacturers and refiners of cider.
D. G. Mann & Co., fruit evaporators.
James L. Munn, harness maker.
Charles B. Brown, harness maker, robes, whips, etc.
William Hilsinger, horse-shoeing and general black-
smithing.
John C. Biret, horse-shoeing and blacksmithing.
James H. Leggett, horse-shoeing and blacksmithing.
Wm. Ockempaugh, horse-shoeing and blacksmithing.
J. Skidmore, cooper.
R. G. Waldorf, cooper.
Alex. Rury, boot and shoe maker.
Rockefellow & Richtmyer, dealers in eggs and hides.
Matthew O'Rorke, bread and cake baker.
Menzo Waldorf, barber.
Isaac Mann, surveyor.
E. L. Snyder, lawyer, surveyor, and insurance agent.
P. Wheaton Sheldon, fire insurance agent.
Westover House, (a fine three-story brick building,)
L. & L. D. Mattice, proprietors.
Empire House, (billiard-room and restaurant attached,)
Alvin Wharton, proprietor.
Cottage Hotel, Peter Snyder, proprietor.
Burneson's House, James N. Burneson, proprietor ;
livery in connection ; is proprietor of stage-route
running between here and Jefferson, Schoharie
county, N. Y., and also carries the United States
mail to same place.
Railroad House, H. J. Heiseradt, proprietor.
H 'arnerville.
David H. Zeh, groceries.
Gerves F. Peck, tanner.
John Frederick, woodenware manufacturer, miller,
etc. (Steam power.)
David Snyder, flouring mill.
David S. Mann, dealer in stoves,
West Richmondi'ille.
David F. Richtmyer, wagon maker.
Baldwin, groceries.
Robinson, horse-shoeing, etc.
Charles Isliam, saw-mill.
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TOWN OF RICHMONDVIJ.I.K.
299
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
HON. JOHN WESTOYER.
Hon. John Westover, son of the late Jonah
Westover, was born in the town of Egremont,
Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on the 8th of
July, 1797. In the year 1808 he removed to
Schoharie County with his parents, and located
where the village of Richmondville now stands,
when the grounds and surroundings were covered
with the forest. This portion of the County
being new and the settlement very sparse, it
must be supposed that the pioneer school was
of an inferior grade, and the chances for a
youth to obtain an education extremely dis-
couraging, Yet regardless of adverse circum-
stances and privileges, many of the best men of
our country have loomed up from such positions,
through their indomitable will and energy, and
became what they were and are.
The subject of this sketch is an example of a
self-made man. By studious efforts, he was
enabled to enter the school-room at the age of
eighteen as teacher, and followed the avocation
most of the time to the year 1824, when, with
his meager savings, he purchased a part of the
farm upon which he still resides, of Governor
Yates. The Governor owned a large tract of
land lying here, through tax sales, and in
1825 appointed Judge Westover his agent in
the sale and renting of the same, which trust he
held nearly forty years, to the satisfaction of the
Governor and his heirs. It was upon a visit in
connection with business relating to these lands,
that Mr. Westover enjoyed the pleasing honor
of being one of the sixteen that rode upon the
first passenger railroad cars in the United States
in 1831, between Albany and Schenectady.
He sat by the side of Governor Yates in the
center seat of the front car, or stage-coach body
placed upon truck-wheels. The Governor
commissioned him Captain in the militia service,
under the old military law, from which he was
promoted to Colonel of then ii3th Regiment.
He was elected by the people of the o!d
town of Cobleskill, in 1829, justice of the
peace, and filled the position in that town and
the town of Richmondville, for the long period
of thirty-eight years. He succeeded in his first
election, his brother, Jonah Westover, Jr., who
held the office twenty-one years, making fifty-
nine years the office was held in the family, a
case unparalleled in the history of the County.
Under the Constitution of 1821, Governor
Marcy appointed him in August, 1838, to the
bench of the Court of Common Pleas, as asso-
ciate with Hon. John C. Wright, Jonas Krum,
Robert Eldredge, Harvey Watson, and Nathan
P. Tyler.
Upon the election of William C. Bouck, as
Governor, the honor was again bestowed upon
him, and held to the year 1846, when the Third
Constitution took effect, and abolished the office
of Assistant Judges. In 1853 Judge Westover
was elected to the Assembly, where he turned
his attention and labors towards the building of
the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad, in which
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
he became a Director, and one of the managing
spirits in its construction as he was in its incep-
tion, in unison with Hon. J. H. Ramsey,
Charles Courier, Eliakim R. Ford, and others.
Judge Westover has always, from a youth,
been identified with and a strong advocate of
public improvements. When the Democratic
party, to which through life, he has been at-
tached, divided, as Democrats and Clintonians
upon the internal improvement questions, he
sided with the Clintonians for a time, and
demonstrated his sincerity by favoring every
project that had a tendency to the development
and progress of the country without extravagant
taxation. For several years he bent his efforts
to the building of a railroad through the County.
The first was by a special charter from
the Legislature in 1836, in which he was ap-
pointed a director with Jedediah Miller and
others, in the construction of a railroad to con-
nect the Catskill & Canajoharie road with the
Erie. For that, and other projects of improve-
ment, he was chided by conservative men as
extravagant in ideas, but which has proved the
far-seeing characteristic of the man whereby
profitable results were brought about.
When the building of plank roads engaged
the attention of the people, the Judge was
among the first to push along the enterprise
and build the "Richmondville and Charlotteville
road," over which he presided as president
for twenty-five years.
Upon the completion of the Susquehanna
railroad he became interested in the Howe's
Cave enterprises, and was chosen president of
the Howe's Cave Lime and Cement Company,
which position he still holds, beside bearing the
same relation to three other corporate bodies.
By careful and economical business tact he has
amassed a large property. He owns nearly
half of the village where he resides, including
three hotels, two stores, and the manufacturing
interest wholly, or in controlling part. He has
expended large sums in the improvement of the
water-power of the place, by constructing large
reservoirs and conductors for milling purposes,
and made the "privileges" of 'that character
found here the best and most extensive in the
County.
His large amount of business requires a
practical system, which he early adopted, and
for near commercial convenience, he organized
a banking-house in February, 1 88 1, under the
title of " Richmondville Bank," of which he
is the president and leading financier. Through-
out his official, and in his individual transactions,
Judge Westover has exhibited a practical
administrative ability that but few possess with-
out extensive culture, and exemplified a tem-
perate life, which gives to him a great age, free
from infirmities, and enables him to still per-
sonally guide and conduct his business, and
presents a worthy example to the youth, of the
results of study, earnest thought, industry, and
observance of the general laws of nature in the
formation of habits.
In 1832 he married Catharine, daughter of
Benjamin Miles, of Schoharie, who died with-
out issue in January, 1881, at the age of seventy-
six, after an active life passed in sympathy with
the husband's tastes and aspirations.
TOWN OF CAR I.I s 1. 1.
CHAPTER XIX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OK CARI.ISLE.
FIRST SETTLERS — UORLACH GRANT — NEW
RHINEBECK— RELICS— MRS. PHII.II> KARKER—
JUDGE BROWN — GEOROE WILLIAM BROWN —
RE-INTERMENT OF JUDGE BROWN — YOUNG
FAMILY — TORY FAMILIES — OSTERHOUTS —
JOHN C. MCNEILL— HILLSINGER — SETTLE-
MENT OF GROVENOR'S CORNERS — JOSEPH
TAYLOR--BENJAMIN YOUNG — DURAND'S JOKE
— SQUIRE JOHN'S PLACE — CARLISLE CEN-
TRE— FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE — MERCHANTS OF
GROVENOR'S CORNERS — SETTLEMENT UPON
THE TURNPIKE — CARLISLE FORMED — FIRST
OFFICERS — P. I. CROMWELL — D. W. SEELEY—
SLOAN'S TAVERN — HUNTINGTON TAVERN —
CARLISLE CHURCH — CARLISLE POSTOFFICE —
HENRY M. BROWN — KILLING OF KELLER —
FIRST STORE — MERCHANTS OF CARLISLE
VILLAGE — JAMES BOUGHTON — J. C. SELLECK
— ARGUSVILLE — AARON MALICK — MICHAEL
VANDERVEER — JOHN HYNEV — PHYSICIANS —
MERCANTILE FIRMS — JAMES SWARTHOUT —
NELSON BURNAP— THE BEAR SWAMP—HENRY
I. MOAK — CARLISLE SEMINARY — CARLISLE
FOUNDRY — STEAM MILL — ROBBERY OF PETER
BECKER — J. H. ANGLE — FIRST MILLS — AN-
CESTRAL CUSTOMS — SELLECK'S CAVE— DEATH
OF PROFESSOR McFAiL — HIDDEN CAVERNS —
CHURCHES — VALUATION OK Towx — EXPENSE
OF TOWN — SUPERVISORS — BOUNDARIES OF
TOWN.
THE first settlers of Carlisle were John
Philip Kerger (Karker), and Peter Young.
The father of the latter came from Ger-
many at an early date, and settled upon
the Hudson, near the Carnps, and was re-
lated to the Kergers. John Philip landed at
Philadelphia, and came to the Hudson to visit
his relatives, and then return to his native land ;
but failing to get a passage at the desired time,
he concluded that fate decreed him to remain.
I k- married a daughter of Young, and in com-
pany with his brother-in-law, concluded to set-
tle among the Schoharie hills — the German " Kl-
dorado" of those early times — by the "good
account of ye fertilete of ye soile." They set-
tled upon lands owned by a Young, (Karker
taking three hundred acres), and built a house
near the present residence of Solomon D., and
Joseph Karker, the old man's great-grandchil-
dren. Young purchased to the north of him,
and built near the spot upon which Nicholas
Young, a grandson, now resides.
Karker's father was a wealthy wine merchant,
and was engaged extensively in the culture of
grapes, and Philip selected the high ground near
the mountain, with the intention of raising
grapes. Upon his departure from the parental
home, the father cut a silver coin in four pieces,
giving each son a quarter, which was to be evi-
dence of heirship to the father's property, upon
his decease. Upon the old gentleman's death,
the pieces were to be presented, and if they
fitted perfectly, each holder was to receive a
fourth part of the effects. During the Revolu-
tion, Philip's quarter was lost, and at the father's
death, his share was not claimed.
The first land cleared in the town, was north
of the "Rock school-house," in 1760. These
farms were a part of " New Dorlach " patent,
granted in 1730, (now called the Borst patent,)
but not surveyed until the year 1753, by Isaac
Vroman, and re-surveyed in 1797, by Johannes
Lawyer, (the third land holder).
The original grant contained forty-five lots of
six hundred acres each and nine of one hun-
dred and three hundred acres each. In 1754
Johannes Lawyer (the second), Johannes
Becker and others purchased an addition
to the tract upon the 'east, extending
from the Cobleskill creek to the north line
of the original tract — two lots in width, also one
lot in width to the north of that and running
west along the Dorlach line — four lots of one
hundred and ninety-three acres each which is
called the Becker patent. Lot number one, of
the Dorlach grant, lies east of the mountain
vulgarly called " Barrack Zourie." Numbers two
302
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and three cover the mountain. From the sum-
mit of this conical shaped mountain, origi-
nally called Owelus Sowlus — but now "Karker
Mount" — as beautiful a scene presents itself to
the north and northeast as can be found. Upon
the north stretches the valley of the Mohawk,
and beyond rise the hills and mountains of
Fulton and Hamilton counties, while in the
northeast those of Warren and Washington ap-
pear in the foreground of the Green mountains
of Vermont.
Upon the southeast side of the mountain lies
a small sheet of water, clear and of great depth
having an outlet running in the Cobleskill.
A few years after the settlement of Karker
and Young, several families moved here from
Rhinebeck on the Hudson and the settlement
was known as New Rhinebeck. Other families
soon followed from Schoharie and Middleburgh.
At the commencement of the Revolution quite
a number of families could be found in this
neighborhood. Prominent actors in the strug-
gle were the Karkers, Young, Brown, Fichter.
Borntheit, Kneiskern, Loucks and Manch or of
late Monk. The descendants of all those
pioneers are still here but as neighbors enjoy
better feeling towards each other than their an-
cestors did, who were divided in a political
point of view as Patriots and Tories.
Around this mountain cluster the Revolution-
ary historical associations connected with the
town of Carlisle. Here upon its sides, were
experienced all the hopes and fears, joys and
sorrows, anxieties and aspirations peculiar to
the Revolutionary days of the patriotic Karker,
Young and Brown families. John P. Karker
and sons were scouts during the war, leaving
home and traversing the country day and night
to watch the movements of the prowling foe,
carrying messages and doing other dangerous
and important services.
Madame Karker during the early part of the
,war, remained at home, while her nearest neigh-
bors were loyalists, ever watchful of her family's
actions and thirsting for their blood. She re-
mained here regardless of danger, as a barri-
cade to her fireside. Night after night she re-
tired to a tree, which is still standing, and laid
down upon the cold damp ground to sleep, fearful
of being captured if she remained in the house.
Two of her neighbors, fit companions of in-
carnate fiends, sought to capture and slay her,
while her husband and sons were away ; but
being apprised of their design, she fled to the
mountains, and hid beneath a shelving rock,
with a babe upon her breast. Her pursuers
were often in sight, and once stood upon the
rock beneath which she lay concealed. The
babe was restless and for fear it would betray
her, she put a handkerchief in its mouth and
nearly suffocated it before the Tories retired.
The babe was Peter Karker, whose descend-
ants live in the West, and are heads of families
and begin to bear the marks of hoary age.
Thus time glides on, carrying with it one gene-
ration after another, effacing all the works of
man, except those found upon our blest govern-
mental structure. Those labors and sacrifices
are there enstamped, which will grow brighter
and brighter, as age aftef age rolls on. During
the war the most valuable effects of the Karkers
were secreted in a fallen, hollow, basswood tree,
upon the side of the mountain. Among the
goods thus stowed away was the family Dutch
Bible. A crevice in the tree admitted the rain
and did damage to the book by loosening the
binding and staining the leaves. It is now
kept as a sacred relic by Solomon Karker, a
grandson, living near the old homestead, whose
family pride and veneration of his ancestors
justify him in retaining by memory, and relat-
ing with fervency the many incidents connected
with the lives of his noble sires. Soon such
admiring children will pass away, and less care
be taken of the "mementoes " handed down so
carefully, and nothing left of the patriotic
personal effects. Each year makes the number
less, which ought not to be, but should with the
greatest care be preserved for ages to come.
John W. Brown. — About the year 1771,
there came to New Rhinebeck, John Mathias
Brown, a man whose after life proved him to be
one of the "noblest works of God" an honest
man. With a mind superior to those with whom
his lot was cast, he was appreciated and was
called upon to act in all business relations
throughout this section of country and was found
to be a just, practical, frugal and energetic man.
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
He was born at the Camps in 1745, and came
to " Weiser's dorf " with his father William, in
i?52-
After marrying Gitty Hager, of Breakabeen,
he settled upon the farm now occupied by Samuel
Young. The land was purchased by one Wae-
nig, a German, who purchased several of the
Dorlach lots in the year 1770. and lived in an
underground hovel near the present barn build-
ings. Governor George Clinton's attention was
called to Mr. Brown's career and abilities, and
he became one of his confidential friends and
advisors. It is well known that Governor Clin-
ton, as well as nearly all of (he chief officials of
those times, did not hesitate to listen to the
voice of the common yeomanry of the country
upon public questions and give heed to their
reasonings.
During Clinton's "Tory war" of 1784, Clin-
ton called upon Brown for his opinion, knowing
he was located in th» border settlement, in
which that element was better known. As there
were those who had not been " offensive " but
who sided with the Crown through fear, and be-
lieving they would make good, law abiding citi-
zens, Brown favored their right as voters which
was effected by Schuyler and Hamilton in 1787.
This expression of opinion, led many of the
over patriotic to cast the epithet of " Tory"
upon Brown, which was unjust. Brown was
commissioned Captain of a company of Tryon
county militia, by Governor Clinton, but being
lame he insisted upon the honor being bestowed
upon some one else. But Clinton refused to
change the appointment and furnished a horse
for his use. If Brown had been a "Tory"
Clinton would have known it, and if such had
been the case, George Clinton would have been
the last man to have placed any confidence in
him. DeWitt Clinton's mind also was enrap-
tured with his country's glorious achievements,
and like a true patriot he desired to see her
struggles and triumphs engraved upon history's
page. The Schoharie and other border settle-
ments drew his heartfelt sympathy and he re-
quested Brown to write their early history, which
he did in a manner so plain that the most simple
can understand.
When we consider his stinted educational
advantages (only six weeks schooling) and his
meagre social opportunities in early life we can-
not but wonder at the correctness of his lan-
guage and composition. The Judge was a half-
brother of Captain Christian Brown who early
settled upon the James Becker farm in Cobles-
kill. His first wife died in 1796, and a few
years after he married Elizabeth VanArnin,
daughter of Captain VanArnin, of the Conti-
nental army, with whom he lived many years.
The fruits of the first wife were eight sons and
one daughter, viz : —
John,
Elizabeth,
Peter,
George William,
Henry,
David,
Abram,
Jacob,
Severenus.
The youngest of the children were Abram
and David who were twins.
To give an idea of the poverty of the early
settlers as well as their customs, under stinted
circumstances, we will here state that these boys
were nine years old before they possessed a hat.
While plowing in the spring and fall, being
barefooted and the ground cold, they were com-
pelled, occasionally, to sit upon their feet in the
furrow to warm them, and these, were the chil-
dren of a Schoharie County Judge ! It was not
penuriousness on the part of the father, but
poverty that compelled a sacrifice of bodily com-
forts. It was so with nearly all of the early settlers,
they were extremely poor. Brown was appoint-
ed Associate Judge in 1795 upon the formation
of the County, and held the office until the year
1820, when he resigned.
The fourth son of the Judge was George
William, whose voracious appetite caused not
a little merriment wherever he we,nt. In draw-
ing grain to market, as we have before men-
tioned, several neighbors accompanied each
other, and the custom was to take their own
provisions along in a dinner box ; but that cus-
tom was dropped in George William's case, as
he could not carry enough to appease his tire-
less appetite and quite likely he often went
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
without eating until his return, but upon this
particular occasion he was to dine with Russell
Case, at what was formerly called Battlema^s
Mills', eight miles west of Albany. Perhaps his
associate laid a plan to victimize the landlord
and agreed to pay for the dinner, which was one
shilling, a very small pittance for the amount of
fun in store. George sat down to the table
upon which was a roasted pig on a platter in
front of him. Without ceremony he took upon
himself the task of carving, and putting the
meat down his throat as he carved without giv-
ing his fellow guests a morsel. No doubt the
strangers present looked dumbfounded and were
anxious to render assistance in exterminating
the pig, but George understood his business, or
rather his inward cravings, and ate the whole
pig, " stuffing and all." Upon looking around
for more with the earnestness of Oliver Twist,
no doubt, he called the landlord and asked
" Hash you got any more of dem leetle hocks ?"
Undoubtedly Mr. Case replied "nix."
At the age of twelve George was equal to the
best of laborers, especially in chopping wood, and
it was he that cut a goodly share of the timber
which stood upon the line of the Great Western
Turnpike through Carlisle, for the road's con-
struction. He was a muscular man, that could
endure any amount of labor, especially in devour-
ing " leetle hocks r
On the 4th of July, 1879, the remains of
Judge Brown and wives were re-interred in the
Carlisle cemetery in the presence of many hun-
dred people. The exercises were imposing.
After Scripture reading by Rev. L. Lyon and
prayer by Rev. C. L. Offer, the remains were
delivered by the Marshal of the day, Nicholas
Hanson, to the President, Hon. John M. Ros-
coe. Thirty-eight young ladies representing the
States of the Union, (after the recital of a
poem by Miss Mary Duesenbury) paid homage
to the patriots by casting evergreens and flowers
in the graves. An eulogium was delivered upon
the lives and characters of Brown and his asso-
ciates, the Karkers and Young, whose remains it
was also expected to have placed beside him, but
the relatives withheld their consent. The bones
of the Judge were found, nearly entire, after a
period of forty-one years interment. The brain
was well preserved and was very large and
weighty.
In 1778, when the Indians began their depre-
dations in the Schoharie settlements, the
patriots of New Rhinebeck made the house of
Peter Young their rendezvous. Being but few
in numbers, and the Tory neighbors becoming
more venomous as their allies began to make
their raids, this little company concluded to
leave their homes and seek safety in the forts.
A band of Indians assembled at a Tory's house
in the neighborhood to capture them, upon
which Peter Young started to take his wife,
who was a cripple, to the Camps for safety ; but
fearing he would be unable to do so, she was
taken to a small cave at the foot of the moun-
tain and left there alone. Being supplied with
provisions, she remained for several days in that
place without being discovered by the Tories,
whose houses were very near. The walls of
this " rock-house," as it has since been called,
for many years plainly showed the marks of the
fires she built late at night, when all was quiet
and danger of being seen had passed.
After the Indians passed off to other fields
for murder and devastation, her husband re-
turned and carried her to the Camps, where she
remained until the close of the war.
Peter Young's children were : —
Jacob,
Zachariah,
William,
Mathias,
Jeremy,
Christian,
Christina.
Mathias was born on the zoth day of Janu-
ary, 1763, and was the first white child born in
the present territory of Carlisle.
His children were : —
Benjamin,
Richard,
Solomon,
Margaret,
Elizabeth,
Lana, (Mrs. Nicholas Osterhout.)
He died May 21, 1822.
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
The Fichter, Monk, Henry Kneiskern, and
two of the Loucks families were loyal, and when
the news of a Royal victory was heard, they ex-
pressed their pleasure by playing upon fifes. It
is said the Fichter girls could play equal to any
man. This family's house was the rendezvous
of the Tories and Indians. The head of the
family was Andrew Fichter, who in company
with his brother-in-law, Michael Borntheit, came
here from New Orleans, where they landed in
1750. Borntheit died childless, and Andrew
Fichter was followed by his sons, Henry and
Andrew. There remains but one of the family
that bears the name, and soon it will be as ex-
tinct as that of Borntheit.
To the east of this neighborhood, Abram
Osterhout, a native of Ulster county, settled in
1806. Here he reared a large family, that have
been prominent in the political field, and
energetic in the interest of the town and County.
The children were : —
Cornelius,
Peter,
John,
James,
Nicholas,
Abram,
George.
Jacob,
Chauncey.
Peter was elected sheriff in 1831. John and
James were elected to the Assembly in 1843
and 1852, beside filling various other official
positions, at all times proving themselves to be
faithful and strictly honest officials.
In 1784, John C. McNeill, of Londonderry, a
Revolutionary veteran, came to Charleston,
Montgomery county, with his wife, and after a
few weeks land hunting, concluded to locate in
Carlisle. He began at once to clear the forest,
and what proved most singular, felled the first
tree upon the spot where he was buried many
years after. The farm is now occupied by a
grandson, Merritt McNeill. While clearing a
site to place his house, his wife remained at
Charleston, and he walked over daily and
worked alone, the only white man north of the
present turnpike, in the limits.of the town. A
short time after, one McCracken, another repre-
sentative of the "Emerald Isle" settled upon the
west part of the David Seeley, Sr., farm, but
after 1805 moved farther west.
Between the years 1795 and 1810, the town
was filled by immigrants from every part of the
country, many coming from Connecticut,
Rhode Island, and New Jersey, owing to the
idea gained during the war, of Schoharie being
such a wheat growing section. With but very
few exceptions, the descendants of the first set-
tlers of the town remain upon their ancestral
homes.
Immediately after the Revolution, Jacob and
Peter Hillsinger settled at Little York, upon the
farms now occupied by Adam and William.
During the war, Jacob and Peter were employed
as scouts, and spent much of their time in Old
Dorlach, watching the movements of the Tories.
After the invasion of the Schoharie valley by
Johnson and Brant, a Tory of Dorlach, returned
to his home, after assisting the British and In-
dians in devastating the valley, and was met by
Peter and others, who were acquainted with his
proceedings.
After a friendly salutation passed between
them, Peter accused him of his complicity with
the invaders, and leveled his rifle to shoot him,
declaring he was not fit to live. Peter's com-
panions turned the muzzle of the gun up as he
fired, and saved the life of the Tory, but much
to Hillsinger's disappointment. These brothers
lived upon their possessions to good old ages,
and were highly esteemed. Soon after Hill-
singer's settlement, also came Frederick Ullman.
Frederick Ullman was a Mohawk scout of
notoriety, who came to that valley immediately
after the battle of Monmouth, in which he par-
ticipated. His parents were German settlers of
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and without
doubt, were connected with some of the Mo-
hawk German families which led him off to these
parts. Ullman had the reputation of being
the fleetest of foot of any man in the valley,
which saved his scalp many times. He married
a Keller, of Currytown, and settled upon the
Fox place.
Reuben Parkinson, an Irishman, settled about
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the same time, upon the present Ullman farm,
and after a few years exchanged with Ullman,
and kept a tavern where the present one
stands. Several of the Parkinson families wer
scattered over the town, in its earliest days, and
were people of ability, and held prominent t
offices.
Nathaniel H. Clark, a native of Rhode
Island, and graduate of Yale College, settled
upon the east of Little York, where William
Roberts now resides, about the year 1828, and
commenced the mercantile business. He was
a pitiable cripple, being nearly helpless, but of
active and extraordinary mind. The last few
years of his life were spent in speculating in
eggs, taking nearly one week in going to and
coming from Albany, with his own conveyance.
He died in Albany, while on his way to his
old home, to receive the care of brothers and
other friends, at the age of eighty.
In 1794 or 1795, Moses Grosvenor, (we use
the original name), settled at the corners bear-
ing the family name, after locating at Lawyers-
ville, with Dana and Redington, brother Yan-
kees, for a time. In 1804 a number moved up
from Poughkeepsie, and settled in the present
Baumis neighborhood, east of the Corners.
They purchased their land of supposed owners,
but after a few years the rightful ones came, and
demanded the lands or purchase money. The
most of them refused, and removed. The Van-
Valin, Rich, Conklin, and Dean families, re-
mained, and were Quakers. This settlement
was called " New Poughkeepsie."
A few years after the exit from those lands,
there came several families of Quakers from the
Hudson, the principal ones being Moses and
Jacob Dickinson, and the Underbills.
After the latter settlers came, New Pough-
keepsie was changed to "Quaker street." Gid-
eon VanValin kept an inn where Thomas N.
Borst now resides and was followed by Lyman
Hawes, from Connecticut, who settled upon
Chauncy Grovenor's farm, and who was one
of the first justices in the town and held the
office for many years. His grandson, Josiah
L. Hawes, was here born in 1822, and after fit-
ting himself for the bar removed to Kalamazoo,
Michigan, where he now holds the office of Cir-
cuit Judge in the gth Judicial District.
About the year 1806 Andrew and James
Griffin, Adam and Andrew Mickle came from
Schodack, the two former as school teacher?.
Andrew at last settled west of the "Corners"
and commenced keeping tavern in 1809, where
his son now resides.
Dr. John Kelley was the first practicing phy-
sician at this place and settled in 1830. He
afterwards removed to Esperance where he died,
and was followed in the profession by Dr. Isaac •
Scott, who still remains. Dr. Scott is a native
of Root, Montgomery county, and graduated at
the Albany Medical College in 1848, and soon
after settled here.
Farther to the west Joseph Taylor settled in
the year i3n upon a farm that had been occu-
pied by a Hitchman family for several years.
Taylor kept a store and built a distillery and
was a very energetic business man. He pur-
chased large quantities of flax-seed which he
shipped to Europe, beside other grains, which
proved successful speculations. " Uncle Joe's "
sterling qualities, among which was a ready flow
of wit and humor, were sufficient pass-
ports to the confidence and esteem of every one,
especially the business portion of the whole
country. He reared a large family of active
business men, and gave to each a goodly " por-
tion" and passed away in the year 1848. at the
age of eighty-four, esteemed by all who knew
• him.
Joining the Taylor farm Gideon Young set-
tled in 1801, having removed from the Angle
Brothers' farm, near Lawyersville. He also
reared a large family, among whom were Hon.
John G., Jacob and Gideon. The longevity of
this family exceeds any other in the County, its
members being as active and sturdy at the age
of seventy to eighty-nine, as those of other fam-
ilies are at sixty to seventy-five.
The Snyder and Burhans families found in
this neighborhood came from the Hudson, be-
low Coeymans, in 1808, and occupy the best
portion of the town in an agricultural point of
view.
Benjamin Young, a brother of Gideon, Sr.,
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
3°7
before mentioned, built a house and kept a tav-
ern in 1808 where Ira Young now resides. For
many years the usual sports of horse racing,
wrestling, flip drinking, card playing and many
other immoral customs were tolerated seven
days in a week. Uncle Ben, as he was famil-
iarly called, was quite a horseman and kept his
horses sleek and lively. Treat Durand, after-
wards Sheriff of the County, lived with Uncle
Ben and rode his horses while running, being a
small lad. He was not satisfied with his daily
fare as it consisted of too much johnny cake
and supawn to suit his aspiring stomach. One
day there being a crowd of bystanders and a
challenge given to Uncle Ben to run horses, he
requested Treat to bring out the horse and "run
him." The horse not making very good time,
being rather inactive, Uncle Ben asked Treat
"Vat ish te mather of dee hoss?" "I don't
know," replied Treat, " unless he has been fed
too much johnny cake."
Young's rage knew no bounds, but the laugh-
ter from the crowd soon opened his understand-
ing and the flip was passed at his expense, with
"tarn leetle tival" as a commendation for
Treat's ready answer.
A short distance west of Uncle Ben's at the
forks of the road John Severson kept an inn
about the year 1820, in a house built by the
father of Andrew Young, the historian. The
property fell in the hands of John Young, son of
Uncle Ben, and was known for many years as
" Squire John's place." From this place to the
school-house, east, was the race-course. The
frequenters of those races were the farmers in,
and from the adjacent neighborhoods and much
to their discredit, their sports were carried to ex-
tremes, as the quiet of Sabbath was frequently
broken by their drunken broils and other im-
moral proceedings.
To use the words of one of the "cronies," as
they were called, but who, many years ago, like
Saul of old, was stricken down to repentance
by the glorious "light," " these places were hell
holes." It is a fact which we are loth to chroni-
cle, that from 1800 up to 1830, the morals of
every neighborhood in our County were at a
low tide. Intemperance carried a fearful sway
even to the church altar, where might frequently
be seen those whose breath was only fumes of
liquor. It was not unusual for deacons to be
habitual drinkers, and "members" habitual
swearers, and the temperance advocate branded
as a fanatic.
The Young, Loucks and Richtmyer families
now living here are near descendants of the
first settlers of the County. The small hamlet
east, for many years called " Bradt's Corners,"
was changed to " Carlisle Centre," upon the
establishment of the post-office in 1871.
CARLISLE CENTRE.
Nathan Bassett originated this little hamlet,
and lived here many years. During the counter-
feiting days of 1830 to 1840 of paper currency
as mentioned in Chapter IV, of this work, the
law was very harsh with those who passed the
"spurious" and many poor men, that received
it for wages, were arrested on passing it for the
necessaries of life, as the guilty were able to
swear to anything that would save themselves
and -send others to prison. Bassett was a poor
but hard working man, and happened to be the
possessor of a two dollar bill which he passed
and was sent to States prison for the offense,
much against the desire of the majority of the
people, as they believed he was innocent of in-
tended criminality. But a certain few, whose
pockets were at all times full of the " bad,"
swore poor Nathan to the grates. During his
imprisonment, the news of William C. Bouck's
election to the Gubernatorial chair, was made
to him, upon which he quit work and gave three
cheers for Bouck. The rules of the prison for-
bid such a demonstration and Bassett received
a few lashes as a reminder of prison discipline,
but, " I can't help it," said Bassett and gave
three more. Upon Bouck's entry into office a
petition was placed before him, with hundreds
of names attached, for his release, which was
granted and Bassett became a citizen again, and
was known to the day of his death as a " thor-
oughbred, hardshell Democrat."
John W. Bradt commenced the mercantile
business here in 1863, upon a small scale, but
by enterprise and perseverance, enlarged his
facilities and trade, and amassed a comfortable
fortune in a few years.
3o8
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The First School House in the town was built
of logs, and stood in the present orchard of
Nicholas Young, near the "Rock school-
house." At what time it was built, we are un-
able to tell, but it stood intact before 1795.
The next one built was at Grovenor's Corners,
in 1805. The first merchants at this hamlet
were Allen & Knight, who were followed by
John Snyder, in the building now occupied by
Tobias Myres, as a residence.
D. D. L. &> Jeremiah Me Cullock, carried
on a store of general merchandise, for many
years, in the building now occupied as such. In
1854, D. D. L., was elected sheriff upon the
Whig ticket, which was an unusual event in
" Democratic Schoharie." But his reputation
as an honest, upright man, was an " electioneer-
ing " capital that the people admired, and dur-
ing his term of office he made no cause for them
to regret the choice made.
The co-partnership was dissolved upon his
election, and Jeremiah continued the business
for several years, but is now a resident of Albany
City. The family came from Albany county as
also did the Bradt, Mosher, Myers, and Mc-
Millen families living near.
Henry Best removed from Columbia county
about the year 1805, and settled upon the
present HonYost Becker farm, and ten years
after upon that now owned and occupied by
James McMillen. His son Henry became jus-
tice of the peace for many years, and was a
business man. He is well remembered as the
only " auctioneer," in a large circuit of country,
for a long term of years.
Within the cemetery near the Union church,
built in 1831, lie many of those who settled here
when these fine farms were but a dense forest,
while others are scattered around upon different
farms, in graves unmarked, and covered with
briars and brambles, and soon will be lost be-
neath the work of the plow and harrow.
William Clark came from Coeymans, in
1813, and settled upon the farm still known as
the "Clark farm."
He settled when the neighborhood was a
dense forest, and by hard labor and superior
perseverance, cleared a large, productive farm
before he died. His sons, Honorable William
S. and Benjamin, were born upon this farm, and
have been prominent in the political and edu-
cational affairs of the County. Near by Henry
W. Larkin, a native of Rhode Island, settled after
following the avocation of school teaching for
many years. Mr. Larkin was an unusually eccen-
tric man, of very industrious habits, and amassed
a fine property. The Grovenor families living
near, are the descendants of Moses Grosvenor,
but have changed the name somewhat by drop-
ping the s.
Upon the survey and building of the Great
Western turnpike, many families from the East-
ern States began to locate along the route,
expecting it to be the great thoroughfare of the
day.
During the spring of 1804, Rodger W. Lord,
of New London county, Connecticut, settled
upon the farm now occupied by Peter Runkle,
and " kept tavern," the first one in the town.
The year previous (1803) John Sweetman
moved from Charleston, N. Y., and settled where
his grandson, Henry, now lives. He was one
of the first justices in the town, and held the
office nine years. His son, James, represented
the district in the Assembly in 1827. A few
years after his brother, Michael, together with
David and Nathan Seeley, came and settled
near.
John B. Roscoe, from Essex county, N. Y.,
settled with the Lord family in 1805, and was
the first physician in the town, and the only one
between Sharon Hill and Duanesburgh until
the year 1812. He continued his practice
nearly sixty years over a large extent of terri-
tory, and was a very successful practitioner ; he
was followed in 1860 by his nephew, R. J. Ros-
coe, who still continues the practice.
Carlisle Formed. — In 1807 the town was
formed from Cobleskill and Sharon, and was
named by Mrs. John Sweetman, an estimable
lady, after Carlisle Pierce, a prominent towns-
man. One hundred and twenty-three acres
were laid out in village lots of one-half acre
each, with three parallel streets running east
and west, and the same north and south, where
the village now stands, making a very neat
village plan. But while Livingston, the owner
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
309
of the land, easily built a small city on paper,
but few actual buyers came. They passed on,
with the cry, "Westward ho!" But Carlisle
was a town, and from the first records we copy
the following : —
"At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the town
of Carlisle, held this first day of March, in the
year 1808, at the house of Benjamin Johnson,
in the town of Carlisle, agreeably to an act
of the Legislature of the State of New York,
for that purpose, in the last Session, made and
provided ; the following persons were chosen
to represent the said town the ensuing year,
viz:"
Supervisor — William Ferris.
Clerk — Henry M. Brown.
Assessors — Henry Kniskern, Peter Gordon,
Mathias Young.
Commissioners of Highways — Lawrence Van
Wormer, Gideon Young, Silvanus Parkinson.
Overseers of Poor — David Lawton, Abram
Kniskern.
Constables — Jacob Brown, James Kennedy.
Collector — Jacob Brown.
Poundmaster — Benjamin Johnson.
Fence Viewers — Bostwick Brown, John M.
Brown.
Benjamin Johnson came in 1805 or 1806, and
built a house and kept an inn, and sold the
same in 1808 to Philip 1. Cromwell, who came
from Glen, (Charleston,) N. Y., and built the
large building so many years known as " Crom-
well's stand." Perhaps no man was better
known from New York to Buffalo than Crom-
well unless it was his brother landlord, " Zach
Keyes," of Sharon Hollow ; two fun-loving
Yankees, whose practical jokes were themes
of daily gossip by all travelers.
Cromwell's buildings were spacious, and his
was the best establishment on the road. His
variety of fowls and animals, and unique dove-
cot, were attractions, which in those days were
seldom seen, and which to our youthful minds
were beyond description.
The Cromwell house at a subsequent period
was occupied by David W. Seeley, the patentee
of the famous " wagon coupling " that did away
with the "hounds" upon wagons and saved
quite an item in the manufacture of the same.
But few, if any, possessed greater enterprise
and perseverance than Mr. Seeley, whose
natural propensity found its greatest pleasure in
"patent rights" and "horseflesh." He re-
moved to Albany at a later period, where he
still resides.
Sloan's Tavern. — In 1809 Sturges Sloan re-
moved from Sloansville and built a small house
for another " tavern " where William Becker's
fine residence now stands. As travel and
custom increased he added to his accomoda-
tions, and at last occupied a goodly sized
building, and was followed at a later date by
Reuben Moak, William Thrall, Henry P. Knis-
kern and Peter W. Ferris, and still later by
the famous Doctor Slingerland, whose medical
genius was displayed upon boots and shoes
instead of the ills to which the flesh is heir.
But his remarkable cures and more remarkable
surgical operations as told by him to strangers,
gave to him the title of Doctor.
He was full of " big stories " that could
hardly be called " lies," as he never told one to
injure, but rather to amuse, a list of which
would fill a large volume, all as he excused
himself "to make everybody feel good."
In 1810 Elijah Huntington came from Frank-
lin, Conn., with an ox team and one horse, also
workmen, and built the present hotel building.
Upon finishing and opening the house to the
public he placed upon his sign " Tontine Coffee
House." Much to his surprise the innocent
Dutchmen that principally traveled the road
supposed it to be a store and passed on, either
to Cromwell's below or Sloan's above.
These landlords were amused by their ques-
tions "Vat kinds of coffee ish dot he keeps?" —
while others understanding the meaning, consid-
ered it a high priced establishment and would
pass on for more " common coffee " and lower
rates. Finding the inscription had a contrary
effect upon his financial prosperity, he placed
his own name in its stead and soon obtained his
share of patronage. He kept the house many
years and was a very energetic, yet eccentric
man.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The Presbyterian Church was built in 1813,
and left without paint, plastering or pews.
Huntington's pride, led him to volunteer to re-
model and finish it, and at quite an outlay he pro-
duced from the frame, one of the finest churches
to be found in the County, which stood until
the year 1853 when its lofty spire was taken
down and timbers placed in the seminary.
The Carlisle Presbyterian Church was organ-
ized in 1803 with twenty-three members and
held their meetings in private houses and Crom-
well's tavern until the edifice was built.
There have been thirteen resident pastors.
Nelson Austin was the first, and while preach-
ing was attacked with hemorrhage of the lungs
and died within a few hours. His successors
were as follows: —
Lyman S. Rexford.
R. R. Demming.
L. P. Blodget.
Charles Wadsworth.
William Clark.
James N. Crocker.
Craig.
Anson H. Seeley.
Stephen Searles.
Robert L. Jones.
Cyrus L. Offer.
Henry A. Lewis.
Mr. Wadsworth was the pastor in the church's
palmiest days, from 1832 to 1845. The throng
that assembled here to worship was unequalled
by any in the County. Mr. Wadsworth lived in
retirement for several years and died near
Rochester in June, 1878, at the advanced age
of eighty-nine.
Mr. Clark followed for a period of fourteen
years and removed to Pennsylvania, where he
died a true, noble Christian.
The pastorate of Mr. Seeley extended fourteen
years in connection with the church at Esper-
ance, in which he endeared himself to both
parishes by his sturdy, conscientious Christian
principles, which made him a man of great
worth, and deeply mourned when he passed
away.
Reverends Crocker, Craig, Searles and Jones,
each zealous workers in the "vineyard," labored
for a while and were called to other fields in
which "the harvest is great." C. L. Offer, who
took the charge in 1878, assiduously worked
in the cause and received many into the church
membership as "seals to his ministry" and was
followed by Henry A. Lewis, in the fall of 1880,
the present pastor.
This church was organized by Simeon
Hosaik, of Johnstown, and previous to Mr.
Austin's charge, preaching was performed by
John B. Romeyn, of Albany, Samuel Smith,
Thomas Holaday, William McMillian, Eliphalet
Nott, A. Brandage and John Chester,
The Carlisle Postoffice was established in
February, 1811, and Philip I. Cromwell received
the appointment of "Deputy" after quite a
struggle between him and Huntington, who ac-
cused each other of being neither "beast or
human" in the petitions sent to the department.
Henry Brown, for several years a Supervisor
of the town settled in 1806 where his son, Joseph
L, so long resided, and now owned by William
Cary. He kept a " tavern" which was burned,
but rebuilt the present structure, in which the
last town meeting was held in the second
Cobleskill district, previous to the formation of
the town of Carlisle. The season following the
building of Brown's house, one Sibley erected
the house now occupied by Jacob Kling, which
was used as a "tavern" for a long series of
years by David C. Richtmyer, William Thrall
and Abram A. Kniskern. Below Henry Brown's,
nearly opposite of William Hurst's was another
"inn" kept for a long time by one Gauley,
making eight on the turn-r ike within the town,
a distance of seven miles.
About the year 1830 there came to the east-
ern part of the town the Bradway Brothers, who
settled upon the present farm of William Doty
as "wagon makers" whose workmanship was
unequalled by any other in the County. Much
of their work is now in use not showing a fault,
and said to be the lightest draft of any of the
latest "improvement" in hub and axle.
From the year 1813 to 1840 a vast amount of
potash was manufactured along the line of the
turnpike, which was drawn to Albany by teams
on heavy, broad rimmed wagons. One Keller,
of Sharon, was upon a load and arriving at the
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
summit of the hill west of Hiram Rockerfellow's,
having occasion to alight to arrange the harness,
he stepped upon a spoke of the wheel which
threw him under the hind wheel, where he was
literally crushed.
But few accidents happened along the line of
this road, considering the amount of travel, and
such occurrences as the one mentioned, in those
days, made a greater impression upon the people,
than the wholesale slaughter of travelers by
railroads and steamers does upon us of to-day.
The first store in town was upon the turnpike,
and kept by Cornelius Marshall an Eastern man,
in the house now occupied by Stephen H. Knis-
kern, and for many years by Talmage Leek.
Mr. Leek was a native of New Jersey, and came
to the town as a saddler and harness maker, in
the year 1813, he being the first one of that
trade in the town. For six years from 1829 to
1835, he held the office of justice, with Charles
Grovenor, John F. Taylor and Sylvanus Park-
inson, and was esteemed as an upright and hon-
orable rnan. Mr. Marshall removed his busi-
ness to Carlisle village about the year 1814, in
n building still standing east of Cromwell's.
In 1816 the building now occupied by A, A.
Kniskern as a residence was built, and J. W.
Taylor, Tobias Young, Alonzo Crosby, Sherman
Corbin and Samuel P. Shibley followed each
other in the mercantile business, within it. Dr.
Nelson Beach, son-in-law of Cromwell, pur-
chased the property and made a private dwelling
of it about the year 1838.
Mr. Shibley built the present lower store in
1838, and in company with his brother George
R., continued the business up to the year 1854,
when a stock company was formed who pur-
chased the goods and fixtures, and which proved
to be an unsuccessful speculation.
D. Seely, Jr., & B. Mowers followed, and
after them, came J. M. Falkner, Milo & Ira
Auchampaugh, C. W. Taylor & Kelsh, D. D. C.
Gaige & A. A. Kniskern.
J. W. Taylor built a "store" near "Sloan's
tavern" in 1824, which was burned, and replaced
by the present upper store, which was occu-
pied for a time by Minard Harder, and since
the year 1847 by J- H. & P. A. Angle, until
quite recently, when the firm changed to J. H.
Angle & Son.
James Boughton, a native of Columbia
county, and who lately died at the age of
ninety-two, was the first school teacher in
the village district (No. 5,) and taught in
a private house during the winter of 1807 ;
he was followed by Reuben Parkinson and
Charles Sloan. The first school-house was
built upon the site of the present one in 1818,
and John C. Selleck shortly after came from
St. Lawrence county and engaged as teacher,
which position he held for many years. He
was afterwards employed in other districts, and
served in that capacity for thirty-two years in
succession, and endeared himself to thousands,
who were related to him as pupils, for his strict
integrity, Christian principles, and untiring
efforts in the cause of education. Mr. Selleck
was a close student of nature, and became a
proficient geological scholar and a terse, ex-
pressive writer of both prose and verse. He
died after a lingering illness on the i2th of
September, 1878, aged seventy-five.
ARGUSVILLE.
In 1785 when the northwest part of the town
where Argusville and the pleasant farm homes
that surround it are, was a dense forest and a
greater part an impenetrable swamp, John
Malick and family settled where Robert Ram-
sey's house now stands. He came from New
Jersey, a thickly settled country, to this lone
spot, not knowing of the presence of white
settlers at a less distance than Currytown. Mrs.
Malick came from a wealthy family, and was
unused to labor, and much less to the privations
of pioneer life. They built a log hut, in which
they lived many years, and we can imagine in
which Mrs. Malick passed many tearful days.
It is only a woman's love to husband and
family that will dictate such sacrifices of com-
fort and happiness, and which is too often
overlooked. Such self-denials show the true
nobleness of the heart and character.
After they had passed a few lonely months in
their rude house, one quiet morning their at-
tention was drawn to the barking of a dog to
the southward, which denoted a settlement.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
They set out at once guided by the barking,
and emerged from the thicket at Myndert's,
upon the present Sharp farm. No doubt they
were pleased to find an old settler, and more so
to learn of the settlement farther south.
Twenty-five years before, this family wandered
off here alone, and within that time had
endured the horrors of the Revolutionary strug-
gle as captives to the barbarous Tories and
Indians, and lost the few personal effects which
they had by industry and economy procured.
But once more they were in peaceful possession
of their home, and though humble " open
wide" was the door to "lonely wanderers."
There is a doubt whether a more hospitable
people was ever known than the old stock of
Germans that first settled Schoharie. A more
free-hearted, sympathetic people never lived,
and when the Malick's received a welcome to
their fireside, we know it was a hearty one, such
perhaps as Mrs. Malick in her homesickness
had longed to enjoy.
Mr. Malick brought a span of horses with
him, and there not being any clearing for past-
ure, he took them daily to the Rhinebeek set-
tlement for grazing. Late* in the fall of 1785
he was upon the hill west of his house and
heard some one chopping in a south-western
course. He went to his hut and obtained his
compass, and taking the "bearing" directed his
steps by it, and found the Hiller family cutting
logs for a house upon the present " Hiller
farm," at Sharon Centre. The families im-
mediately formed an acquaintance which ever
after proved most agreeable.
During the year 1785 and up to 1800, the
greatest influx of settlers occurred in this part
of Schoharie and Montgomery Counties.
In 1788 Malick built a grist-mill upon the
creek near his residence and for many years it
was the only one between the Mohawk and
West Kill, except a small " corn cracker," of
which we will hereafter mention.
Here we can discern the genius that led this
man to this isolated place. We perhaps thought
it strange that any but an exile should make
such a selection, as at that time large tracts of
land were unoccupied nearer settlements, but
in looking at the attractive mill site, and the
constant flow of immigration, we do not wonder
that Malick, with a mechanical brain wandered
and located here.
Mr. Michael S. Vanderveer, long a near
neighbor and particular friend of Mr. Malick,
informs us that he was a practical surveyor, and
land being cheap throughout these parts, he con-
ceived the idea of settling here to follow that
avocation, but was led to build a mill, which
employed the most of his time. After a very
few years' residence, he built a better house
upon the ground on which Arnold's public house
now stands.
The town line between Carlisle 'and Sharon,
made by Captain Thomas Machin, of Revolu-
tionary fame, and his son, Thomas, Jr., in 1806,
passed between the mill and the house in an
oblique manner, leaving the former in Sharon
and the latter in Carlisle. A frame house was
built in the log hut's stead, and as the family
became larger and the country more thickly
settled, the building was enlarged, and Malick
kept an old-fashioned inn.
In 1828 Mr. Malick built another grist-mill,
of late torn down, and gave the property to his
sons, Peter and Aaron. The former bought
the latter's interest, and the father gave him fifty
acres of land, which are still owned by his heirs.
Mrs. Orville Hodge, Mrs. Robert Ramsey,
and Mrs. Henry Lyker, are grand-daughters of
the first settler, and we believe, the only
descendants living near the pioneer's home.
Mr. Malick died October 7, 1834; Mrs. Malick
died June 7, 1814.
John Hyney moved from Stone Arabia with
his father, and settled at Gilbert's Corners in
1796. In 1817 he purchased the farm upon
which he lived so many years. There was a
saw-mill upon the opposite side of the stream
from where the present one stands, and the
road ran across below the mill. As the " Malick
mill" began to fail to meet the requirements of
the increasing grain-growing community, Hyney
built the present "Carlisle mill" in 1838. Mr.
Hyney was a soldier in 1812, in Captain Kel-
logg's company with Aaron and Elias Malick,
Charles Gordon, Abraham Wessel, and several
others living near at that time.
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
3'3
When the Erie canal was first put in opera-
tion, Mr. Hyney built boats at Yatesville, taking
the timber and lumber from his farm and mill,
which in any other shape would find a poor
market. It was but an example of his sagacity
as a business man, which gained for him a large
property. Mrs. Hyney is still living, and is
over eighty years of age. She retains her
faculties remarkably well after a long, indus-
trious life.
We were pleased to meet with others here
who have passed beyond the fourscore years,
with minds strong, and forms erect and active.
Luther Taylor, whose age is eighty-three, has
the appearance of most men at sixty-five or
seventy. He gave free scope to his retentive
memory, at our visit, and would abash many
younger men in recalling scenes and incidents
with which he was acquainted in days long
since gone by.
It is pleasant to meet such aged ones, when
we find them free from the feebleness of mind
and body that usually attends them. We are
told that this little hamlet gained its appella-
tion from the fact that so many copies of the
Albany Argus were taken by the citizens. The
post-office was established in 1840 and John
Simmons Junfor received the appointment as
Deputy. Previous to that, the mail matter for
this place was obtained at Carlisle and Sharon.
Argusville for many years past, has been as
busy a little hamlet as could be found in the
country, but at present it is rather dormant.
Dr. Samuel Pettingill was the first physician
and was a very successful practitioner. He re-
mained many years and finally removed to
Amsterdam where he died in 1874. Dr. J. S.
Herrick, of Duanesburgh followed in a very suc-
cessful practice for the period of seventeen
years but was stricken down with disease in the
prime of life and died in the year 1872 much
to the regret of a large circle of admirers. Upon
Dr. Herrick's death. Dr. I. S. Lowell, a grad-
uate of the Albany Medical school, and student
of Doctors J. & S. VanAlstine settled here and
is the present physician and is, as were his pre-
decessors— of the allopathic school, and is
meeting with that success due a careful, atten-
tive and studious professional.
Several mercantile firms have been successful
here. John Simmons we believe to be the first
who was followed by Webster & Scott, Loucks
& Co. and James Snyder. The latter amassed
a fortune and removed to Illinois about the
year 1855 and became an extensive farmer.
Orville Hodge came next in order, whose
business qualifications and gentlemanly bearing,
gained an unprecedented trade which enabled
him to retire and hand over the business to
Bellinger & Maloney in 1875. The latter firm
was changed to Bellinger & Hyney, under
whose management the only mercantile estab-
lishment of the place was carried on for a while
when Mr. Harvey Bellinger, as now, became
the proprietor.
Theodore Nevills commenced the same busi-
ness here and after a successful trade of six
years, a conflagration swept his property away
together with adjoining buildings which have
not been replaced.
Hon. John H. Salsbury practiced law at this
place for several years, after acquitting himself
as a successful school teacher. He was town
superintendent of schools several terms, beside
County Superintendent from 1843 to 1845 ar|d
ever exhibited a lively interest in the cause of
education. He represented the County in the
Assembly in 1858, and removed to Sharon
Springs where he increased his business and
became a popular lawyer. He was a self-made
man — studious in his profession, an energetic
worker and a fluent speaker. After a lingering
sickness he passed away and his remains lie
here in the Lutheran cemetery beneath a plain
marble upon which we read :
DIED AUG. 21, 1870, AGED 63 YEARS.
James Swarthout was for a long time a resi-
dent and held the office of Justice for twenty-
five years in succession and much to his credit
as a jurist, not a single decision was reversed
by higher courts and his labors, relating to his
office were unequalled by any other in the
County for the same number of years. They
closed in the year 1876 as he became a resident
of an adjoining county. He died January 20,
1 88 1 aged seventy -two.
3'4
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
For several years Nelson Burnap was en-
gaged very extensively in the tin and hardware
business near the bridge, and was the most
energetic man that the County produced, but
by the lack of discretion his energy overbal-
anced his business and the latter "collapsed,"
giving the village a shock which its business
characteristics have not overcome. He was
after a few years succeeded by M. Hoag whose
business was purchased by Ezra Yates, now in
trade.
Passing on from this quiet spot towards
Carlisle village, we pass by the " Bear swamp,''
that was, to within a few years back a large
miry level covered with black ash chiefly, and
inaccessible only in winter time. From it
emanates Flat creek that passes through Mont-
gomery county, whose rapid flow has ever been
partial to " contract bridges " and tax-payers'
grumblings.
Many fine mill-sites are found along its
course, a few of which have long been occupied.
From whence, or how the swamp received the
name we are unable to tell.
Nearing Little York we pass by the late resi-
dence of Henry I. Moak, who served through
the War of 1812 upon Long Island and in New
Jersey, and removed from Albany county to
this town in 1815. Mr. Moak was a genial
gentleman of strict business qualifications, and
held the office of " Justice of the Peace "
nearly forty years, and represented the town in
the Board of Supervisors in 1856. He was
practical in his business relations and an able
jurist, and served the people faithfully. He
died in 1874,31 the advanced age of eighty-
four.
Carlisle Seminary. — In the fall of 1852 a
joint stock company was formed to build a
boarding-school, at the village of Carlisle, in
which enterprise many of the prospering farm-
ers and mechanics of the community engaged.
The season following, the building was erected
and furnished, at a total cost of thirty-two
thousand dollars, to accommodate three hun-
dred boarders. It contained a large chapel,
several commodious recitation rooms, and all
the conveniences of a first-class and successful
institution.
Speculative excitement ran so high that the
immense structure was conceived, erected,
furnished and started with "bright prospects"
in a few months' time. But ere the season of
1854 closed, the institution began to totter and
soon proved a financial failure. It nearly
ruined many of the stockholders. Several at-
tempts were made to revive it, but each proved
unsuccessful.
A long litigation followed between the trust-
ees and stockholders, which proved a very ex-
pensive affair and only crippled those engaged,
the more.
The stockholders refused to pay certain
debts which they contended the trustees con-
tracted without power from and consent of
them. The result was as in all other litigations
that the attorneys engaged made the money.
Several old and established mechanics and
tradesmen were forced to part with their homes
and seek new ones in the West, through the
losses sustained in the building and failure of
the Seminary. Among them was George
Brown, who with his brother John W., for
many years were engaged in wagon making and
blacksmithing, and had become permanent and
substantial business men.
The death of John W. Brown at an earlier
date, removed one of those active, deep-minded
men to whom communities are wont to look up
to as superiors, without a display of pomposity,
but reserved and unpretending. He was super-
visor of the town in 1847, and had he lived, his
abilities would have ensured a bright and use-
ful official career.
The firm of S. P. & G. R. Shibley was seri-
ously crippled, and while the former member
sought a home in Missouri to regain his fortune,
" Uncle George " delved early and late in the
foundry for many years in his old age, to pay
his honest indebtedness, which he did. He died
at his native home, near Glen, Montgomery
county, in 1872, assured by all to be "an
honest man."
The Seminary building was taken down and
a portion rebuilt as "Feathers' Hotel," at
Rockville, and the remainder was drawn to
East Worcester, Otsego county, to erect the
"Thurber House."
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
3'5
CARLISLE VILLAGE.
Carlisle village was, previous to the Seminary
mania, a busy, self-sustaining place, but her
citizens believing that there were "millions in it"
with the sincerity of Colonel Sellers, depended
entirely upon the school to make the place,
and dividends large enough to support them,
and let their less pretentious enterprises drop,
and when the institution failed, the place be-
came dormant and remained so for many years.
At present its business is on the increase, and
will cope well with many larger villages with
which it is surrounded.
The Carlisle Foundry was established in 1846,
by Paige & Woolson, and is at present owned
and managed by George Dwelly, who makes a
specialty in the manufacture of plows of various
patterns, that are sent to all sections of the
country. Having all necessary facilities, the
enterprise bids fair to extend to greater pro-
portions.
The steam, saw and grist-mill, erected upon
the site of the "Cromwell stand," by Nicholas
Hanson, in 1875, adds greatly to the business
of the place. In 1875 the old "tavern" building
was burned — it having been remodeled to a
mill — and the present buildings took its place,
which are furnished with a "run of stone," turn-
ing lathe, planing machine, and buzz-saw,
which work up from eight to ten thousand
logs per annum.
The tin and hardware establishment of C. D.
Becker, is fast giving evidence of extended
prosperity. Several "peddlers" are started
from this shop who furnish tin and wooden-
ware to a large section of country, while the
home trade continues to increase through the
proprietor's careful and determined manage-
ment.
In 1802, Peter Becker, of Fox's creek, and
his son, George, settled upon the farm now
occupied by Andrew Relyea, and had made
quite an inroad in the giant timber, when they
were induced to rent, and purchase a farm upon
the turnpike, which they did in 1819, and which
is now owned by George Adams.
About that time a vast amount of spurious
bank-notes flooded the country, of which
Becker, in his innocence, received and was
obliged to lose, and which, coupled with losses
in Continental money in his father's family,
destroyed his confidence in paper promises to
pay, and every dollar his industry and economy
obtained was in gold and silver, which were
carefully put away, and which through a long
series of years, amounted to several thousand
dollars. It being known that he was the pos-
sessor of such treasures, a family named Sulli-
van, Irish renegades, conceived the idea of
relieving the old man of his precious care, and
in the fall of 1849, upon a certain night, his
house was entered by bursting an outside door
open with a huge stone, and the accumulation
of years was swept into the robbers' bags and
carried away. In the morning the neighbor-
hood was aroused and a posse tracked them
to their very door.
The family suspected, consisted of Michael
and his wife, a brother John and one son Dan-
iel, at home; the remainder, several in number,
worked at different places. Michael, John and
Daniel were arrested and tried before Justices
Moak and Osterhout but not finding Daniel
guilty he was released. John escaped the
constable under whose care he was placed and
Michael was the only one sent to jail to be tried
at the circuit court. Upon searching the house
in which they lived a belt of silver was found
in a bed, amounting to one hundred and sev-
enty-five dollars, and in the spring following
Phoebe and Lany Bassett found beneath a
stone in a pasture lot the sum of eight hundred
dollars which they delivered up to the Becker
family and received one hundred and fifty
dollars as a reward. The whole amount re-
claimed would not exceed over one thousand
dollars, while that taken was supposed to
be about eight thousand dollars. Michael
was convicted in March 1850 and sent to
the States prison for ten years. There were
tracks of three persons found along the route
taken by the robbers but after Daniel's release
no one was arrested upon suspicion. Never-
theless a strong opinion prevailed that Mrs.
Sullivan was the third party. While Michael was
in jail she was admitted to his cell several times
in the presence of the Sheriff", without any
thoughts of mischief brewing; but one night the
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
jailor was aroused by the cries of a prisoner,
and repairing to the jail it was found that
Sullivan and others confined, were effecting an
escape, and that a more "sensitive" jail-bird
was giving the alarm. Upon investigating, it
was found that Mrs. Sullivan had stolen a saw
mill bar from a mill in Carlisle and had smug-
gled it into the jail beneath an old style "mantle"
or cloak. It was suspended by a cord to her
neck and escaped the jailor's scrutiny.
The belt of money spoken of was found the
next day, which was in readiness for Sullivan to
take with him when his anticipated escape was
effected.
George Becker was seized by the ruffians the
night of the robbery, by the throat and held in
a strangling grasp until the money was obtained
and securely placed in the sacks. His life was
nearly despaired of and months elapsed before
he fully recovered. The father was blind and
deaf with age and knew not of his loss un-
til the robbers had left, and upon learning the
fact he slowly sank away as if with a broken
heart and died soon after.
Another daring robbery was committed in
the village that was attended with boldness and
strategy that deserves mention. On the night
of January i, 1873, the residence of J. H.
Angle was entered by a burglar, while the fami-
ly was absent a few minutes and took money to
the amount of seven hundred dollars from the
bed-room without molesting anything else, and
not leaving a trace that would lead to detection.
All efforts to obtain a clue to the guilty ones
proved fruitless.
First Mill.— It has been thought the first
mill in town was upon the farm now occupied by
William and Walter Larkin, and known as the
"Samp mill," but years previous to the erec-
tion of it one stood in the north-east part of
the town and was known as " Bryant's mill." It
stood near the " Hilts Burton Bridge," and
must have been built about the year 1790.
Bryant, Stephen Crocker, (grandfather to Lewis
and George Crocker,) David Lawton, Pierce
Dwelly and - - Montayne, came from Rhode
Island, in 1788, and settled in this neighbor-
hood upon lands still retained by their families.
Prior to the building of the latter mill, one
Beauman (Bowman) built a grist-mill between
Hamilton and Sosthenes Lawyer's homes, over a
"rock hole," in which the water flowing from
a swamp near, entered the ground. The water
wheel was placed quite deep in the cavern and re-
ceived the water from a shelving rock. This
also was a " samp mill " i. e. without a bolting
cloth and was used chiefly to grind corn.
At what time this mill was built we are un-
able to say, but it must have been immediately
after the Revolution and was unoccupied many
years before it was taken down. The swamp
from which the water flowed furnished a full
supply, during and for some years after the
war, but of late years as the lands surrounding
have become cleared of timber, but little water
accumulates excepting in the spring, when the
outlet becomes clogged with snow and ice.
Thus it will be seen that the first mill was the
" Beauman," the second the " Malick," and
third the " Bryant," and the fourth the " Samp
mill," built by John Brown, and after owned by
Blodgett, father of James F. Blodgett,
of Cobleskill.
Mr. Malick's mill was the only one having a
bolting cloth when first built. His mill also
was furnished with a first-class " Sopus Stone,"
and was more like a mill of to-day than any
other in this section of the country. As a proof
of the fact, he made forty pounds of fine flour
from a bushel of wheat, which we have been
told other mills could not do.
The milling in early days was done on foot,
with a small quantity at a time, and as the
people became better able, on horseback.
Here we may relate a little incident that hap-
pened not far distant from our own neighbor-
hood, to show a characteristic peculiar to the
ancient Dutch, that of doing as their fathers
did before them regardless of its impractica-
bility.
A farmer's son was ordered to carry a bushel
of corn to the mill on horseback, and the
method was to put the grain in one end of the
bag and a stone in the other, that would give
nearly an even weight on both sides of the
horse, thereby ensuring the rider of its safety in
not slipping off. The young man objected to
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
317
the stones and in their stead put in another
half-bushel of corn, and after tying the bag
caused an equal quantity to be placed in each
end, and upon throwing it on the horse, proved
or tried to prove, in a practical way that it
would carry just as safely as if stones were
used, and so much more grain taken. The
father looked on with contempt, as a " new
fangled notion," and ordered the boy to put
the stones in the bag, asking him if he was not
ashamed to think he knew " more ash your
fadder or grandfadder did before you."
Caverns — SellecKs Cave. — There are several
caverns in the town, the chief of which is upon
the farm of Ira Young, and was discovered and
explored by Prof. John C. Selleck, and bears
his name. Its entrance is effected by a per-
pendicular descent of nearly fifty feet; coming
upon a level it bears off to the west of south,
and from its ceiling the most beautiful transpar-
ent stalactites are formed by the dripping
waters of ages. Beneath are rare and curious
shaped stalagmites upon the rock floor, rough
and uneven. Many fine geological specimens
are to be found within this ever dark aisle.
Prof. McFail, of Carlisle Seminary, an accom-
plished gentleman, met an untimely death at its
entrance after exploring the cave with others,
in 1 853. The Professor was on the rope used
to draw persons up from the pit, and coming
in contact with the outer air he fainted and fell
back stricking upon his head, which badly
fractured the skull, and from which he survived
only a short time. Since that time, few if any,
visits have been made to the cave. Logs have
been rolled in, and a small stream running to it
has nearly closed the entrance, which will in a
few more years shut from knowledge, except by
tradition, its existence. Several streams in the
town emerge from the fissures in the lime rock,
and after running upon the surface a short dis-
tance hide themselves, to appear again, perhaps
miles away.
There are no doubt, many very attractive
caverns within the town which are now, and
forever will be unknown, wrapped in darkness
and silence, save the gentle rippling of the
pearly drops of water, that have been for ages
and ages forming transparent pendants. In
these hidden caskets of nature, beautifully ar-
ranged are earth's choicest gems, upon which, if
the sun could but throw its light, the eye of
man would be too feeble to behold.
CHURCHES.
Baptist Church of Argusinlle. — In the fall of
1837 a great revival meeting was held at this
place by different denominations and not having
any house of worship, steps were taken for the
organization of a society and the building of a
church. The Baptists being in the ascendancy,
organized in September of that year under the
pastorate of Henry Topping then pastor of the
Leesville Baptist church. Nathan Seeley, of
Carlisle and George Button, of Anns were
chosen Deacons. An edifice was erected in
1838 and built by incurring a debt and by sub-
scription from the citizens. The Baptists were to
have the first privilege of the pulpit and when
not occupied by them, other evangelical de-
nominations had the right of use. In 1841 the
first resident pastor was settled, being Merrett
House of Sandlake, but who succeeded him
we are unable to learn, as the records were not
to be found, upon our visit. The tide of em-
igration to the Western states from this local-
ity began in 1847 and it told upon the Baptist
membership to such a degree as to make it
impossible to free the society of the building
debt. Judgment was acknowledged and the
building sold, the purchasers being Nathan
Seeley in behalf of the Baptists and the Luth-
eran society. Preaching by the two churches
was enjoyed — alternately at first, but that of the
Baptists soon ceased and the Lutherans alone
occupied the house. Upon the building of the
Lutheran church the old building was sold and
removed — the seats and desk being now in use
in the "Root Centre church."
Evangelical Lutheran Church at Argus-
ville. — This church was organized on the 131(1
'of February 1839 by Reverend Philip Weiting.
Nicholas Kling and John Collins presided. The
following officers were chosen : —
Elders :
Nicholas Kling.
John Collins.
Peter VanValkenburgh.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Deacons :
Benjaman Lehman.
John Bellinger.
Jacob Moak.
Trustees :
Nicholas Kling.
John Ressigieu.
W. H. Davenport.
Secretary :
James Swarthout.
The society worshipped in the "Baptist
church" until it became too small for their num-
bers. Their present substantial church build-
ings were erected in 1855. The following pas-
tors have officiated : —
Rev. Philip Weiting.
. -J. D. Lawyer.
^48 — Marcus Kling.
1849 — Marcus Kling.
1850 — Marcus Kling.
1851— Marcus Kling.
1852 — Marcus Kling.
1853 — Marcus Kling.
j854 — Marcus Kling.
1855— Marcus Kling.
j 856— Marcus Kling.
1857 — Marcus Kling.
j858 — Marcus Kling.
1859— Marcus Kling.
1860— Marcus Kling.
i86r — Marcus Kling.
1862 — Marcus Kling.
1 863 — Marcus Kling.
1864 — Marcus Kling.
1865 — Marcus Kling.
1866 — Marcus Kling.
X868 — J. R. Sikes.
!869— J. R. Sikes.
!87o— J. R. Sikes.
1871 Julian.
1872 — L. E. Marsh.
1873 — Augustus Bridgman.
1874 — Augustus Bridgman.
1875 — L. Ford, present pastor.
During Mr. Kling's pastorate this church was
in connection with Little York and Centre Val-
ley— and under Mr. Sikes— with Little York.
The officers chosen in 1 880 were : —
Deacons :
Reuben Collins.
John Bellinger.
Clerk:
Orville Hodge.
Universalist Church of Argusville.—1h\s
society was organized about the year 1850 and
they built an edifice in 1853 under the pastor-
ate of Reverend J. D. Hicks. Reverend W.
H. Waggoner officiated for several years and at
present the society is only in name, the mem-
bers being scattered and too few to 'sustain a
preacher, their house of worship was rented to
the Methodists in 1874 who still occupy it.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Argusville.
The organization was effected in May, 1874,
and John Schermerhorn, M. M. McCann and
Adam Conradt elected trustees. It is connec-
ted, as an organization, with Rural Grove in
pastorate and worships in the house erected by
the Universalists— at a yearly rental.
This society is full of spirit, and progressive
and will soon erect a church of their own or
purchase the one they now use. The following
ministers have officiated : —
^74 — Charles Heath.
1875 — Charles Heath.
! 87 6— William Stanley.
1877 — LeGrand Jones.
1878 — LeGrand Jones.
^79 — LeGrand Jones.
1880 — Hamilton Allen, present pastor.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Grovenor's
Corners. — At what particular time this society
was first organized we are unable to say, as the
old records are not to be found. As far back
as 1807, there was Methodist preaching in the
house of Peter Mosher, upon the farm occupied
by the late David Larkin. Mr. Mosher was
from Coeymans, and a staunch professor of that
doctrine. In all probability the society was
organized near that time, making it one of the
oldest in the County. The neighborhood being
made up of immigrants from all parts, it must
be supposed they were of various doctrinal
beliefs, and they united in 1831 in the building
of a church. The Methodists being in greater
TOWN OF CARLISLE.
numbers, they have originally had the preference
in the use of the house, but preachers of the
Reformed Church of Lawyersville, Elder Ross,
of Charleston, and pastors of the Baptist Church
of Sloansville, have from time to time held
meetings here. This society was included in
the Cobleskill circuit in 1832, and up to 1867.
Since that time it has been connected with
either Central Bridge or Sloansville in pastorate.
The present pastor, Philip West, is the first one
that has had the charge by itself. The society
are now building an edifice.
Baptist Church of Grovenor's Corners. — As
far back as 1820, the Baptists of Sloansville
have held meetings within this church, and from
time to time awakened a religious interest, but
did not legally organize until 1868, under the
pastorate of Parley Grovenor. Since Mr.
Grovenor's removal, the pulpit has been occu-
pied by the Sloansville pastor.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Little York.
— This organization was effected by Rev. M.
Kling in 1848, and an edifice erected the year
following. It was dedicated December i, 1849,
and Martin Tilapaugh, Elias Paige, and Peter
Brown, were chosen trustees. Rev. M. Kling
continued his pastorate to the latter part of the
year 1859, when he was succeeded by Rev. J.
R. Sikes, who remained two years ; Rev. George
Young followed from 1862 to 1863, when Rev.
M. Kling was again called and still occupies the
desk.
Carlisle Christian Church. — This society was
organized in 1878, and built the present edifice
in the fall and winter of that year, with Rev.
James Wright, of the Charleston Christian
Church, as pastor. The present officers are : —
Deacons :
Nicholas Hanson.
John Ressigieu.
William S. Brown.
Milton Benson.
STATISTICS.
The assessed valuation of the town in 1821
was as follows : —
Personal, $2,760.
Real, $141,216.
The number of taxpayers was 207.
The assessed valuation of the town in 1880
was as follows : —
Personal, $66,510.
Real, $629,113.
The number of taxpayers was 461.
The total expense of the town in 1827 was
$97-75 > and in 1880, $620.00.
SUPERVISORS.
The Supervisors of the town, with the date of
their election, are as follows: —
1808 — William Ferris.
1809 — William Ferris.
1810 — William Ferris.
1811 — William Ferris.
1812 — William Ferris.
1813 — William Ferris.
1814 — Cornelius Marshall.
1815 — Cornelius Marshall.
1816 — Gideon Young.*
1817 — Lyman Hawes.f
1818 — Henry M. Brown.
1819 — Henry M. Brown.
1820 — Henry M. Brown.
1821 — Henry M. Brown.
1822 — Henry M. Brown.
1823 — Henry M. Brown.
1824 — Henry M. Brown.
1825 — Henry M. Brown.
1826 — Henry M. Brown.
1827 — John Young.
!828 — William Ferris.
1829 — William Ferris.
jg3o — William Ferris.
1831 — William Ferris.
1832 — Silvanus Parkinson.
1833 — Ira Dewey.
1834 — Ira Dewey.
1835 — Ira Dewey.
1836 — Samuel P. Shibley.
1837— Samuel P. Shibley.
1838— Samuel P. Shibley.
1839— Samuel P. Shibley.
1840 — David Angle.
1841 — David Angle.
1842 — Chauncy Grovenor.
* Deceased.
f Appointed in 1816, elected in 1817.
320
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
1843 — Chauncy Grovenor.
1844 — John Simmons.
7845—0. D. L. McCullock.
1846 — John VV. Brown.
1847—0. O. L. McCullock.
1848 — Charles G. Kenyon.
1849 — Barziliar McNeill.
1850 — Barziliar McNeill.
1851 — A. A. Kniskern.
1852 — D. Angle.
1853 — Samuel Pettengall.
1854 — Chauncy Grovenor.
1855 — Chauncy Grovenor.
1856— Henry I. Moak.
1857 — Abram A. Kniskern.
1858 — Abram A. Kniskern.
1859 — Abram A. Kniskern.
1860 — Abram A. Kniskern.
1 86 1— Henry C. Lyker.
1862 — Adam Hillsinger.
1863— Henry C. Lyker.
1864 — Adam Hillsinger.
1865— Henry C. Lyker.
1866— R. J. Roscoe.
1867—;. M. Roscoe.
1868— J. M. Roscoe.
1869 — J. M. Roscoe.
1870 — J. M. Roscoe.
1871 — J. M. Roscoe.
1872— J. M. Roscoe.
l873— J- M. Roscoe.
1874 — J. M. Roscoe.
1875 — J. M. Roscoe.
1876 — J. M. Roscoe.
l877 — J- M. Roscoe.
1878—}. M. Roscoe.
1879 — George Burhans.
1880 — George Burhans.
BOUNDARIES.
And all that part of the said County of Scho-
harie bounded by a line beginning in the
northerly bounds of the County at the north-
west corner of the town of Schoharie, and
running thence southerly along the west
line of the said town of Schoharie until it
comes opposite the house lately occupied by
Aaron Cole, Jr., thence westerly to the south
side of the house now or late of George Loucks,
thence westerly to the north side of the house
now or late of John Angle, thence on the same
course until it intersects a straight line running
southerly from the northwest corner of the house
now or late of Wm. Ferris, thence northerly
along the line so intersected to the northwest cor-
ner of the dwelling house last mentioned, thence
northerly to a straight line to a spring at the
west end of the house now or late of John Red-
dington, on the farm lately occupied by him,
thence northerly in a straight line along the east
side of the house now or late of John Malick,
to the north bounds of the County, and thence
easterly along the said north bounds to the
place of beginning, shall be and continue a
town by the name of Carlisle.
CHAPTER XX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
LOCATION OF ESPERANCE VILLAGE — PURCHASE
OF THE LANDS BY TEN EYCK — BY GENERAL
NORTH — A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE — TURN-
PIKE— BRIDGE — ACCIDENT — DANIEL HARE — •
His INN — OTHER INNS — CALVIN WRIGHT —
J. C. WRIGHT — ISAAC H. TIFFANY — OTHER
LAWYERS — PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — METHO-
DIST CHURCH — PHYSICIANS — STORRS MES-
SENGER— JUDGE BRIGGS — MERCHANTS — VIL-
LAGE CORPORATION — POSTOFFICE — STAGE
HOUSE AND ROUTE — - ACADEMY — CHAIR
MANUFACTURE — FEATHERS HOUSE — GITTY
LAWYER — JUDGE FLETCHER — PECK'S INN —
FIRST GATE KEEPER — PROCEEDS OF ROAD—
SLOANSVILLE — VAN VALKENBURGH SETTLE-
MENT — BROWN BROTHERS' SETTLEMENT —
TOLL GATE — SLOAN FAMILY— OTHER SET-
TLERS— STORES— ROBERT MCMASTER — POST
STATION — OAVID PHELPS — STONE HEAP —
REV. HAWLEY'S NARRATIVE — FOSTER MILL —
KNEISKERN'S DORF — ITS SETTLERS — THEIR
CHILDREN — THEIR GRAVES — KNEISKERN
FAMILY — ENDERS FAMILY — FIRST GRIST-
MILL— JOHNSON'S INVASION — ENCAMPMENT-
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
331
TOWN FORMED — FIRST OFFICERS — GENERAL
BROWN — ANTI-RENT TROUBLES — ASSEMBLY-
MEN— SUPERVISORS — AID TO THE RAILROAD
— BAPTISTS— PROMINENT MEN— FIRST NEWS-
PAPER— QUOTATIONS FROM IT — LAND PAT-
ENTS.
THE territory which embraces the town of
Esperance, previous to 1846, belonged to
Schoharie. The quiet and neat little village from
which the town derived its name, is pleasantly
situated upon the north bank of the Schoharie
creek, and is the oldest incorporated village in
the County. In 1803 Harmonus Ten Eyck,
heir of Jacob and Hendrick Ten Eyck, who
received the land grant in 1739, owning the
land upon which the village stands, laid out
between sixty and seventy acres in building
lots. The same was sold to General North, of
Revolutionary fame, February 26, 1806, who
gave to it its present name, it being a French
word, signifying " Hope."
General North owned a large estate in the
town of Duanesburgh, near the Duane mansion,
(a member of which family he married,) where
he lived for many years. In 1798 he received
from Governor Jay an appointment to the
United States Senate, to succeed John T.
Hobart. He represented the Albany district in
the State Assembly in 1792, 1794 and 1795,
Albany and Schoharie in 1796, and Schenectady
in 1810. In 1795, 1796 and also in 1801 he
was Speaker of the same. During the Revolu-
tion he was an aid to Baron Steuben. The
latter part of his life was spent in New London,
Conn. On the 4th day of January, 1836, he died
in the city of New York, and his remains were
brought to Dnanesburgh and placed within the
Duane family vault. Nearly all of the Esper-
ance lots were sold or leased by him, those of
the latter for a perpetual term.
As the turnpike enters the County at this
place, we will now refer particularly to that
thoroughfare.
An act was passed by the Legislature on the
loth of April, 1792, for the "construction and
improving a road from Isaac Truax, Jr., in the
city of Albany, to Cherry Valley, and a bridge
across the Schoharie creek, between the north
bounds of the farm occupied by Oliver Hills,
and the north bounds of the farm occupied by
Degroot, in the town of Duanesburgh."
General William North, Silas Talbot and
Theodorus V. W. Graham were appointed a
board of commissioners to lay the road and see
to the construction of the same, and the bridge.
During that season the road was laid out,
and the bridge built so that teams could cross,
but was not finished until the season following —
'793- The road then laid out, passed near the
stone church and a little north of the present
path, to the west, until near Sloansville, where
it was run as now. Emigration to the west-
ern counties began to be quite brisk and the
road not having received any improvement ex-
cept the cutting of trees, a petition was made
for the construction of a substantial road-bed,
but the Legislature did not exert itself to that
end until the bridge at this place was swept
away by the unparalleled freshet of 1798. On
the 1 5th of March, 1799, an act was passed to
establish a "turnpike corporation for improving
the State road from the house of John Weaver
in Watervliet to "Cherry Valley." The act
says : —
Whereas the bridge over the Schoharie Kill
on the State road, was by reason of the force
of water and ice, last spring (1798) destroyed
and
Whereas the road on which the aforesaid
bridge was erected is of public utility and is
one of the public routes of communication be-
tween the city of Albany and the western set-
tlements of this state Therefore
Resolved that William North, John Taylor,
Abraham Ten Eyck, Charles R. Webster, Calvin
Cheeseman, Zenas Pinneo, Ephraim Hudson,
Joseph White, Elihu Phinney and Thomas
Machin (Sr.,) and all such persons as shall as-
sociate for the purpose of making a good road
from the house where John Weaver now lives
in the town of Watervliet in the county of
Albany following the State road westward to the
house where John Walton now lives in the town
of Cherry Valley in the county of Otsego, shall
and are hereby created and made a corpora-
tion and body politic.
322
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
A bridge was built at this place in 1792 and
was swept away in ) 798.
A temporary bridge was constructed a little to
the west of the present one in 1799, and the
present one was not built till several years after.
In 1809, one Burr, took the contract to build a
new bridge and built the abutments a few feet
high when he was called to some other place
to construct a bridge, and did not return till
the year 181 1. The structure was finished and
the first team driven over by Judge Olney
Briggs on the first day of January, 1812. Sixty-
nine years have rolled around and thousands
after thousands of people and teams have
passed over, and devastating floods beneath,
yet it stands firm and is an example of honest
and perfect work. Nearly forty years ago it
was condemned by hungry contractors and tim-
bers were drawn upon the spot to rebuild, but the
work was deferred and they have long since de-
cayed and a healthy contract lost, while the
bridge stands to laugh at human calculations
and expectations. While the temporary bridge
was in use a few planks had been removed to
let stone through to the abutments, and care-
lessly replaced.
A family by the name of Morrow living north
of the stone church were returning from meet-
ing in Duanesburgh and upon driving over these
planks they gave way and precipitated the fam-
ily and team to the bed of the creek a distance
of thirty feet. The hind wheels of the wagon
were too large to pass through the space and
consequently remained suspended. Mrs. Mor-
row was fatally injured while the rest of the
family escaped with slight bruises. Doctor
Roscoe of Carlisle was the nearest physician
and surgeon and was in attendance. Judge
Briggs purchased the privilege of being the
first to drive over the present bridge by the
payment of twenty dollars.
Having thus referred at length to the bridge,
we will return to the village, its first settlement,
and the prominent gentlemen that located here.
Upon the building of the bridge and road, there
were but three small and rude houses erected,
but by whom we are not able to learn. In
1793 Daniel Hare, from Columbia county, after
a short residence below Quaker street, passed
over the bridge and settled opposite Erastus
Williams' present residence, west of the village.
He built a small house intending to settle as a
farmer, but when the workmen were construct-
ing the road, he boarded them and concluded
to adopt the Inn business. He built an addi-
tion to his house, and when the road was fin-
ished to Cherry Valley and the immensity of
travel began to pour over the road, he opened
a public house, and for many years it was known
as the " Red Tavern." But time has decayed
the building with all its surroundings, and long
since the whole was cleared away, leaving noth-
ing of its " once having been " but the well,
over which, for many long years the creaking
groaning "sweep" carried the "oaken bucket"
up and down its moss covered sides. There
did not seem to be a very good prospect of the
village lots being taken until the year 1805.
Emigration to the western counties and Ohio,
from the Eastern States and Hudson river
counties, together with the produce of Otsego
and northwestern Schoharie, finding a market
at Albany, began to take this route, and men
of ability and means became satisfied that
Esperance would become a business center.
About the year 1806 an inn was built near
the bridge by John Burt, which in after years
was known as the Phoenix. It was for many
years kept by — - Tillman, and at a later
date by John Hare, who was interested in the
stage business. There was also a like house
built upon the ground now occupied by the
Methodist church, but who its first occupant
was we are unable to tell.
About the year 1808 Calvin Wright became
the " host " and after a few years the building
was burned and not rebuilt. Mr. Wright was
the father of John C. Wright, who figured so
conspicuously in political affairs in after years.
Mr. Wright studied law in the office of John
Cummings. After being admitted and gaining
a lucrative practice, he received the appoint-
ment of First Judge of the County in 1833. suc-
ceeding Judge Beekman. and held the position
until the year 1848, when he was succeeded by
Charles Goodyear. Mr. Wright was elected
State Senator in 1843, 1844, 1845 and 1846,
and represented the third district, which com-
prised the counties of Albany, Columbia,
Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Delaware and
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
323
Schoharie. He removed to Schenectady and
was elected Comptroller of the State, in 1851,
the duties of which important office he per-
formed faithfully and satisfactorily to the people.
At the expiration of his term he settled again at
Schenectady, where he died on the 4th of Janu-
ary, 1862, at the age of sixty-one.
Isaac Hall Tiffany, whom we will notice in
Cobleskill, settled here about the year 1809 or
1 8 10, and was the first lawyer. It was here he
became interested in the breeding of fine wool
sheep, in which he met with heavy losses. Mr.
Tiffany was shortly followed by John Cummings,
a lawyer of fine ability, who removed in after
years to Canajoharie. Alexander and David
Cruikshanks succeeded Cummings ; the former
represented the County in the Assembly in
1832. John C. Wright succeeded these gentle-
men, and was associated with Sherburne Frost,
who upon Wright's removal, remained in the
office.
About the year 1848, John E. Mann, of Scho-
harie, a student of Henry Hamilton, also held
a law office at this place, but removed to Wis-
consin, and now occupies the judicial bench of
Milwaukee county, having been of late elected
to that position for the third term.
Joshua M. Donaldson, a student of Jedediah
Miller, settled here in 1857 or 1858, and repre-
sented the town upon the Board of Supervisors
in 1860 and 1861. Donaldson removed to
Minnesota, where he died in 1877. Donald-
son was succeeded by J. F. Hazleton, who was
for several years United States Internal Revenue
Assessor, and received the appointment of Con-
sul to the Court of Rome by President Hayes,
and is now acting upon that mission.
A grist-mill was built upon the opposite side
of the stream at an early date by Thomas
Thornton, and was afterwards owned by Henry
W. Starin, uncle of the present Congressman,
John H. Starin, of Fultonville. The last owner
of the mill was Henry Brown. It was burned
and rebuilt by him, but fire once more laid it in
• ashes, and Haines & Isham built one upon the
Esperance side, which still stands. A paper-
mill formerly occupied the site, but by whom it
was built we are unable to learn. Henry
Mandle and Alfred Isham owned the property
for many years. The iron foundry of Woolson
& Keyes, was established in 1856, by Roswell
Woolson, who removed from Carlisle, and was
the inventor of the well-known "Carlisle No. i "
plow.
The first school-house stood a little to the
west of Daniel Hare's old tavern upon the
opposite side of the street, and was built in 1 805.
William, a brother of Daniel Hare, settled
here upon the hill south of the creek a short
time after 1 793, while Jonathan, another brother,
located upon the farm now owned by Silas
Hare, a son of William, in the town of Duanes-
burgh.
In 1810 the village had become quite large
and was the aristocratic settlement of the
County. The old school-house was abandoned
and a new one built that year, and used for
holding religious meetings as well as school
purposes, until the year 1824, The building
was considered the finest of the kind in the
County. General North and lawyer Tiffany
donated a bell, which was placed in the belfry
for church purposes. It was purchased in
Albany, but by whom it had been previously
owned we cannot say. It bears the date of
1738, and the inscription upon it reads :
" POURS LE BENINUM Sic NOMEN DOMINI
BENEDICTUM 1738, FAITH PAR Moi."
Presbyterian Church. — We find upon the
well-kept records the following : —
" ESPERANCE, August 8, 1823.
" Church session met for the first time at the
Rev. Mr. Lyons' study ; present, Rev. L. Lyons,
Mr. Joel Messenger, Mr. Joseph Green, Mr.
Robert W. Naton. It was resolved that the
following narrative be recorded : —
"Previous to the year 1817 the inhabitants
of this village were not favored with regular
preaching of the Gospel by any denomination.
The Rev. James N. Austin, who now rests
from his labors, was employed one-fourth of his
time to preach at this place. He commenced
July, 1817. His labors among this people were
blessed, and on February 22, 1818, the follow-
ing persons were formed into a church, viz : —
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Joel Messenger,
George Leet,
Erastus Gaylord,
Sally Gaylord,
David Casson,
Andrew Caswell,
Mary Cumprton,
Sarah Wright,
Lucretia Leet,
Sally Meuny,
Elizabeth Cumprton,
Alida Cumprton,
Julia Isham.
" During that year there was an addition of
twenty-six members in all. Mr. Austin left in
1819, after which they were supplied by Rev.
Roswell Messenger, October 20, 1821, Rev. Mr.
McFarlane, and Rev. Luke Lyon in 1822.
"November 12, 1822, a meeting was called to
elect trustees and take measures to build a
house of worship."
The first Sabbath- school was organized Janu
ary 19, 1823, and on the gth of February fol-
lowing, the Lord's Supper was celebrated for the
first time. On the 4th of May, 1823, a church
was formed, composed of those already men-
tioned, and in addition : —
Richard Hemstreet,
Ebenezer Brown,
Mrs. Clarissa Sheldon,
Mrs. Elizabeth Dickenson,
Mrs. C. Van Schoonhoven,
Mrs. Lydia Simpson,
Mrs. Elizabeth Beach,
Mrs. Martha McCarty,
Mrs. M. Tapping,
Mrs. Mary Vene,
Widow Martha Hemstreet,
Mrs. Maria Young,
Mr. W. L. Candee.
The first elders were : —
Joel Messenger,
Joseph Green,
Robert W. Nolton.
The new church was dedicated July 4, 1824,
Rev. Dr. Yates, of Schenectady, and Rev. L.
Lyon, officiated.
Rev. L. Lyon was installed August 18, 1824.
The pastors have been as follows : —
Rev. L. Lyon, 1824-1827.
Rev. Jared Dewing, 1832.
Rev. William E. Dixon, 1833.
Rev. C. D. W. Tappen, 1834.
Rev. William E. Dixon, 1849-1851.
Rev. A. Craig, 1855-1859.
Rev. A. H. Seeley, 1859-1872.
Rev. J. D. Countermine, 1876-1880.
Rev. W. J. Blain, 1881.
The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The
Methodists worshipped in a small church for
many years that stood upon the south side of
the turnpike opposite the school-house, in the
town of Duanesburgh. In 1828 a society was
organized here and in 1836 they erected a large
house of worship with a brick basement upon
the corner of Main and Steuben streets, where
Hon. Joseph Buckbee's fine residence now
stands. The first Quarterly Conference was
held in the building July i6th of that year. S.
Stebbins and A. Champlin were the preachers
and S. Miner the presiding elder. It was voted
that Palatine Bridge and Spraker's Basin be
annexed to this circuit. In 1868 the building
was removed to its present site and remodeled.
There were but five members at the organiza-
tion and Reverend Joseph Ames was the first
pastor.
Physicians. — Dr. Beach was the first physician
and came about the year 1808 and was followed
in 1812 by Dr. Prentiss Leonard a student of
Joseph White of Cherry Valley. His son Lo-
renzo I. Leonard now holds the practice, gained
by the father when the country was new and very
uninviting to professionals. Dr. Henry Green
soon followed Leonard. Dr. Green removed
to Albany. Dr. Dunbar of Westerlo, Albany
county, afterwards settled and was followed
by Dr. John Kelly, after a long practice in
Carlisle. He located here about the year 1856
and died in 1863.
Dr. Norwood located here a short time pre-.
vious to Kelly's death and is at present the
regular practicing physician. About the year
1840 Dr. Rowland located at Sloansville and
enjoyed an extensive practice throughout the
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
225
town for many years, when he removed to
Cherry Valley. He was a very skillful prac-
titioner and business man. During his last
year's residence in that village Dr. Teeple
located there and continued until the year 1870.
Dr. J. M. Emerson was also at that place
during the 6o's and removed to the West.
Daniel Beach a brother of Dr. Beach was the
first jeweler and removed to Sloansville about
the year 1818 and was familiarly known as
"Tinker Beach." He was succeeded by Storrs
Messenger who came to the place from Con-
necticut in 1817. Mr. Messenger has since
that date, been identified with the business en-
terprises of the place. As old age has crept
upon him he has laid his blow-pipe and glass
aside, having only the business cares of the
post-office upon his mind, to which he has at-
tended for many years. His trade is carried
on by one of his journeymen, A very Brazee and
is still the only one in the place. Mrs. Messen-
ger was a daughter of Nicholas Delavergne,
who it is said was the first hatter in the County.
He came from Columbia county and settled at
"Oarlock's dorf" near Schoharie in 1785 and re-
moved to this village in 1 808. John Delavergne
his son, is at present the owner of the village
lots and leases, having purchased the same from
the North heirs in 1878.
Judge Briggs. — At the time John Cummings
settled here, his brother-in-law Olney Briggs
also came as a saddle and harness maker.
Mr. Briggs was born in Berkshire county Mas-
sachusetts in 1775 and with his parents re-
moved to Otsego county soon after the Revolu-
tion. After learning his trade he came to this
village and became one of its foremost men as
well as a prominent one in the County. He
was appointed to the bench in 1816 and filled
the position as Assistant Judge sixteen years.
He was a delegate with Asa Starkweather, from
the County to the Constitutional Convention of
1821, to frame that which is distinguished as
the Second Constitution of New York.
Mr. Briggs in the Constitutional Convention
of 1820 upon the rights of negro suffrage said : —
" We have come to universal suffrage, and I
want we should fix it in the face of the instru-
ment. Gentlemen wish to get away from it,
they endeavor to evade it. Sir ! This distinc-
tion (negro suffrage) will help to weaken the
breach. When we get to have such a popula-
tion as the gentleman has described, our con-
stitution will be good for nothing. We must
carry the strong arm of the law to the cradle,
sir, and let the rising generation know we have
established the principle of universal suffrage,
that they may prepare themselves accordingly,
and qualify themselves to live under it."
Upon exemption of taxation, he said : —
" I am opposed to exclusive privileges,
whether to manufacturers or clergy. If the
latter are exempted, why should not deacons be
exempted too ? They are good men. And
why not exempt the carpenter also, who builds
the church, and the printer, who prints the
bibles and psalm books ?
"Where should the line be drawn? I wish
to shackle the Legislature, and prevent them
from enacting such laws."
Mr. Briggs advocated annual elections for
Governor, and in his remarks upon the motion
said : —
" So it is with the people, they do not need
any great advice, the imagination is to be thus
worked up about elections. Some great dark
project is afoot ; the great circle for the election
of Governor has come round, the other side
are hard at work, and we must beware that they
do not out-general us. Hand bills are afloat ;
demagogues are busy ; but make the election
annual, and all these squabbles and scuffles
would have an end, there would not be thou-
sands of dollars spent to secure a mere annual
election. They would not excite the public
mind.
"Sir ! Who ought we to elect for Governor and
officers, ambitious politicians ? No ! The modest
man — who keeps retired — who says to himself,
if my country wants any services let them come
and ask me for them. He would disdain this
bribery and corruption, he would only serve
when his country wanted his services."
Merchants. — A miniature Borough, as the
founders intended Esperance to become, could
3*6
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
not well do without a merchant. In those
times a public house was the first thing to be
established, the same as a "store" is at present
in new hamlets. General North's companion-
in-arms, Egbert Cumbleton, who held a com-
mission of Major, under General Steuben,
began the first store in 1805. Whether others
embarked in the business at that time, tradition
does not tell.
Major Cumbleton was an adept in military-
tactics and a brave soldier, but in a business
point of view he was too liberal to succeed.
Who followed him cannot be ascertained, but
one Louis Candy, familiarly known as " Dr.
Candy" and Charles Starin were here at an early
date, about 1815, and remained a number of
years.
James Turnbull, A. Billings, Alfred Isham
and Henry Mandle, as Isham & Mandle, John
Dewell and Robert L. Topping, were in business
from one time to another, but perhaps not in
the order in which they are here placed. The
largest dealer that located here, and perhaps in
the County, was Benjamin F. Wood, son of
Dr. Wood, of Duanesburgh. Mr. Wood com-
menced some time before the Southern Rebellion
and was during that period the largest produce
dealer in Central New York, particularly in
butter. Tons of that article were shipped almost
daily, at prices that probably will be incredible,
many years hence. At the commencement of
that struggle the prices ranged from ten to
twelve cents per pound, but ere it closed, fifty
and fifty-five cents were often refused. All
goods were proportionately high, and speculation
was rife among all classes, in every department,
which left a demoralizing chill upon business
branches that years of pinching intrenchment
only can drive away.
Since Mr. Wood closed his business, John
O. Root, Mclntosh & Turnbull, Brumly,
William Folensbee, Benjamin W. Clark and
Martin Watson have engaged in trade, and
George Briggs as the first and only druggist.
The village was incorporated in the year 1819
and not in the year 1832 as published in other
works. April 2ist of the latter year the
charter for a fire company was obtained and
the village charter was revised to meet the re-
quirements of the corporation upon certain
proceedings. It was the only incorporated
village in the County up to the year 1868. The
post-office was established in 1805. The mail
was carried, when the route was established in
1800, on horse, and the approach of the carrier
was made known by his blowing a horn. How
long the mail was thus carried we cannot say,
but upon the advent of wagon and sleigh
coaches the Phoenix Hotel was the central
station between Albany and Cherry Valley. As
the stage-coach epoch has long since passed
away, leaving happy reminiscences to many who
marked with delight the progression of the age,
from foot and horseback mail carriers to golden
striped rocking wagon "palaces," we will here
copy an article published in the Cobleskill
Index as a correction to a statement made in re-
gard to the stage lines, by an unknown writer: —
"The first line of stages between Albany and
Cherry Valley through Esperance, was run about
1826 and had three proprietors: Thorpe &
Sprague owned the line from Albany here,
twenty-six miles, and William Story of Cherry
Valley the line from here to that place— known
in the driver and passenger parlance of those
days as "the Valley". — a like distance. Thorpe
& Sprague had the mail contract from Albany
to "the Valley" at one hundred dollars a mile,
and as the distance was a shaving (not certain
how thick) over fifty-two miles (the same gen-
erosity characterized our Uncle Samuel then as
now) paid them five thousand three hundred
dollars a year, for carrying the mail on their
"four horse coaches" and they "pooled" the
price with Story for carrying it over the west
half of the route. Unfortunately for Mr. Story
his agent in Albany discounted "futures" — just
as the Fall River treasurers and secretaries do
now, (by which it appears that human nature
has not changed much in fifty years) and Mr.
Story sold out his end of the line to John
Wilkins of Cherry Valley and sometime (not very
long) thereafter Sprague died and Thorpe sold
out the Albany end, and the mail contract to
William Plainer of Cherry Valley, who run the
line with Wilkins about two years, and then
sold out to a Mr. Baker and a partner, whose
name is already lost by the writer. Those men,
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
327
Baker & Co., sold out their interest in this
Albany and Cherry Valley line, and other lines
running east and north from Albany, to the
" Reeds " of Rensselaer county — Stephentown
I think — with the stock, running as well as
rolling for thirty thousand dollars. This oc-
curred somewhere about 1836, am not certain
of the date, and for a number of years the
Albany and "Valley" line, — but of course
under reduced mail contract, — was run by
Reed & VVilkins among whose drivers were
"Elder" Williams and "Jumpy" Sprong, as well
known to boy and man along their respective
routes, and the traveling public, as the oldest
conductor on the Central or Susquehanna to-
day. Reed & Wilkins continued to own and
run the line to 1841, by which time opposition
to the Mohawk & Hudson (Albany & Sche-
nectady) railroad, by the Reeds' stage-coach
line to Schenectady had been abandoned.
Trie Schenectady & Utica railroad was in op-
eration and drawing passengers from the
Cherry Valley and Albany stage route to Cana-
joharie; the Boston & Albany railroad (then
known as the Western railroad) approached its
western terminus (Albany) and the Reeds col-
lapsed and John Hare bought their interest, the
Albany end of the line, and ran it awhile with
Wilkins. The latter was in a bad way finan-
cially and I think, but am not certain, handed
the concern over to Ed. Wheeler ; but finally
sold out to John Vanetten of Cherry Valley
who with Hare, ran the stage from here to
Cherry Valley for two or three years. There
was but one mail contract after the Vanetten
and Hare."
Esperance Academy. — The old stone building
upon the north side of Main street is an old
land mark, around which cluster many pleasant
memories. It was built for an exchange stable
by John D. Dickinson, a noted horse jockey,
and afterwards remodeled for an Academy
about the year 1835, and used as such for
several years.
Joshua M. Donaldson, soon after graduating
at Union College, entered the school as Princi-
pal, and under his management it became one
of the head schools of the country. McClelland
followed, but not proving a financial success the
project dropped, and Peter D. Shinville occu-
pied the building for a long term of years in
the manufacture of fanning-mills, which met
with ready demand, and were considered the
best then in use. Of late the rustic appearing
landmark has been used as a tenant house.
About the year 1815 William Simpson estab-
lished a cabinet shop, that for many years was
one of the leading enterprises of the village.
He was succeeded by Alexander Dean, who in
turn gave place to Frederick Happe, the present
business proprietor, and in whom is found one
of those examples that the German people give
to young Americans, by rising from a wandering
immigrant, without means, or the language of
the country at command, to an independence
and prominence within a few years.
About 1820 to 1835 Esperance was quite a
manufacturing point. There were two exten-
sive chair factories in operation, that supplied
the surrounding country with their wares.
Henry Mandle, James Vilbert and James E.
Downing, part of the time separately, at others
as partners, were the leaders in the enterprise
and did a large and successful business. Dur-
ing that time the paper-mill was run to its
utmost capacity, by Dr. Leonard, which made
the place present a lively appearance.
Feathers House. — The building was occu-
pied by Larkin Feathers, and was built for a store
about the year 1820, and occupied for several
years as such. It was subsequently changed to
an " Inn " and one of the first proprietors was
Gitty Lawyer, of Schoharie, a woman skilled in
money getting. A young law student, coming
from the Eastern States, being unable to bear
the expense of "board" and other necessaries,
became enamored with the proprietress, or her
money, and in due time they mere married.
Then having the means he acquitted himself in
the armour of the law, and sought a home in
the wilds of Michigan, then the point to which
immigration was pouring, to be followed, per-
haps, by his loving spouse, when he decided
upon a location.
After waiting a number of years without a
word from him to cheer her, the wife and land-
lady equipped herself with horse and wagon to
seek her accomplished lord, not unmindful of
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the convenience of a stove in the family, which
she took with her, and an abundance of
ing.
She traveled alone and upon her arrival at
Detroit, instead of meeting the husband, who
was apprised of her coming, she met a friend c
his who told her that her husband was deeply in
debt, and if she remained her funds would be
seized to liquidate them.
Appreciating the hard earned dollars, she
turned her face homeward, leaving her lover to
worry his creditors as best he could. That
same man, William A. Fletcher, became the
first judge upon the present Ninth Judicia
Circuit of Michigan, which position is now held
by another Schoharie County boy, Hon. Josiah
L. Hawes, a native of Carlisle, and student of
Joseph H. Ramsey.
Jeremiah Peck erected an " Inn" upon the
northwest corner of Main and Church streets,
about the year 1818, and kept it as such until
his death, and was followed by Mrs. Peck and
children. The chief business was done at the
bar, while other houses' profits came from lodg-
ers, meals and stabling.
There was another inn built at the west
end of Main street, upon the brow of the hill,
by Levitt Mansfield, about the year 1826, and
during its last days was kept by George Smith,
but its portals have long since been closed, and
only the Feathers House furnishes accommo-
dation for the public at the present time. In
passing along to the west, one mile and one half,
snugly nestled in a hollow was another tavern,
whose accommodations were equally as extended
as those of the village.
General John S. Brown followed his father in
its management, and made a specialty in furn-
ishing feed' for the droves of live-stock that
crowded the thoroughfare.
In the last days of its usefulness as a public
house, other landlords loved to tell the traveler
of the hideous "spooks" and unearthly noises
that were seen and heard nightly within its
walls. Judson and Ager, each followed General
Brown, and under the latter, the old building
was torn down to give room for the present
spacious frame house. Near to the west, a toll-
gate was built in 1810, through which each
teamster and drover was obliged to deposit in
the company's treasury, pay for the privilege of
traveling upon the road. Who was the first
gate-keeper we are unable to learn, but one
Cleveland was receiver for many years, and in
fact was in office when this part of the turnpike
was annuled by the company.
The first gate-keeper at the bridge was Bar-
tholomew Keene, and the present one is Mrs.
Obediah Sprang, who has stood at her post day
and night for twenty-nine years, performing her
duty faithfully. Her husband died many years
since, and was a coach driver during the palmy
days of this thoroughfare, and familiarly called
"Jumpy." None knew how to draw the "rib-
bons," or "clip the ears" of the leaders with
the coach whip, better than "Jumpy." While
referring to the "drivers" we cannot but mention
Walter Wood, - Williams, known as
" Elder," George Chilson and John Bradt, who
were the "regulars" for many long years.
Thousands of passengers and an immensity of
valuables were entrusted to their care, and we
fail to find an instance that a death, injury or
loss occurred. One driver made the trip from
this place to Cherry Valley, but changed horses
at Sharon Hollow or Hill. The " Elder" was
the principal driver at this end of the route,
and drove a four-horse team daily from here
to Sharon during eighteen years.
To give an idea of the amount of business
the stage line did before the Central Railroad
was in operation, we are authorized by an old
driver to say, that from forty to one hundred
and fifty passengers were daily booked at
Cherry Valley, for Albany and intermediate
points.
The travel upon the road, otherwise
than by coach, was also immense. An ex-
toll collector informs us that the monthly
returns of the Esperance bridge gate were
usually one thousand dollars ; and that seven
hundred teams had been counted that passed
through in a day. Thus we can plainly see the
cause of such numbers of taverns built along
the line, and not think it an erroneous statement
when the aged ones tell us, they " failed to
meet the requirements of the traveling public."
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
329
SLOANSVILLE.
While we have been contemplating Esper-
ance village when it was a pine forest, down to
the present time, musing over the changes that
progress has made from time to time, we must
not harbor the idea that when the first tree was
felled at that village no other white man had set-
tled in this "remote region," as in passing up the
turnpike, near the present residence of John
Schuyler, upon the hill to the east of his house,
John Joseph Van Valkenburgh, a German
Palatine, settled as early as 1756 or 1760, and
made quite a clearing. When Johnson and
Brant invaded the valley he saw the smoke
arising over the hills, and divined the cause.
With his wife and children he started for the
" middle fort," passing the lower one upon the
hills to the east, and gained the fortress near
dark. He quit his pioneer farm and joined the
patriots as a scout, and proved one of the most
brave and trusty ones. At the close of the war
he settled in Sharon, as slated in Chapter XV.
Nor must we think that Sloansville was among
the things that were to be, as here we find a
path — as old perhaps, as the aborigines of the
country, leading from the Mohawk to the Scho-
harie valley, treading which, the Germans of
each valley were enabled to visit and barter with
each other, nearly seventy-five years before a
settlement was here made. By the side of this
path we find three brothers settled as early as
1785 or 1786. John, James and George Brown
purchased a portion of the "stone heap"
patent, and built a log house upon the ground
where Mrs. Spenser Foster's house now stands.
They cleared up the land south of the house,
and in after years built another one upon the
Baptist church site. It being upon the Indian
path and the Germans traveling that route quite
often, induced the brothers to commence the
tavern business for their accommodation when
thirsty and weary.
Soon after, the brother, John, desirous of
having a separate home, built a log house upon
the Mclntosh place, and when the turnpike
was constructed he built another at a very short
distance to the south of the first, to be enabled
to accommodate the workmen. The following
years, 1805 and 1806, the road was finished
through to Carlisle, and the company was per-
mitted to erect a toll-gate at this place, and
Brown received the appointment of gate-keeper.
He built a gate or swinging-pole from one house
to the other, and received toll until the road was
completed to Cherry Valley according to con-
tract, when the gate was abandoned and the
one near Esperance established. The company
was obliged to finish a certain number of miles
of road before a gate was allowed, and it was
not finished acceptably to the Valley until 1810.
While liberal inducements were offered to con-
struct the road, yet the company were under
restraints, and were obliged to keep it in repair,
which was an expensive task owing to the vast
amount of travel, and if the road became bad,
complaints were made to the County turnpike
inspectors, by notice, who could compel the
gate-keeper to allow all teams to pass through
without toll, until the road was repaired and
accepted by him.
James Brown kept the inn where the church
stands, and he sold the property to Captain
William and John R. Sloan upon their coming
here about the year 1800. Brown settled in
Carlisle.
The Sloans were active men, and were en-
gaged in after years, in connection with the
hotel, in the manufacture of chip goods, but
upon the burning of the building, about 1825,
the enterprise was abandoned. Quite a num-
ber of settlers came from New Jersey and
Rhode Island in 1788 and settled principally
north of the village upon the hill, among whom
were John Teeple, Stephen Crocker (now in
Carlisle) and Abram Montaney — whose de-
scendants still occupy the pioneer homes and
are prominent citizens.
John and Gideon Larkin also came from
Rhode Island about 1803 and settled here for
awhile. John was a Revolutionary soldier, and
removed to Carlisle, while Gideon located upon
the hill southwest of the village and was fol-
lowed in the possession of the farm by his sons
Gideon, Jr. and Israel whose honesty and in-
tegrity none dared assail. The children of John
were Daniel, Jehiel and Phineas, who have
been prominent men of the County as business
men and agriculturists.
33°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
About the year 1795, the father of the Brown
brothers also came with his son Henry and
settled with James upon what was after owned
by, and known as the"Grum" farm. Henry
built an inn upon the turnpike as has already
been stated, John sold his interest in the
present Mclntosh place and purchased farther
down the turnpike and built the "Inn" to
which we referred and the brick house in which
his son General Brown resided.
The store now occupied by J. H. Crandal
was built by the Brown Brothers and occupied
by them for a while but passed into other hands
and in the year 1838 Jehiel Larkin, became
the owner and occupant and for a number of
years carried on the mercantile business. He
was followed by his nephew Alexander Larkin,
whose early death placed the present occupant
in his stead. The Sloans built the store, long
occupied by Stephen Teeple, about the year
1820.
Who the builder and first occupant of Daniel
Gallup's store was, we are unable to learn.
Robert McMaster came from Rhode Island
about the year 1800 and after learning the tan-
ner's trade in the town of Florida, Montgomery
county, he settled here in 1805. He married
the daughter of James Brown and was one of
those quiet, unassuming men who command
the confidence and respect of those with whom
they come in contact. He became indepen-
dent by his careful and economical mode of
doing business and died in 1877 at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-eight years. He was fol-
lowed in his business by his son James B. Mc-
Master who has held the office of Justice of the
Peace nearly twenty years and represented the
town upon the Board of Supervisors in 1858
and 1859.
As we have made mention of the fact that
the mail was first carried over the road on
horse, we will here state that this place was
made a post-station, where the riders changed
horses. Three changes were made between
Albany and Cherry Valley, the first being at
Cheesbro's, the second here and the third at
Wales or Moak's Hollow, and afterwards at
" Killer's" or Sharon Centre. It was a lonely
route, but thinly settled and a very uneven road.
The post-office was not established here we
believe until 1817 through the influence of
General Thomas Lawyer then in Congress.
David Phelps, of Connecticut, came here as
a wagon maker, about the year 1806 or 1807,
and was followed by his brothers Gaius and Syl-
vester. The former was a hatter and carried on
the business largely and successfully for more
than a quarter of a century. He closed the
business with a competency in 1850, and died
at the age of eighty, beloved by all who knew
him.
Sylvester worked with his brother David, and
after a few years became a driving business man.
The present " Dopp Hotel" was partly built by
David K. Larkin, who was something of a
speculator, and in his trafficing received from
Sylvester, wagons for the property. Phelps fin-
ished the house and became a " landlord " in
1836, He afterwards traded wagons for a farm
and in connection with his trade managed the
hotel and farm. As money was a scarce article,
every means was employed, to substitute some-
thing for it. The wagons were traded off For
horses among the farmers, and the horses taken
to the Eastern States to be sold for cash, thus
making a lively traffic among the speculators,
tradesmen and farmers. When Sylvester Phelps
was in his prime in years, he made this little
hamlet as busy a place as could be found for
many miles around.
Taverns. — There were formerly four "Tav-
erns" in the place, each doing a good business.
The one, of late years known as the " Widow
Moore's place," was for a long time the drovers
home, as Mrs. Moore's first husband, Gilchrist,
was a drover and intimate with all of the clan
that frequented the turnpike. Besides, accom-
modations were always to be had, as a large
farm was connected with the hotel. Upon
the death of Gilchrist she married one Moore,
with whom she did not entrust her business
affairs, much to his disgust, and he left her
" alone in her glory." She became very avari-
cious, and during her last years in business,
the indifferent manner of keeping the hotel,
drove the old-time customers away, conse-
quently the profits of hotel keeping became
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
331
small. A few rods below, where John Hoag
now resides, was a spacious inn kept for many
years, by Walter Sloan, but it was long since
closed, and the old house presents a picture of
rural prosperity and contentment under the
care of its present owner, such as the general
outlook of public houses never guaranteed.
The First Baptist Church in the County was
organized here in 1810, and an edifice built the
year following. It stood upon the hill east of
the village, and the "Cornish residue."
The society was organized by the veteran,
E. Herrick, and was divided through some doctri-
nal point, that created the "New School" about
the year 1841. The seceders erected the present
edifice in 1842. The old church society dwin-
dled to a name only, and the church was sold
to the Methodists in 1868, who removed it to its
present location.
There was, until within the period of twenty
years, a few rods north of the village, upon the
lands of Hiram Brand and once occupied by
Sylvester Phelps, an immense stone heap.
From that pile, the tract of land granted to
John Bowen and others in 1770 was named the
"Stone heap patent." The stones had been
accumulated for a long series of years, by the
accession of single stones thrown upon the
pile by each passing Indian. Its dimensions
were, four rods long, nearly two wide and about
ten feet in height, in its original form, consisting
of small flat stones, which must have been many
thousands in number. This pile beside giving
the name to " Bowen's patent," also marked an
angle in the original division line between Al-
bany and old Tryon county. Rev. Gideon
Hawley, a missionary among the Mohawks,
Oneidas and Aquagos, traveled the path .that
lead by the heap, in 1753, in company with
another missionary, Mr. Woodbridge and an
Indian guide. They started from General Will-
iam Johnson's residence on the Mohawk, to visit
Schoharie, and in an account of the journey he
says : —
" We came to a resting place and breathed
our horses, and slaked thirst at the stream,
when we perceived our Indian looking for a
stone, which having found, he cast to a heap,
which for ages has been accumulating by pas-
sengers like him, who was our guide. We en-
quired why he observed that rite. His answer
was that his father practiced it and enjoined it
on him."
The gentleman also mentions in the same
narrative : —
" I have observed in every part of the country
and among every tribe of Indians, and among
those where I now am, in a particular manner,
such heaps of stones or sticks collected on the
like occasion as the above. The largest heap
I ever observed is that large collection of small
stones on the mountain between Stockbridge
and Great Barrington. We have a sacrifice
rock, as it is termed, between Plymouth and
Sandwich, to which stones and sticks are always
cast by Indians who pass it. This custom or
rite is an acknowledgement of an invisible
being ; we may style him the Unknown God,
whom this people worship.
" This heap is their altar ; the stone that is
collected is the oblation of the traveler, which
if offered with good mind may be as acceptable
as a consecrated animal."
It has been conjectured that this stone heap
marked the grave of a warrior, but we think
otherwise, from the fact that the Indians who
frequented this section had particular burial
grounds, and when a chief or warrior died, or
was slain, they carried the remains to those
grounds, unless it was a great distance from
them. It was not an uncommon occurrence
for the Mohawks and Oneidas to carry their
dead from Schoharie to their homes. An aged
person of veracity related to us an instance that
was told to him by his father, who was a witness
to the occurrence, and which undoubtedly was
but one of many hundred. An Oneida died at
Schoharie in one of the fall months, and his
body was wrapped in blankets and placed in a
tall hemlock tree, beyond the reach of wild
animals. When winter came and a crust was
formed upon the snow, the body was taken
down and bound upon a sled, and drawn to
Oneida. We are of the opinion that if an
Indian was slain at this spot and was so highly
honored by his race as to receive such marks of
honor and remembrance as this pile exhibited,
332
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
they would certainly take the pains to carry
and place him by the side of the "ashes of his
fathers."
We are led to concur in the missionary's
idea as he states farther on. "These stone
heaps are erected to a local deity." His long
intercourse with the race, learning their customs
and habits so well gives weight to his opinion.
The " stone heap " patent was surveyed and
divided into lots in 1792, and embraced a por-
tion of Esperance, Carlisle and Charleston,
Montgomery county.
Passing down the old Indian path, which
is now a well beaten road, we come to the old
grist mill that has rumbled for over fifty years.
In its early days it was the only mill in the
town. Spencer Foster, an Englishman by birth,
built a steam mill a few rods below and carried
on a large custom business for many years, but
not proving a very profitable investment it was
taken down and we see a spacious barn stands
in its stead.
Passing on, we soon come to the Schoharie
stream, and if we had stood here the day the
first tree was felled by the Brown boys in 1786,
and looked over the flats to the south, we might
have seen large farms divided into meadow,
plow, and pasture fields — spacious barns and
houses reared over the ashes of former ones
that had fallen by the torch of a savage foe. in a
fierce war against a nation that plead for liberty
and independence.
There stood a settlement made in 1729, and
known as Kneiskern' s Dorf. The whole of the
original settlement is not in the town of Esper-
ance, but the greater part was, and we will refer
to the whole here. By the second chapter of
this work we find that
John Peter Kneiskern,
Godfrit Kneiskern,
Lambert Sternberg,
Philip Berg,
Hendrick Houck,
Hendrick Strubach,
Johannes Merkle,
were the first settlers. John Peter Kneiskern
was the head man of the colony as at the
Camps, and was the business man. He settled
upon the farm now owned by William Shout,
who is a descendant of the family, and the only
one left in the neighborhood. The ancient
papers relating to the settlement are in his pos-
session in perfect order, beside the family Bible
and old clock, to which Mr. Shout clings with
pride and as sacred relics of his grandsires.
The old clock reaching nearly to the ceiling,
still keeps time for this, the fifth generation, as
it did for the first, and is still
" Ticking the moments as they swiftly fly,
And whispering to all — Eternity."
During the war it was secreted beneath limbs
and leaves in the woods east of the house, and
remained unmolested. Mr. Shout's mother was
a grand-daughter of Kneiskern, and Mrs. Shout
is a descendant of the original Houck family
that settled by the side of Kneiskern, where
Jacob Houck now resides. Thus we see that
the old families are united by stronger ties than
those of neighbors. We find that a firm,
brotherly feeling existed between the first set-
tlers, that is without a parallel at the present
time. They all purchased together, as one,
and not until several years passed did they
make a division of their property and lands, and
when they did, we find they drew an article of
agreement, that " If any one should lose any
part of their lands by law or otherwise, the rest
should make it up to him or her." Such acts
of true Christian charity towards the unfortu-
nate can only be found in the honest simplicity
of our German fathers and mothers.
Johannes Merkle settled farther down the
valley upon the farm now owned, in part, by
Henry Dunberg. There are but few of this
family left bearing the name in this immediate
vicinity, but farther down the creek distant rel-
atives reside, whose ancestors settled there sev-
eral years after the settlement was here made.
Henry Strubach settled upon the farm long
owned by the late Adam P. Vrooman. The
old house stood east of Vrooman's barn but
has long since vanished. Christian his son, re-
sided here through the Revolution and held a
commission as Captain. He was a daring sol-
dier and the Indians and Tories employed vari-
ous means to capture him, but his sagacity
foiled their plans. He was at the " lower
TOWN OF ESPERANCK.
333
fort " when Johnson and Brant made the at-
tack and in company with the Schoharie militia
the day following, in harrassing the rear. When
the first company of the Fifteenth Regiment
was formed, Strubach was chosen First Lieuten-
ant and George Mann Captain, but upon
Mann's proving to be infected with disloyalty,
Strubach was promoted to Captain. Several
brothers lived near each other upon the lands
their father purchased but all have gone to their
long homes without leaving a single heir to per-
petuate the name. They lived to extreme ages
and died suddenly without sickness, as did their
children. Henry Strubach built a grist-mill,
the frame of which still stands (or a part of it)
and is distinguished as the "old mill" now
owned by Abram Becker.
Philip Berg settled lower down the creek
upon the west side, where Alexander Larkin's
house now stands and reared two sons, Philip
and Abram. The latter remained upon the old
place and became a very wealthy man for his
day, and was succeeded in the possession of it
by his son David Berg, who disposed of the
property to Herman Gardner in 1842, after it
had been in the possession of the family for the
period of one hundred and thirteen years. It
was the best property in the valley but it has
been cut up in various ways and nothing is left
of its primitive appearance.
About the year 1760, Abram Berg purchased
of a small band of Indians that had an encamp-
ment upon the " Cripple bush," a tract of land
lying upon the side hill, between that stream
and the Cobleskill, in part occupied by Peter
VanZant, John Brayman and the heirs of the
late Peter I. Enders. The consideration was
one barrel of cider and a fat two year old steer
and the privilege of drinking and eating the
same and holding a " pow wow " beneath a
white oak tree, still standing not far from the
Berg mansion. After the " pow wow " they
left the country and never returned, and Abram
ever after held peaceful possession of the pur-
chase. The old family together with the origi-
nal Strubach's lie here upon the farm, in a neg-
lected spot covered with briers and brambles,
as also the remains of the brave Captain Stru-
bach.
Philip Berg son of Philip settled upon the
farm now owned by William Hallenbeck and
was familiarly called "Lipps Barrack" it being
the German of Philip Berg. His old house
stood to the west of the Hallenbeck barn, some
distance in the field and had an entry or
"stoop," (as formerly called,) in front. Nearly
all of the first settlers' dwellings had a lintel at-
tached in front, that resembled the piazza of the
present day enclosed. A double door invar-
iably was used, the upper of which was seldom
closed, but the lower always, except upon the
ingress and egress of the family. This Berg
building was erected immediately after the Rev-
olution. Mrs. Berg with other women and two
or three babies, during the war were upon the
flat north of the present Central Bridge pulling
flax, when a band of Indians came along the
bank of the stream without observing them.
They hid in the bushes and being fearful lest
their babies would make a noise and betray
them, they put their handkerchiefs in their
mouths and nearly strangled them before the
Indians passed. It was afterwards ascertained
that they were watching an opportunity of cap-
turing Captain Strubach while on his way to
and from the fort, and that they had a fruitless
watch of two weeks.
The Captain's eyes were also open and while
they could not see him, he daily saw their move-
ments. Thus it was, in those times, danger
was lurking near when they least expected it,
and wherever they were, they were compelled to
be upon the watch each moment, and as they
lay upon their beds at night to rest, they knew
not but the morning might find them tortured
prisoners or mangled corpses.
Godfrit Kneiskern settled upon the late Peter
I. Ender's farm. What relation he was to John
Peter cannot be told, nor what became of his
descendants. Perhaps a son settled at Beaver
Dam, as we find a family there after 1754, from
whom came the Kneiskerns of Carlisle, and
those along the Cobleskill west of this place.
They were related to John Peter, but in what
degree we cannot learn.
John Peter's family were true patriots during
the Revolution, while those already mentioned
were well tinctured with disloyalty, with the ex-
334
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ception of two members, William and Jacob,
the former being the one taken prisoner at
Moak's Hollow, and afterwards settled near
Seward Valley.
Lambert Sternbergh settled the farthest south
of the seven families, upon the farm now owned
in part by William Landrum. He became one
of the fifteen purchasers of " Dorlach Patent"
and upon the division of the lots those lands
now occupied by his descendants in the town of
Seward became his. In 1768 we find Lambert
dead and his son Jacob acting in his stead.
Hendrick Houck, as we stated, settled by the
side of Kneiskern, and the property still is held
by the family. The family has always been a
prominent one of the town in an official, agri-
cultural and business point of view.
Bartram Entis came to this settlement in
1731 or 1732, and purchased lands of Hen-
drick Houck, that lay outside of the " Dorf pur-
chase." At the same time Harmonus Sidrick
also came and purchased one thousand acres
down the creek.
Where those two men came from we cannot
learn, but conjecture they came directly from
Germany in the third Palatine immigration that
settled mostly east of Canada creek, upon the
Mohawk. As the descendants of Entis are
quite numerous, we will here state that the name
was changed in after years to Entres, and subse-
quently to Enders, as written at the present
time. Bartram had two sons, Peter and John,
from whom sprang the present families in this
valley. We are not positive, but think there
were other sons, who settled upon the Mohawk.
Peter was a soldier in the Revolution and lost
his building by the torch of Johnson, in 1780.
His grandsons Jacob P., and Peter I., were
large agriculturists and wealthy men, and the
fathers of the present families that bear the
name in and around the old " Dorf."
Jacob P. occupied the old homestead and met
an untimely death in crossing the stream. The
current being strong, he was carried by it to a
watery grave, and was followed in the posses-
sion of the property by his son John, who
was a true type of a just and exemplary man.
He was instantly killed in the spring of 1880,
by a runaway team. Peter I., lived to a ripe
old age and died after a lingering illness in the
same year. The Sidrick family name has also
been changed and is now written Sidney.
John Peter Kneiskern built the first grist-mill
at this place and in the town. It was a small
affair, however, to merely crack the grain, and
stood upon the little rivulet that runs from the
high ground south of Mr. Shout's residence.
The mill stood until the year 1780. Jacob Ko-
bell, a resident of Weiser's dorf has the honor
of building the first mill upon the Cobleskill
Creek, at this place, which we doubt belongs to
him. Judge Brown wrote his " Brief Sketch of
the First Settlement of Schoharie" in 1817, which
was published in 1823, while he was in the full
possession of his mental faculties, and of the
affair he says, "so called after the name of a
certain man who cleared a spot at the outlet,
under pretence of building a mill thereon, but
was never brought to pass." Author Simms
visited the Judge in 1837, when he had arrived at
the age of ninety-two, and upon his questioning
him in regard to the mill he " thought he had
been to mill there." The mill which Brown had
visited, unquestionably was the Kneiskern mill
to which we have alluded.
There is no doubt but Kobell or some one
else, intended to build a mill here, as a small
"runner" was found upon the bank of the creek
many years ago by the late Samuel Smith, and
which is now to be seen beneath a post in
Charles Rich's cow-shed, but no other evi-
dence is shown that a mill was here. The
Kneiskern mill was burned by Johnson and Brant
in 1780, as were all other buildings of the dorf,
and upon the close of the war the Strubach
(more recentlj pronounced Strubrack) family
built one nearly upon the ground of the present
old mill, and at a later date the Houcks built
one upon the Schoharie creek nearly opposite
of the family mansion, but owing to the caving
of the banks, it was taken down. In regard to
the name of the Cobleskill mill we will refer
the reader to that chapter.
The stone or "runner" found upon the bank
was perhaps brought from some of the mills at
Schoharie or Weiser's, that had been discarded
for larger ones. It is a common sand-stone, and
does not show much use. During the Revolution
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
335
the settlers of this " dorf " were loyal to the
Colonial cause and met with severe losses by the
torch. When the invasion of Johnson occurred,
a few of the families were at the Lower Fort,
but the most of them fled to the hills upon each
side of the creek. The Enders, Sidney and the
Merkles built a small hut upon the rise of ground
to the east, which was out of the regular path of
the foe, and to it they resorted, when danger
was near and too short notice given to reach
the fort. For the protection and better con-
venience of these settlers, a small block-house
was built in the year 1782, near the residence
of George Taylor, to which they removed as
long as the war lasted. Being destitute of
houses at that time and not being able to re-
build, or run the chances of losing again, they
all made the block-house their home. The
most valuable of their effects were secreted
in the woods, and when Johnson came down
the valley, the people were better prepared than
those above, having a timely warning of his ap-
proach.
After Johnson had laid the valley in ashes, he
crossed the creek with his force at the upper
end of the island below the old ferry and en-
camped for the night between the " valley ceme-
tery" and the creek to the west. The day's
laurels must have weighed heavily upon the
" Christian faith's defender's" agent, and the en-
lightened chieftain Brant. Their proceedings
throughout the day failed to show, either mili-
tary skill or commendable bravery, but on the
contrary, inability and cowardice, and proved
them to be a sneaking band of cutthroats and fit
companions of incarnate fiends. The next day
they followed the Indian path to the Mohawk
to seek other fields for plunder and murder, with
the awakened militia of the Schoharie valley at
their rear, to punish them for their cowardly
acts.
The town at present is without manufactures
except local milling and has but three hotels,
where at one time could be counted ten within
the distance of six miles.
The town is beautifully located, asfrom near-
ly every point the whole can be seen and pre-
sents a very even and well cultivated appear-
ance.
It was formed through the efforts of Judge
Wright, then State senator from Schoharie, in
February, 1846, and on the i9th of May follow-
ing, the first town meeting was held, and the
following officers elected : —
Supervisor — John S. Brown.
Justices — George Taylor and Wm, B. Abell.
Clerk— Stephen Teeple.
Collector — George Crocker.
Superintendent of Schools — Lorenzo I.
Leonard, M. D.
Assessors — George A. Smith, David Berg.
Constables— Nathaniel Eggleston and Henry
Merkle.
John S. Brown now resides in Duanesburgh,
and is a son of the first settler of Sloansville,
John Brown. He was elected sheriff of the
County in 1842,31 the time the "Anti-rent"
war created so much excitement in several
counties of the State.
While blood was drawn in other localities we
are pleased to state the vigilance of General
Brown in procuring a well-armed force saved the
County the disgrace of a rebellion, as will be
seen by consulting Chapter IV. The Anti's
weapon, tar and feathers, was but very sparingly
used in this county, although sheriff Brown and
deputyTobias Bouck, barely escaped a luxuriant
coat.
This town has been represented in the As-
sembly four times since its organization.
Hon. Lewis Rockwell in 1851.
Hon. John Lovett in 1856.
Hon. Joseph Buckbee in 1861.
Hon. William S. Clark in 1867-1868.
Mr. Rockwell was a native of the town. Mr.
Lovett was born in Vermont, and was for many
years a tin and hardware dealer at Esperance.
He was a man of sterling worth ; but in the
bloom of manhood he fell a victim to the slow,
but sure disease, consumption, lamented by all
who knew him. Mr. Buckbee, familiarly known
as Uncle Joe, has been a resident of the place
for many years, as well as the active citizen,
ever looking to the comfort of others, and es-
pecially the welfare of the place. Mr. Clark
was born in Carlisle, and early fitted himself for
the bar, and settled at Sloansville, as the
336
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
first one of the profession, and what is very
singular, the only one in the town at the present
time, that but a few years since contained
several.
When the Southern Rebellion shook our
country to its center, this town proved itself
loyal, by furnishing both men and money. The
records of the town are, as we find in most sister
towns, unable to give accurate statistics of the
number and amount.
SUPERVISORS.
The supervisors of the town have been :—
,[846 — John S. Brown.
!847 — Charles Knox.
1848 — Lewis Rockwell.
1849 — Lewis Rockwell.
1850 — Spencer Foster.
X85i — John E. Mann,
1852 — John E. Mann.
^53 — Horace D. Phelps.
X854 — Horace D. Phelps.
1855 — John Lovett.
1856 — Storrs Messenger.
1857 — Storrs Messenger.
^58 — James B. McMaster.
1859 — James B, McMaster,
1860— J. M. Donaldson,
!86i — J. M. Donaldson.
1862 — Jehiel Larkin.
X863 — Jehiel Larkin.
1864— Jesse A. Tubbs.
1865 — Cornelius O. Dorn.
1866 — Alexander Larkin.
X867 — Alexander Larkin.
1868 — James Van Vechten.
1869 — James Van Vechten.
1870 — James H. Crandall.
1871 — James H. Crandall.
1872 — James Van Vechten.
1873 — James Van Vechten.
1874 — Jehiel Larkin.
1875 — James Van Vechten.
1876 — James Van Vechten.
1877 — James Van Vechten.
1878 — James Van Vechten.
1879— James Van Vechten.
1880— M. W. Stevens.
1 88 1— M. W. Stevens.
1882— M. W. Stevens.
STATISTICS.
When the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad
was built, the town gave bonds to the amount
of thirty thousand dollars, to aid in its con-
struction. By the report of the supervisor
upon the first day of November, 1878, there
was yet remaining unpaid,
Principal $18,000
Interest on the same 1,288
Total yet due $19,288
The town consists of 11,360 acres of land.
The assessed valuation of real estate is $502,670;
and of personal property, $157,424; number of
names on the tax list, 422.
The first Baptist church in the County was
built in Sloansville, in 1811. The organization
was effected some time previous, by Rev. E.
Herrick. The building stood upon the turn-
pike, east of the residence of Mr. Harvey Cor-
nish, and was purchased by the Methodists and
removed to its present site in 1852. The pres-
ent Baptist church was erected in 1842, it being
of the " New School " order, while the original
one was of the " Old."
The most prominent men of the town besides
those already mentioned, were, and are,
Charles Hemstead,
William Wood,
Henry Mandle,
William Simpson,
A. Billings,
Alfred Isham,
John Duell,
Dr. Rowland,
James McMaster,
H. Shurburn,
J. O. Root,
M. W. Stevens,
Jerome Dwelly,
S. Teeple,
David Enders,
Daniel Gallup,
Jesse Tubbs,
Erastus Williams.
In 1832 the Schoharie Free Press was re-
moved from Schoharie to Esperance village,
•
'
writer, ar
the colun paper. ']
r.d the r
, 1832, has the following no
,
• —
^resident— William We
For Vice-Presiden
>• Governor — Francis ('•
For Elector — John Gebhard.
•jays: —
• i'e entertain sti
•
\Iasonic coa!: ake the
N
-
UPHICAL SKETCH.
WILLIAM S. CLARK.
•lark's g •
.ty, during Ih.
grandfather being
s of pion<
two. H
[
their vigor am
up tl-.i
a fan:
:
•
:
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great extent, and
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*v
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
337
and the name changed to Esperance Sentinel
and Schoharie and Montgomery County Reporter.
It was edited by Duncan McDonald, whose
wife was a daughter of Horatio Gates Spafford,
the author of "Spaffords Gazetteer." Mrs.
McDonald was a fluent writer, and added much
talent to the columns of the paper. The Senti-
w^/was "Anti-Masonic," and the copy before
us of October, 1832, has the following nomina-
tions made by that party, at the head of its
columns : —
For President — William West.
For Vice- President — Amos Ellmaker.
For Governor — Francis Granger.
For £fator—]ohn Gebhard.
The editorial says: —
" We entertain strong hopes that Schoharie
is about to shake off the yoke of the regency
and Masonic coalition and take the place she
formerly occupied among the old Democratic
counties of the State, redeemed, regenerated,
disenthralled."
The sheet was discontinued in 1836.
The town comprises nearly the whole of
Jacob and Hendrick Ten Eyck's patent which
was granted in 1739 and surveyed in 1761.
Lewis Morris' and A. Coeymans' grant of
1726, lying at Kneiskern's dorf is mostly in the
town, also a portion of the Schoharie patent,
purchased in 1714, by Myndert Schuyler and
others, and surveyed in 1726, running north
and south on the west of Ten Eyck's grant.
Lawyer & Zimmer's second allotment of 1768
also takes in a portion of the town upon the
west and north of Morris & Coeymans', while
the "Stone heap patent" of 1770 lies to the
north and west of it and extends into the county
of Montgomery.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
HON. WILLIAM S. CLARK.
Mr. Clark's grandparents, who were born in
Duchess county, settled in Coeymans, Albany
county, during the year 1773. His paternal
grandfather being unable to endure the priva-
tions of pioneer life, died at the age of thirty-
two. His maternal grandfather, Reuben Stan-
ton, was among those who by their vigor and
hardihood, contributed much to clear up the
wilderness in Coeymans, in the days when
homes were never safe in consequence of the
depredations of marauders, from the army
in the war preceding the Revolution. He
was for some years a licentiate in the Baptist
church and was regularly ordained by that
denomination in 1793, continuing to preach
until he was disqualified by age. Mr. Clark's
parents settled on a farm in Carlisle, in 1813,
where he was born, and where his father died
in 1849.
Mr. Clark was favored with good educational
opportunities, having attended some of the
academies of Schoharie and Madison counties.
He was a teacher during several winters, and
then chose law as a profession ; he graduated
from the Albany law school in the spring of
1858, and returned to Sloansville, where he now
resides. Since then, however, he has gratified
his desire for travel, to a great extent, and has
also been identified with all movements of
public interest in his locality, yet devoting him-
self to the practice of his profession, in which
his interest and status is shown by his partici-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
pation in the organization of the New York
State Bar Association, and present membership
in that body.
In the year 1850, Mr. Clark was elected
town superintendent of common schools in
Carlisle, and was commissioner of excise dur-
ing the years 1862, 1863 and 1864. He was
nominated by acclamation by the Democrats,
and elected without opposition to the Assembly
of 1867, and was renominated and returned
the following year by a majority of one thous-
and, seven hundred and seventy-eight, leading
his ticket just one hundred.
During the war, his talents and influence
were exerted to sustain the government, by ad-
dressing war and bounty meetings, and en-
couraging volunteering, both in his own and
the surrounding counties. He has always been
a Democrat, and various political articles from
his pen, which have appeared through the pub-
lic press, among them his discussion of the pro-
posed constitutional convention in 1858, and
of the constitutional modifications suggested in
the convention of 1867 — display a repleteness
of ideas and a vigor of analysis above the
ordinary cast of mind. The position taken
by Mr. Clark in the Legislature of 1867. was
recognized by his appointment by Speaker
Pitts, as a member of the joint committee to
investigate the management of the canals.
His ability and legislative experience made
him quite a prominent candidate for Speaker of
the House in 1868, for which position he re-
ceived favorable commendations from the press,
but in deference to the unanimity of the New
York delegation and in recognition of the claim
of the New York Democracy, Mr. Clark with-
drew from the canvass prior to the caucus.
Following our natural expectations from such
antecedents, Mr. Clark's conception of Legisla-
tive duties is not confined to mere local inter-
ests but embraces within its scope, legislation
of a general character ; and the comprehensive-
ness both of his views and his familiarity with
the requirements of the people, is indicated by
the bills introduced by him in relation to the
registry, assessment and highway laws of the
State. He also rendered efficient aid to the
Albany & Susquehanna railroad passing in the
Assembly the bill which gave $250,000 State
aid to that project, by a vote of seventy-six,
thus assuring the early success of that enterprise
whose value is now so well known.
Mr. Clark, having been a member of the
select committee on canals in 1867, and the
Legislature of 1868 preferring articles of im-
peachment against R. C. Dorn, then ex-canal
commissioner, he was appointed by Speaker
Hitchman as one of the managers on the part
of the Assembly, in the prosecution of the im-
peachment, and took an active part in the con-
duct of the trial. The versatility of Mr. Clark's
attainments and his standing in the Assembly are
further shown by his appointment as one of a
select committee to examine, during the recess,
the historic relics in the collection of S. G.
Eddy, of Stillwater, N. Y., and J. R. Simms of
Fort Plain. His report on the subject was full
and explicit, having the concurrence of his
colleagues, resulting in the securing to the State
the more valuable of the collections. In de-
bate he was ready, forcible, logical and at all
times eloquent, always having the attention of
the Assembly ; and by his suavity of manner and
geniality of nature, secured not only the good
will, but the personal regard of all his associates
in the House. In his position as Chairman of
the Committee on Internal Affairs of Towns and
Counties, he was indefatigable in his labors to
facilitate the progress of the measures submitted
to the scrutiny of the committee. He served also
on the Committee on Charitable and Religious
Societies, and on Local General Orders.
Mr. Clark is still in the full vigor of life,
enjoys a good joke or a keen sarcasm with the
same zest that an epicure relishes his salads,
TOWN OF ESPERANCE.
339
and we doubt not that his versatile intelligence
and recognized ability will secure for him higher
positions and larger trusts; and however high
the position the future may assign him, he will
discharge its duties with fidelity unquestioned
and honor untarnished.
Our subject also has a finely cultivaled liter-
ary taste and exhibits in his composition a cer-
tain vim and dash which excite and insure one's
admiration. His " Memoir of Charles Howard
Phelps" which was written for the trustees of
Dudley observatory, and subsequently published
by them, is a chaste and beautiful tribute to the
memory of one whose whole soul was inspired
with the grandeur of astronomy and whose life
trembled at the impressions of those master
thoughts which seem to transfigure the whole
being.
Mr. Clark's address delivered at the centennial
anniversary of the Seward Massacre in 1780, held
at Seward, October 18, 1880, in the presence of
a large gathering of people from the surrounding
country, possesses so much that is grand and
eloquent that we here published it in full: —
" Mr. President and fellow citizens, mine the
pleasing, though somewhat laborious and diffi-
cult task, to gather up the raveled threads of
the events which these scenes recall, and in
memory of which we are assembled, and weave
them the best I may, into chapters of this day's
proceedings, to make the volume of their his-
tory which shall cheer, encourage and inspire
your descendants through coming generations
and all the future. The same sky is over us ; we
inhale air of the same balminess and invigorating
power; the same beauty of landscape with its un-
dulating plain, gentle sloping hillside and tow-
ering mountain, environs this spot as it did a
hundred years ago.
" But how different the other surroundings
and accessories of this and that afternoon ! The
danger which lurked in the shadow of every
rock and tree as the stillness of the night set-
tled upon the earth, and ambushed in every
road-side, bush or thicket in the bright sunlight
of mid-day, is forever dispelled ; prosperity
abounds on every side ; peace serenely and se-
curely sits everywhere in these fruitful valleys and
among those beautiful hills ; safety abides under
every roof-tree, and security, joy, and happiness
dwell with you in all your homes. And all this
contrast because the settlers of New Dorlach
were patriots !
" 'Twas in the cause of liberty and freedom
that John France fell, and Catharine, fairest of
the fair, was sacrificed. To commemorate
their lives and keep green the memory of this
ruthless sacrifice, by every means in your power,
is the noblest work in the lives of their descend-
ants, and can but inspire in the hearts of you
all, emotions of gratitude that the patriot
fathers and mothers throughout the length and
breadth of Tryon county as well as those of
New Dorlach, endured the trials, bore the bur-
den of privation, suffering and sorrow, with a
fortitude and heroism beside which, in the
world's history, occurs neither its equal nor
parallel, and must beget in you all a deeper
devotion to the land of your birth — to your
0
homes and firesides, where spring earth's
brightest hopes and nestle its sweetest, most
heavenly joys ; and induce that love and vener-
ation for your country and its glorious flag, which
alone will secure the perpetuation and trans-
mission of the blessings we all enjoy.
" Here are the descendants of the Merckleys
and Bastian France, whose names have been
alluded to as those around which clusters the
interest of this grand occasion. With these
people you are acquainted and of them, there-
fore, I need not speak, except Gilbert G.
France, your president of the day, whose father
was the captured Henry, which may surprise
some of you. But there are here, to-day,
besides Gilbert G. France and his nephews,
William G. and Albert France, whom you all
34°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
know, two other sons of the captured Henry
France — David and Jacob — venerable men,
upon whose heads are the snows of nearly four-
score years, and who have journeyed from
their distant homes, that they might be here on
this hundredth anniversary of the event, which
for the hour, so darkened the heart of their
ancestors ; to drop a tear to the memory of
Catharine Merckley and John France, upon
the soil consecrated to liberty by their blood —
'the deep damnation of whose taking off' can
now never be forgotten ; to drink again from
the fountain of patriotism, and catch thence an
inspiration, which with an unfaltering faith and
trust in the promises of Christianity, shall cheer
and sustain them as they totter down life's
steep decline. Jacob France, of Cold Brook,
Herkimer county, and David France, of South
Canisteo, Steuben county, evince by their
presence, though burdened by the weight of
years, their love of home and native land.
More than this, Jacob France is both precept
and example to the young men and youth here
to-day, and wherever else the story of this
day's exercises shall come.
"•Coming into possession of the German Bible
of his grandfather, Bastian France, late in life,
with which language he was wholly unacquainted,
he resolved when seventy-two years old that he
would learn to read the word of his and his
grandfather's God in the language in which it
was written, and in eighteen months had so
mastered it that he was able to read the Scrip-
tures in the German, and has since read that
Bible, aged a hundred and thirty-five years, twice
through in course.
" Young men of Seward, of the adjoining
towns and of the County, there is encourage-
ment, cheer and inspiration to duty, in this to
you, and to perseverance in whatever you may
properly undertake, which insures success.
David France, by his devoted labors as a min-
ister of the gospel during fifty-two years of his
life, attests at once his belief and trust in the
God of his fathers, and therefore his worth and
merit as a citizen and patriot.
"Among the wonderful achievements of in-
vention and science since, in answer to patriot
invocations, war's dread alarms were hushed
and peace smiled over the land, I would men-
tion those of Albert France to whom allusion
has been made in the manufacture of guns and
projectiles, who by his breech-loading cannon
with steel-pointed ball, second to none in the
world for war's dread conflict, has made the iron-
clads of the world's navies but as the valueless
wooden walls of ancient naval armaments.
" The clustering memories of noble deeds of
patriot sires, incited and nerved by the bloody
sacrifices we commemorate, the emotions of
gratitude they awaken and the grand lessons
they inculcate, are all too numerous for the
swift flying hours, and I leave them all to say,
that realizing the difference between the peace
of to-day and the terrors of a hundred years
ago, when the slumbers of innocence were brok-
en by the fiendish war-whoops of the painted
savage, and making sleepers affrighted by gleam-
ing tomahawks or glittering scalping-knife,
faithful to the teachings of the hour and the
glistening memories of the past, your descend-
ants shall here assemble in October, 1980, un-
der the same bright stars and stripes, to re-
memorize the tragedies of a hundred years ago,
and by the act, will, as you do now, with prayer
and song, dedicate themselves and their lives to
God and their native land.
" Descendants of Bastian France, to you re-
mains, and upon you devolves a holy duty, made
sacred by this day's pageant of banner and music,
oratory and song. It is, that you erect to the
memory of the murdered John France, a suita-
ble monumental stone. I appeal to you and
adjure you by the 'green graves of your sires,'
let not another October's sun arise ere the work
of love is done."
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
34'
CHAPTER XXI
HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF WRIGHT.
TOWN FORMED — FIRST SETTLEMENT — BECKER
FAMILY — ITS HISTORY — PEDIGREE — BECKER
LAND GRANT — FIRST SAW MILL — HONYOST
BECKER — His INTENDED MARRIAGE — JOHN
DOMINICK AND FAMILY — DR. MULTER WHIPS
DOMINICK — HESSIAN SETTLERS — EVENTS OF
1782 — BURNING OF ZIMMER'S BUILDINGS —
BECKER MURDERED — BOYS SECRETED — AD-
VANCE UPON MAJOR BECKER'S HOUSE —
JACOB AND WILLIAM FLEE TO THE MOUN-
TAIN — JOHN HUTT— GEORGE SCHELL— FIRING
UPON THE INDIANS — SNYDER AND MANN
CAPTURED — TRADITIONARY TALE OF SETHS
HENRY'S DEATH — TREATMENT OF PRISON-
ERS—MAJOR BECKER'S DEATH— STONE STORE
AT SHUTTER'S CORNERS — HENRY BECKER —
FOUNDING OF SCHOOL — RESOLUTIONS —
HUNTING FAMILY— GALLUPVILLE— TANNERY-
CHURCHES — REFORMED CHURCH — M ETHO-
DIST — LUTHERAN — TEMPERANCE — SCHOOL —
NEW VILLAGE — WAGON MAKING — DUTCH
SETTLEMENT — WEIDMAN'S — HIRAM WALDEN
OFFICIALS — SUPERVISORS — VALUATION —
MERCHANTS AND PHYSICIANS — BOUNDARIES.
town was formed from Schoharie on
the 4th of April, 1846, through the Legis-
lative labors of the late Judge John C. Wright,
then Senator of the Third District, and named
in honor of the acting Governor, Silas Wright.
It is peculiarly adapted to both agriculture
and manufacture, although but little of the lat-
ter is practiced, yet by the aid of capital, Fox's
creek and the numberless small streams that
issue from the hillsides might be utilized for
such purposes, and be as profitable as like privi-
leges warrant throughout the Eastern States.
Agriculture has arrived at an as advanced
state in this town as any other of the County in
the production of cereals and grasses to which
the land is adapted, especially winter grains.
The first settlement made in the town was
near the present village of Gallupville, at an
early date, probably about the year 1735.
We are of the opinion based upon circum-
stances and documents, that the Becker family
were the pioneer settlers, and in view of the
fact that they form a goodly representation in
the population of the township at the present
time, beside being connected with events of
historic interest during the Revolutionary war,
we will refer to their early history and be more
particular in regard to the individual members
of the family as occasion will require a knowl-
edge of their connection.
During the voyage from Germany the father
and husband died, leaving the mother and two
sons, Johannes and Jacob, as the only repre-
sentatives of the German or High Dutch
Beckers in America. They settled upon the
Hudson river, below the Camps, and must have
remained there several years, as the mother
married, and the sons there grew to manhood
and married before they came to the promised
land of Schoharie. The tradition of the family
as given us by Gideon Becker, a great-grandson
of Johannes, who has spared neither pains nor
expense in tracing the history and lineage of
his ancestors, is to the effect that the two broth-
ers started alone with guns and knapsacks
from their homes upon the Hudson, and fol-
lowed that stream up to the Mohawk, and from
thence to the Schoharie creek and located here,
it being the suburbs of the Schoharie settle-
ment.
The mother and step-father followed, and a
rude but comfortable house was built near the
present site of Austin Becker's farm house, now
occupied by Spateholts. There they quietly
labored and laid the foundation of the wealth
and influence the family possessed and enjoyed
for many long years, even down to the present
time, yet not forgetful of the customs of the
" Fater land," which proved disastrous to the
existence of the step-father. His name was
Bashsha, and he had served many years as a
soldier in his native land. Observing the old
German customs of making New Year's day
merry by songs, dances, drinking and athletic
sports, his near neighbors, the Indians, were invit-
342
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ed to partake of his hospitality, and perhaps con-
tributed to the sports. At the close of the day,
target shooting was indulged in, and an old
squaw, wishing to exhibit her science in gunning,
begged the privilege of trying her skill, but be-
ing under the influence of " firewater," she
carelessly shot Bashsha, instead of the target.
He died soon after, regretting that, after passing
through several wars, he at last fell by the hand
of a drunken squaw.
Jacob, not liking the country, again shouldered
his gun and knapsack, and traveled down the
Susquehanna, and joined the German colony at
Tunkhannock, in Pennsylvania, where his de-
scendants still reside.
It will be seen that Johannes, or John, and
the widowed mother, were the only ones left of
the family. The former became a large land-
holder, and the progenitor of the present High
Dutch Becker family of Schoharie County,
whose numbers are almost legion. His children
were Johannes, Jr.. Jacob, HonYost, (Joseph,)
George, William, and Maria, (Mrs. John Werth,
of Schoharie.)
Johannes, Jr., was father of young Peter
Becker, of Carlisle, and Jacob was grand-
father of Austin and Gideon Becker, of Gallup-
ville. Joseph (Major) had two sons, Henryand
John. The former was father to Mrs. Rix War-
ner, of Cobleskill, and Mrs. Coats, and the
latter the father of Martinus, and Hon-
Yost, or Joseph, of Carlisle, David, Peter and
Mrs. William Posson. George's sons were
Peter Becker, (Old Peter) of Carlisle, William,
of Gallupville, and Jacob, of Peoria. William
died childless. He occupied the homestead.
The children settled upon lands the father pur-
chased in 1743, and became prosperous farmers
and true patriots. Near the time the Beckers
came, Johannes Schaeffer and his son Johannes
settled where William Schermerhorn now re-
sides, and in company with Johannes Becker,
purchased several thousand acres of land of
Johannes Lawyer and John Depeyster, in 1743,
upon which they located their children. Becker
and Schaeffer made a division of the same, on
the ist of December, 1763. These two men
became interested in several large tracts of land
in different sections, especially the one lying in
Carlisle and Cobleskill, east of Borst's, or "Dor-
lach patent," and designated as Becker's Pat-
ent, also of one thousand, two hundred and
forty-six acres, lying partly upon and to the west
of Barton Hill, purchased February 5, 1772.
About the year 1740, there settled upon the
farm now occupied by Christian Hilts, one
Jacob Zimmer, who became connected with
Johannes Lawyer, the second, in the purchase
of large tracts of land, and was, at one time, a
landed autocrat, being the possessor of at least
ten thousand acres.
He became addicted to intemperate habits,
and careless in business transactions, of which
his partners took advantage, and obtained an
assignment of all excepting a tract lying upon
and around the present Zimmer hill. His shrewd-
ness, only, saved it, which he divided among his
heirs, with whom he lived during the latter part
of his life. His sons were Adam, Peter, George
and William, whose great-grandchildren occupy
the land which he purchased at six-pence per
acre, nearly one century and one-half ago.
Having now referred to the three families
that first settled within the limits of the town,
we will cast a glance toward the advancement
made by them as pioneers in the year 1770.
We find the three had united and built a saw-
mill upon Alexander Zimmer's present farm and
tradition tells us the water-wheel was eight feet
in diameter and the crank of the pitman was
made of wood and it required two men to man-
ufacture them to keep the mill running as there
being a great deal of strain upon it, and the
wood being green, they would soon twist off. If
the stick from which it was hewn was tough, it
might possibly last one day, but usually one
half of that time.
HonYost Becker caught the spirit of im-
provement, undoubtedly, energetic, — and built
another near his house about the year 1765 and
he obtained an iron crank from Holland, which
was the first one used upon the stream. Soon
after he built a grist-mill in which he placed a
" sopus " stone, that proved to be the death of
his matrimonial calculations. He was to marry
one of the buxom girls of Schoharie as soon as
he returned from purchasing a mill-stone and
transacting other business down the Hudson
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
343
river. Having been delayed a few days beyond
the time, upon his arrival at home, he found his
intended bride had become the wife of another.
Without doubt Becker found his sopus mill-
stone far more profitable and staple than the
fickle minded bride. He built a large stone
house in after years, which still stands and is
now owned and occupied by Anthony Belong,
and which was occupied by the patriots of the
neighborhood as a fortress during their struggle
for liberty. Upon the door-lock is enstamped
1775, which without doubt is the date of the erec-
tion of the building. Becker was commissioned
Major of the Fifteenth Regiment and was in
command of the Lower or Stone Fort upon the
invasion of Johnson and Brant in 1780.
Sometime before the Revolution commenced,
John Dominick came from New York City and
settled in the eastern part of the town upon
the farm now occupied by Isaac I. Barber, and
caused no little commotion among his neighbors
and the community after a few years by his
peculiar religious tenets. He was, without
doubt, the first Methodist in these parts, and
owing to his deep interest in the Christian
cause, and the excitable nature of the
spirit that moved him, his neighbors and
acquaintances concluded he was bewitched,
and treated him accordingly — though not with
that severity to which the Puritans subjected the
unfortunate of their day. Dominick was taken
to Dr. Multer, of Schoharie, whose skill was in
the extermination of witches, in short, a witch
doctor. The Methodistical Dominick insisted
that he was not sick, nor possessed of witches
or devils, and would not take the medicine the
doctor prescribed. Multer was a large man,
and when a patient refused to take his medi-
cine, through the want of faith, or a knowledge
of the inconsistency of the case, he threw the
patient and poured his drugs down, contending
that the witches were to be overcome by force.
Dominick was thus served, and upon his closing
his teeth and throwing the medicine from his
mouth, the wise doctor concluded that the
witches refused his mode of treatment, and a
sound whipping was the only alternative. Poor
Dominick, though a stout man, was but a child in
the hands of Multer, and was forced to receive
a sound thrashing with hickory gads, that the
evil spirits might be frightened away long
enough for the doctor to get some of the medi-
cine down the patient. Dominick, upon being
released, concluded to leave the evil spirit
found with the doctor, and when the latter's
watchful eye was turned, he took to his heels
and wandered down to Breakabeen, where he
concealed himself for a while, and sent word to
his sons to take him home. Regardless of dis-
tasteful medicine, whippings, and the jeers of
the uncharitable, Dominick was still a Methodist,
and continued so to be until his death. He
was the leader of the first Methodist service in
the County, and for many years attended the
old Knox church, from which a pastor was sent
to preach in the school-house, in the present
district, Number One, long before the present
Methodist organization was formed.
His children were : —
John,
Francis,
George,
Peter,
Maria, (Mrs. Peter Schell,)
the children of whom love to relate the bewitch-
ing life of the Christian grandfather, whose
shouts of Hallelujah and Glory awoke distrust of
lunacy among the simple settlers, and brought
persecution upon him, to which his happy spirit
responded a fervent Amen !
Upon the surrender of Burgoyne quite a
colony of Hessians came to this town and
located south of the creek upon the hills and
became thrifty and industrious farmers, whose
descendants are still in possession of the lands.
Among them were the Nasholts, Derringers,
Sellers, Hiltzley, Spateholts, (originally Betholts,)
Shofelt and Keinholts. The latter, after settled
in Guilderland.
Having referred to the earliest settlers, we
will now consider the events of the Revolution-
ary war as they occurred within the limits of
the town, not forgetful of the fact that the set-
tlers were in independent circumstances through
their industrious and economical habits.
Nothing of a warlike nature occurred here
until the morning of July 26, 1782, the particu-
lars of which we draw from " Schoharie County
344
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and Border wars," whose author was conversant
with the patriots who were in the strife upon
that day. We are also indebted to Gideon
Becker a grandson of one of the actors, for loca-
tion of events and the free use of ancient docu-
ments to substantiate dates and traditions.
On that eventful morning a band of Indians
and Tories under the command of Adam
Crysler, numbering twenty-five sallied out from
Johannes Schaeffer's residence, where they had
lodged a few days, to that of Jacob Zimmer,
nearly two miles distant and somewhat obscured
from the main settlement, without being de-
tected by the neighbors.
Zimmer and his son Peter were not at home,
but the savage band found others to practice
their cruelty upon in the person of Jacob Jr.,
and a Hessian that worked for the family. The
former was tomahawked and scalped in the
presence of his wife and mother, and the latter
was killed a few rods from the buildings in a
brutish manner by crushing the skull with a
stone. Perhaps he was the first one attacked
and that method was adopted not to apprise
the family of their approach.
After setting fire to the house and barn they
turned their course back to the Becker neigh-
borhood. The barn was entirely consumed,
but the house being built of stone, the two Mrs.
Zimmers succeeded in extinguishing the fire.
Peter, another son, went to the Beckers upon an
errand that morning and upon his return was
met by the party who took him prisoner. Upon
his asking the leader if they saw his brother
Jacob, they replied they had left him home with
the women, but ere they ha-i marched to the
Becker house, he recognized his brother's bleed-
ing scalp dangling from an Indian's musket.
Upon nearing the Becker mansion which
stood where the old house now stands, the party
heard some one chopping, to the northeast of
the house and they slily approached, and found
John, the next oldest of the Becker sons, busily
engaged in clearing a spot for a wheat stack. It
being understood by the settlers that the enemy
was bent on destroying their harvest, which as-
sisted in the army supply, and to avoid it being
burned they usually built stacks in thickets out-
side of the regular paths, and John was that
morning engaged in preparing a spot for such
purposes.
They came upon him unawares and struck
him with a tomahawk upon the back of the
head driving the weapon to the brain, which
from appearances, instantly killed him. His
scalp was taken and they passed on towards the
house, near which were Jacob and William hoe-
ing corn. The latter saw the party approaching
in the thicket and cried "Indians!" upon which
both dropped their hoes and ran towards the
house. The Indians could have shot them both
but not wishing to alarm the neighborhood,
especially Major Becker of the present Delong
residence, they tried to catch them by cutting
off their retreat, but they both ran directly for
the bank of the creek, east of the house and in-
stead of running down the stream as one would
naturally expect, to gain the stone house of
Major Becker, they ran up along the steep
bank and hid. The Indians were close upon
them, but they eluded their search, owing, per-
haps to the thick underbrush that grew along
the bank, beneath the roots of which the water
ran, and under which they hid. At one time
Jacob could touch his pursuer's leg, but did not
feel disposed to gain his attention by so doing.
His heart throbs seemed to be loud enough to
be heard at quite a distance, but the savage
passed on over to an island that has long since
disappeared, and searched for them. Not find-
ing them he bent his course towards Major
Becker's as did the whole force, without molest-
ing the women who had hid near the cabbage
patch they were hoeing when the party made
their appearance, or setting fire to the buildings.
No doubt but the invasion was made for the
purpose of either taking Major Becker prisoner
or obtaining his scalp, and the greatest caution
was used in not apprising him of their presence.
The party were guided by a Tory neighbor,
whose intimacy with the Beckers and Zimmers
had been very close, both in a social and busi-
ness point of view and without any aggravating
interruption. It was but another example of
the treachery the human heart is capable of
practicing, when imaginary gain is to be en-
joyed, and we find that at no period in the his-
tory of our country, was the art practiced so
much as in the Revolutionary war.
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
345
Joseph and William remained concealed un-
til the savages passed on, when they went upon
the hill to the south of the house, and in an
open spot pulled their clothes off to dry them
in the sun, as they had lain partly in the water
when concealed.
They heard the firing at Major Becker's, and
moved on to the west to gain a ledge of rocks,
north of Shutter's corners, from which they
could look down upon the valley and witness
the result of the attack. Before gaining the
rocks, they heard the party approaching, and
William, thinking it to be the neighboring women
seeking safety by flight, came very near calling
to them, and would have done so, had not the
more discreet Jacob cautioned him. Soon the
whole force passed up the brook near them,
wending their way in the direction of the Cobles-
kill, not wishing to pass down Fox's creek
to the Schoharie, and then down, as they might
be met with a force from the Lower Fort. The
young men again started, after the party passed,
and from the rocks, saw the house still stand-
ing, and a few men close by. They drew near
cautiously, for fear there might be a few still lurk-
ing near, but upon close inspection, the brawny
form of Schell and Hutt, were recognized, when
they boldly joined them. The old house is still
standing, as before stated, although its general
appearance has been changed according to the
fancy or convenience of later occupants. J. R.
Simms says of its former design : —
" It had, at that period, a gambrel roof. A
hall passed through it from north to south, with
a door at each end. The house contained five
front and five rear windows, and at that time,
two chamber windows in the east gable end,
since altered.
"The upper part of the house was unfur-
nished, and all in one room, and the windows
were barricaded nearly to the top, with oak
plank, the front door was closed up with
plank, and the back door, then the only entrance
to the house, strengthened by a false door, also
of oak, to arrest the bullets of the enemy.
"Just before Crysler," continued the histor-
ian, "and his murderers arrived at Major
Becker's, Henry, his son, then nine years of age,
Jacob Zimmer, Jr., — nephew of the one mur-
dered— and several other boys about the same
age, had been a little distance southeast of the
house to drive hogs to a pasture.
" On their return, and when within ten or
fifteen rods of the house, one of the boys said
to the rest : ' See the riflemen over there ; they
are painted like the Indians!' The Schoharie
rangers, when on a scout, were clad much like
Indians, but young Becker instantly recog
nized the party to be a band of savages. A few
rods above the house was a small island contain-
ing perhaps an acre of ground, separated from
the bank southeast of the dwelling, by a deep
pool of stagnant water, over which had been
felled a tree. The enemy being upon the island,
had either to make a circuit, or cross the log,
which could only be done in single file. This
gave the boys a little start, and they ran to the
house shouting " Indians ! Indians ! "
" They could easily have been shot, as they
were but a few rods distant from the enemy, but
the latter still hoped to surprise a militia Major,
which would doubtless have been done, had not
the boys thus opportunely discovered their ap-
proach.
" Major Becker, who chanced to be engaged
back of the house, caught the alarm, and running
in seized his gun, entered the southwest room,
thrust it through a loop-hole above one of the
windows, and firtd upon the invaders, breaking
an Indian's arm.
" As the boys ran into the hall door, they en-
countered several children within, and all tum-
bled in a heap.
" Major Becker's wife, who was a woman of
the times, sprang to the plank door, which
fastened with a ring and bolt, drew it to, and
held it ajar with the bolt in her hand.
" John Hutt, as the enemy approached, was
at the western end of the house making a
whiffletree. Mrs. Becker continued to hold
the door open for Hutt, who took alarm
from the furious barking of three dogs belong-
ing to the inmates of the house, which had met
and were giving battle to the invaders, who
halted to shoot them. As Hutt neared the
door, a large Indian sprang to seize him ; but
the former raised the missile which he had re-
tained in his hand, in a threatening manner, the
346
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
latter recoiled, and he sprang into the door,
which was quickly bolted by Mrs. Becker. Had
not Mrs. Becker possessed great presence of
mind, and the dogs met the enemy, Hutt must
have either been slain or captured by them.
"The shot of the Major may also have
damped the ardor of the assailants. George
Schell, another Schoharie soldier, was for-
tunately in the house at the time, and assisted
in its defense.
" The inmates of the house consisting of the
three men named, Mrs. Becker, Mrs. Adam
Zimmer, possibly one or two other women, and
some eight or ten children, went upstairs. The
Major took his station at the southwest corner
window, which commanded the enemy's ap-
proach to his barn, assigned to Hutt the eastern
gable windows, and to Schell, the northwest
window opposite his own, which commanded
their approach to the mill, which stood a few
rods from the house upon the ground now
occupied by the raceway of the present mill.
The lower sash of the upper windows was also
secured by plank.
" The enemy immediately ran around the
eastern end of the house, and there gained
temporary shelter, some under the creek bank,
some behind a fence, and others behind a small
log building standing a little distance southeast
of the house, used as a sort of store-room. The
enemy fired numerous balls at the windows, twen-
ty-eight entering the window at which Hutt was
stationed. He was a bold, vigilant fellow, and
often incurred the censure of Major Becker for
exposing his person so much about the window,
telling him that the force of the enemy was
unknown, but their own was three men, the loss
of one being one-third of their strength. Hutt
however, could not be restrained by the prudent
counsels of the Major, and kept constantly
returning the shot of the enemy.
" Discovering through a crevice of the log
building the hat of one of his foes, Hutt sent a
bullet through the brim of it close to the crown.
This hat, it was afterwards ascertained, was on
the head of Captain Crysler.
"The balls of the enemy cut the air several
times around the head of Hutt like the fall of
hail in a hurricane, but fortunately without
injury.
"After continuing the attack for some time,
the enemy attempted to fire the building. They
placed a wheel-barrow under the water con-
ductor leading from the gutter at the northeast
corner of the house to within three or four feet
of the ground; and piling on combustibles set
them on fire which quickly communicated with
the wooden spout, and threatened the destruc-
tion of the building.
"It was impossible for the inmates of the
house to fire on their foes while applying the in-
cendiary torch without exposing themselves to
almost instant death, as some of the Indians
were constantly on the lookout for such an ex-
posure.
" As the flames began to ascend the gutter
towards the roof, Major Becker, who had no
inclination to be burned alive, set about forc-
ing off the corner of it with a piece of scantling,
which fortune placed in the chamber, while his
wife went into the cellar to procure water. On
entering the cellar she found an outside cellar
door upon the north side of the building stand-
ing wide open, where the enemy might have
entered had they gone to the other end of the
building, which they could have done without
danger.
"Fastening the door, and procuring a pail of
water, she returned to the chamber. For a
time the roof, which was nailed on with heavy
wrought nails as was the ancient custom, baf-
fled all the Major's efforts, but at length yielded
and he sank down almost exhausted.
"As the shingles fell to the ground the In-
dians gathered them up, exclaiming "Yok-wah"
Thank you! and added in the dialect, "we can
kindle it now" A hole being made, water was
thrown down and the fire extinguished. The
enemy soon had it blazing again with additional
combustibles but it was again put out and
again rekindled and put out, until the spout
had burned off above their reach, when they
abandoned further attempts to set the house on
fire. Supposing their firing would be heard at
the Lower Fort, some three miles distant, the
assailants took French leave of the premises
about nine o'clock. A. M., and buried them-
selves in the forest, having been about the
Becker house several hours."
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
347
Others living in the neighborhood fled to the
Lower Fort upon the beginning of the attack of
the stone house, and according to Simms,
Captain Brown, then in command, detailed
Lieutenant Snyder with a party to give the
Beckers relief, but they arrived after the enemy
had left. Simms farther says: —
"After the enemy retired from Beckers, the
supposed Indian whom Schell had shot, was
found to have fallen partly in the water and
was not dead. He was taken into the house
and Doctor Werth called to examine his wound,
who pronounced it mortal, the ball having
passed diagonally through the body at the
shoulders. The man was now discovered to be
a painted Tory instead of an Indian; and was
shortly after recognized to be Erkert, a Scotch
cooper, who had made flcur barrels for Major
Becker before the war. The Major, on making
the recognition, accused the Tory of ingrati-
tude. Said he, ' when you came to me for
work, I employed you, and always paid you
well; and now you come with a band of savages
to murder me and my family, plunder and burn
my buildings.'
"The man appeared penitent as certain death
was before him, expressing his sorrow for the
course he had taken, and said he did not care
which succeeded, King or Congress.
"He was scalped by a friendly Indian named
Yan (a son of David who was killed by the
Cavalry under Colonel Harper in 1777,) and on
the following morning he was summoned to the
bar of his Maker, to render an account for the
deeds done in the body."
John Snyder, known as Schoharie John, and
Peter Mann, of Fox's Creek were captured in the
morning by Crysler and party, as the former
were returning from Beaver Dam. Mann was
liberated at Kneiskern's dorf. The party passed
on to the Warner neighborhood in Cobleskill,
where they took George Warner, Jr., prisoner
as stated in Chapter XVIII.
Zimmer and Snyder were taken to Niagara,
the former returned on parole while the latter
enlisted in the British service to afford an op-
portunity to desert and return home as stated
by Author Simms.
We will here state, although it is contrary to
published history that this Schoharie John Sny-
der claimed the honor of killing the notorious
Seths Henry, after the war closed. While it is
firmly believed to be a fact by the family, we
cannot vouch for its truthfulness, yet will here
insert the tradition, as after the war closed many
boasts were made of doing this and that, which
had but little truth attached. It is said that
during the march from Fox's Creek to Canada,
after the attack upon the Becker house and cap-
ture of Snyder, Seths Henry incurred the displeas-
ure of Snyder by loading him with plunder and
abuse. After the war closed, Snyder and
several other men that became too lazy to labor,
were lounging around Zimmer's inn, when an
Indian and squaw were seen to approach from
the Beaver Dam road. Snyder recognized in him
the dreaded Seths Henry, yet upon question-
ing him, he pretended to be another man, but
after a few drinks, offered in a friendly manner,
the squaw became indignant towards her lord
and master for trying to disown his name, and
after a short time he acknowledged himself to
be the hated savage. Snyder and his fellows
freely treated him until he became sleepy drunk,
and while nodding in his chair in front of the
house, Snyder obtained a rope and making a
noose at one end, slipped it over the Indian's
head and around his neck, and he with his
helpers ran towards the creek dragging the un-
fortunate warrior roughly over the ground. Af-
ter beating him with clubs they threw him in
Fox's creek, and the water being high, he
was carried along by the current the length of
the rope, which was fastened to a log that span-
ned the stream. He was thus held until death
relieved him of the pains of vengeance, when
the rope was unloosened from the neck and the
body allowed to float down the stream. Some
distance below, a tree had fallen across the
creek against which brush and logs had floated
and formed a miniature dam, or rather seine,
through which only the water freely passed.
The body floated to it and sank, where it was
found after the water subsided. Murphy
through his biography, as has been seen, claimed
the pleasure of relieving the villain of a hated
existence by his unerring rifle, but we doubt very
much as to the wily savage being disposed of
in this manner.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
To show the treatment of the captives of that
eventful day of which we have narrated, to-
gether with George Warner, Jr., while on the
march to Niagara, we will still farther copy from
Simms' history as related to him by Warner
himself: —
"The second day after leaving Cobleskill the
whole party was obliged to subsist on horse-
flesh without bread or seasoning of any kind.
Warner, who communicated the facts to the
author, said he ate on the way to Niagara of a
deer, a wolf, a rattlesnake and a hen-hawk, but
without bread or salt. The two captives, War-
ner and Zimmer, were lightly bound and gener-
ally fared alike while on their journey.
" They had for some days contemplated mak-
ing an escape and complaining that they could
not travel on account of their cords, and they
were a little loosened, which favored their plan.
They concluded they ought, in justice, to com-
municate their intention to their fellow-prisoner,
although he was not bound, and give him a
chance to escape with them if he chose to em-
brace it. But a short time after their intention
was communicated to a third person, the con-
spirators for liberty were more firmly bound
than ever, and were afterwards continually
watched until they arrived at Niagara. Nights
they were pinioned so tight that they could not
get their hands together, and were secured by a
rope tied to a tree or pole, upon which rope an
Indian always laid down.
" The prisoners also passed on their way an-
other party of Indians, who were killing a pris-
oner in a singular manner. His captors had
tied his wrists together and drawn them over his
knees, after which a stick was passed under the
knees and over the wrists and a rope tied to it
between them and thrown over the limb of a
tree. His tormentors then drew him up a dis-
tance and let him fall by slacking the rope, con-
tinuing their hellish sport until the concussion
extinguished the vital spark."
Major Becker lived within the stone house
until his death, which occurred in 1806 at the
age of sixty-eight, leaving two sons, Henry and
John, who engaged in the mercantile and dis-
tilling business. In 1799 they purchased the
ground upon which the old stone walls now
stand at Shutter's Corners, and the year follow-
ing built the store. Upon it we find engraved
several names, among which is that of Ryer
Schermerhorn, the mason that built the walls.
It is to be regretted that the fire a few years
ago nearly destroyed the ancient walls.
Henry became one of the Assistant Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas of the County, and
was an upright business man. He rebuilt the
grist mill which still stands,about the year 1810.
While there are many of the Becker family liv-
ing in the town, there are none of the old class
left, they have passed away, yet they left a
worthy record of fidelity to country that is
proudly referred to by their grandchildren.
The widow of one of Jacob's sons, Mrs. John
Peter Becker, still survives, at the age of eighty-
five, with children around her with locks whit-
ened by the weight of years, and is still in the
vigor of her mental faculties, though somewhat
crippled physically. She was a daughter of Hon-
Yost Warner, of Warner Hill, and connected by
marriage with many of the old stock patriotic
families of the Schoharie settlements.
About the year 1800 Jacob Becker, Jr., built
a fulling mill upon the north side of the creek,
opposite the Belong residence, which was after-
ward purchased by Silas Brewster, and still later
by his son, Silas, Jr., who in turn sold to his
brother Allen, who removed it up the valley and
which is now owned and occupied by him. This
little hamlet was for many years the business
center of this part of the town of Schoharie and
drew a large trade from the Schoharie valley
and the hills surrounding. The Becker Brothers'
store was no common affair for those days, ad-
ded to which was the distillery and ashery, be-
side the fulling and flouring mills, making a
lively center.
The next settlement east, as we have already
mentioned, was in the present Barber neighbor-
hood, but no efforts were made to make a busi-
ness center. The settlers returned after the war,
and were farmers, but of no mean class, as we
find they were aware of the importance of ed-
ucation,'and encouraged the facilities to instruct
their children. As the founders of Yale College
assembled in 1700, and upon laying a few books
down, said: "I give these books for founding
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
349
a college in Connecticut," so the early settlers
of that neighborhood assembled and drew up
the following preamble and resolutions, on No-
vember 2, 1812 : —
"To promote literature and place the means
of knowledge, information, and the benefits
arising from well regulated society within the
reach of all. we, whose names are hereunto an-
nexed, do hereby form ourselves into a school
society, in order that we may adopt some rule
to govern ourselves by, for the continuance of a
school, and to secure the benefits flowing from
such an institution, we do hereby declare the
following articles permanently binding on all the
company : —
Article isf. There shall forever hereafter, be
two Trustees annually chosen on the first of Oc-
tober, in each year, for the purpose of engaging
preceptors, and see that they have their pay, and
likewise to call school meetings whenever they
deem it necessary.
Article zd. There shall be two Censors annu-
ally chosen, for the purpose of enquiring into
the abilities of any Teacher that may present
himself as such, and report their opinion respect-
ing his qualifications, to the Society at their meet-
ing. It shall likewise be the duty of the Censors
to visit the school at least once in a month, and
enquire into the progress made by the Scholars
in learning.
Article $d. Nine members shall constitute a
quorum to enact any by-laws for the better reg-
ulation of the society, not repugnant to this
constitution.
Article 4/A. Whenever a school meeting is
called and amended, they shall proceed regular-
ly to choose one chairman, and one secretary —
the chairman to have no vote on any question,
unless the house is equally divided. The busi-
ness of the secretary shall be to keep a record
of the proceedings in that meeting, to enter
them in a book kept for the purpose, and to
transmit them together with the book to his
successor in office ; likewise toread, if required,
all, or any part of the antecedent proceedings of
the Society.
Article s///. Whenever two or more members
shall feel themselves aggrieved, either by the
teacher or the officers of the society, they shall
apply to the Trustees, who shall call a school
meeting, in order to adjust the difficulty. And
if this constitution shall appear on trial to operate
harder on some than others, two-thirds of the
signers shall have power to amend it, or add a
new clause, and three-fourths of the members
shall have power to abolish it.
Signed by
Joseph Dennis,
John Wess, (by mark.)
Jehiel Babcock,
Henry Sloot,
William W. Zimmer,
Isaac Barber,
Robert Hurst, Jr.,
Isaac Lounsbury,
Joseph Hunting,
David Seabury,
Enoch Potter,
John Dominick, Jr.,
O. Scranton,
Henry Little."
A lease of the school-house lot, bearing date the
ist day of November, 1812, is with the records,
and stating the consideration to be five pepper-
corns yearly, for the rent of the lot. At a meeting
held in the school-house on the second day of
November, the same year, pursuant to notice
previously given, Isaac Lounsbury was chair-
man, and Isaac Barber, secretary. John Dom-
inick, Jr., and Joseph Hunting, were chosen
trustees, and William W. Zimmer, and Isaac
Barber, censors. The secretary was ordered, by a
resolution, to purchase a book for records, and
receive his pay.
On April i, 1837, a meeting was held arid a
resolution was passed to build a new school-
house, twenty by twenty-five feet, " the wall to
be two feet and one-half underground, and one
foot above ground on the lowest corner of the
wall, to be quarry -stone of Schoolcrafi's quarry ;"
also
" Resolved it to be built in a workmanlike
manner, and there be two hundred dollars
raised for purpose of building a school-house.'1
It is needless to remark here, that the char-
acter of that neighborhood is easily understood,
and that those men were, among the settlers of
35°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
that day, exceptions to the common class.
While other schools were formed, yet none with
the care and weight of interest as shown in the
foregoing articles. It was more like the found-
ing of a college than a simple common school.
In the foregoing list of signers to the school
proceedings, we find Joseph Hunting, who was
the progenitor of the present Hunting family
of the town. He settled here upon the farm
now occupied by his grandson, Ambrose Hunt-
ing, about the year 1785, and reared four sons,
John, Ira, Joseph, and Asa, who have been
identified with the interests of the town for
many years. Upon the list of supervisors we
find John Hunting in 1853, 1854, 1855, and
Ambrose R., in 1864, 1866, 1881, 1882, beside,
in the official list of the County the important
position of school commissioner was conferred
upon the latter two terms, whose successful
administration was undoubtedly an outgrowth
of the " school society " in which the grand-
father took such a deep interest.
GALLUPVILLE.
This village was named after the Gallup
family, that purchased the land npon which it
stands, about the year 1817. The Gallup family
were among the first settlers of Massachusetts,
in fact, of the " Pilgrim band," and according
to "Trumbull's History," were prominent
members of the Old Colony, (especially during
King Philip's war,) in a military point of view.
As the cry of " Westward ho ! " began, after
the Revolutionary struggle, two families settled
in this part of the country — Nathan at Beaver
Dam, Albany county, (the father of William H.
Gallup, formerly editor of the Schoharie Repub-
lican, and Almerin, ex-County clerk,) and Ezra
Gallup, Sr., at a later date, upon the farm now
owned by Benjamin Gallup. Ezra, Jr., a son,
purchased the village land and built a grist-mill
about the year 1819, where the present one
stands. He was a merchant and an energetic
man, and at once invited tradesmen to settle
upon his land, and gave them rare chances to
become successful. He would not allow two
of the same occupation to settle here, unless it
became strictly necessary. Not, at least, to
cause opposition, or a conflict in prices.
In 1825 the postoffice was established and he
received the appointment as Deputy, and was
that year elected Justice of the Peace, which
office he held to the year 1849. Owing to his
extended business, John Wheeler became a
partner in the mill, and it has been a valuable
property since its erection.
It has four run of stone which are driven by
a powerful wheel of seventy-five horse power,
and under the management of Alfred Zeh, the
present owner, is not excelled by a like enter-
prise in the County.
The first and only inn in the village was kept
by Paul Suttle. The present one was built
in 1872 by Weidman Dominick, and rented
yearly up to the present season, when it was pur-
chased by Peter Cullings.
Tannery. — The energy of Squire Gallup soon
brought Samuel Curren, a tanner and currier,
who established the present tannery about
the year 1825. He was succeeded by several
in turn among whom where Whipple & Mor-
gan, G. Conklin, Gordon & Lawrence, and in
1850 by Mathew Lampson. While the property
belonged to Conklin in 1840, the old building
was burned and the present one or a part of it
was built by him the season following. Mr.
Lampson carried on the business with the
greatest success of any of the proprietors that
preceded him. He was a very careful, sub-
stantial business man and amassed a fortune
with which he did a vast amount of good, and
endeared himself to all with whom he transacted
business, by his honest and unselfish demeanor.
The enterprise has added much to the business
of the village, and consequently to its growth,
especially the latter, under the management of
Charles Gorden, who built nearly all of the
houses upon Mill street, beside several others,
and caused the street to be laid out in place of
the old one, that ran near the creek.
Churches and Schools. — Business being estab-
lished upon a firm basis and a village assured,
efforts were made for the erection of a house of
worship. There being several denominations
represented in the place, it was first proposed to
erect a Union church, but the proposition did
not meet with favor.
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
35«
The Reformed Church was organized on the
5th of August, 1844, with the following offi-
cers : —
Elders: — John VV. Zimmer, Robert Forsyth,
Abraham Martin and John G. Zimmer.
Deacons: — Robert Coats, Jacob I. Devoe,
Adam Z. Settle and Henry Mattice.
The edifice was constructed of brick the
year following, with a stone basement, which
part was intended for an Academy.
The records of this organization are not com-
plete, a portion being lost which debars us from
giving a more extended account of the Society.
The pastors of this Society were : —
Paul Weidman,
E. S. Hammond,
N. Bogardus,
Lane,
J. M. Compton,
E. Vedder,
J. H. Kershaw,
William H. Carr. '
At the present time it has no settled pastor.
The Methodist Society held meetings in school
houses for many years previous to the building
of the church edifice at the village, but at what
time the organization was effected we are un-
able to learn. It is an early outgrowth of the
Knox church, and a monument of the religious
zeal of John Dominick, the bewitched victim.
It was removed to the village in June, 1844,
under the pastorate of E. Osborn. All of the
Methodist churches were supplied by circuit
preachers at that time, the circuit embracing
nearly the whole of the County — or at least as
much territory — running many times into other
counties, which made it laborious for the pastors,
and the meetings irregular. The pastors that
have officiated here are as follows: —
E. Osborn,
Ezra Strong,
Hiram Chase,
Manley Witherel,
C. E. Giddings,
J. W. Belknap,
A. McGilton,
G. C. Simmons,
W. Little,
W. R. Brown,
A. W. Garvin,
S. S. Ford,
W. H. L. Starks,
M. D. Mead,
D. T. Elliott,
H. Blanchard,
William H. L. Starks,
R. T. Wade,
H. Wright,
E. E. Taylor,
D. Brough,
S. W. demons,
J. Goodins,
T. D. Walker.
Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The records
of this society are in better condition than
those of others in the town, and we find the
organization was effected by Rev. G. A. Lint-
ner, May 6, 1854, although a preliminary
organization was made nearly two years previous,
and their house of worship erected in 1853. At
a meeting of the Brothers, held on the 6th of
May, 1854, when John Shafer was chairman,
and Ezra Brownell, secretary, it was
Resolved, That the society shall be known as
the " Evangelical Church of Gallupville."
The following were elected officers: —
Trustees:— Peter Schoolcraft, Ira Zeh, and
Ezra Brownell.
Elders:— John Shafer, John Miller, P. J.
Livingston.
Deacons : — P. J. Zeh, J. F. Schoolcraft, John
J. Shafer.
Treasurer : — Peter J. Zeh.
Clerk:— Egbert M. Gaige.
It was also
Resolved, That we call Rev. L. Swackhamer,
of Berne, as pastor.
The first Communion was celebrated on the
1 2th of August, 1854, with Rev. L. Swack-
hamer, officiating.
The following pastors have officiated : —
Rev. L. Swackhamer, 1854.
Rev. A. P. Ludding, 1855-1867.
Rev. Henry Keller, 1868-1872.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Rev. William P. Davis, 1872-1877.
Rev. J. R. Sikes, 1877, and present.
On the 29th of September, 1867, the con-
nection with the Berne society was annulled,
and since, it has been self-sustaining.
Temperance Society.— We find upon the
Methodist book of records, the preamble and
resolutions of a temperance society organized
at this place February 27, 1830, which is the
only old society that has left its records, that
have been accessible to us, and we find the
strictures to which the members were bound,
did not argue total abstinence, as now, as will
be seen in the following resolution, which is a
fair specimen of the by-laws : —
Resolved, That those members of this society
who use wine, cider, or beer to excess, shall be
dealt with in the same manner as if they were
ardent spirits.
A long litigation existed between this society
and the Reformed Church in regard to the use
of the church basement, which aroused a bitter
spirit among the members of each, that years
have not yet erased.
School.— As we have already mentioned, the
basement of the Reformed church was used as
an academy for several years, yet it was an acad-
emy only in name, and not by incorporation. It
was more of a select school, than now — for a few
years the enterprise was dormant but through
the energy of Dr. Houghtaling, Weidman
Dominick and others it was again revived and
has been under the tutorage of C. E. Markman,
of the town of Fulton for the past two years,
and is one of the first schools of the County.
Upon the building of the Albany and Scho-
harie plank road, it not passing through the old
village, a new one was started upon its line,
which has become connected with the old by
the building of residences, making a fine ad-
dition and improvement in the place. The
Wright House was erected by Austin Becker
for the accommodation of the traveling commu-
nity and during the gala days of the road did a
lucrative business.
Peter Feek the veteran wagon and carriage
maker carried on a large business here for many
yearsin the manufacture of those articles, and was
succeeded by John J. Dominick, who, in turn
was followed by the present occupant John Spate-
holts. This shop has the reputation of making
the best of work and has, since it was estab-
lished, manufactured a very large number of
carriages and sleighs yearly that find ready sale.
The south line of this town runs through a
neighborhood that has been for a long term of
years known as the "Dutch settlement," not
particularly because the settlers were Dutch
more than Germans but as they were both, the
people for the last fifty years have been — not
rightly— styled "Dutch." While "Dutch" are
Hollanders, the Germans are "High Dutch," and
the latter were referred to in that way by the
old settlers merely through the language they
used. Chief among the ancient families of
this place were the Hallenbecks who removed
from the "Camps" at a later date than the first
settlers of Schoharie. There were three sets of
Hallenbecks — one upon the Mohawk, one at
Weiser's dorf and the third here which extended
partly into Albany county. Undoubtedly the
three progenitors were related — perhaps broth-
ers.
We will here remark that several of the old
families of Middleburgh, Schoharie and Wright
were connected by marriage with the Weidmans
a very old and substantial family, from a place
called Berneswitzer in Germany and who settled
in Berne, Albany county and gave the name of
their paternal home to their settlement. Many
of the families of this town, removed from
Beaver Dam, once a very prominent settlement
of that town.
Hiram Walden. — We cannot pass without
referring to Hiram Walden, one of the most
prominent men of the town for many years, al-
though a quiet and unpretending man.
In 1836 he represented the County in the
Assembly with Alvin Wilkins, of Gilboa; and
the Twenty-first Congressional District, which
comprised Otsego and Schoharie, in Congress in
1849 and 1851, also the town upon the board
of Supervisors four terms, being the first elected
in the town of Wright. But few men were
better qualified than Mr. Walden for official
TOWN OF WRIGHT.
353
business or gained the confidence of his constit-
uents to a greater degree. He was many
years connected with the State militia and re-
ceived the appointment of Major-General of
the Sixteenth Division in May 1839, and proved
a very efficient officer. "Right" was his watch-
word in all transactions and whatever was en-
trusted to him was acted upon faithfully without
leaving a reproach. After a useful life he died
in June, 1880, at the age of eighty one.
SUPERVISORS.
1846 — Hiram Walden.
1847 — Hiram Walden.
1848— Hiram Walden.
1849 — Henry D. Rosekrans.
1850 — Henry D. Rosekrans.
1851 — Simeon Morgan.
1852 — Simeon Morgan.
1853 — John Hunting.
1854 — John Hunting.
1855 — John Hunting.
1856 — Peter Dominick.
1857 — Weidman Dominick.
1858 — Weidman Dominick.
1859 — Weidman Dominick.
1860 — Weidman Dominick.
1861 — James Plank.
1862 — Austin Becker.
1863 — Austin Becker.
1864 — Ambrose R. Hunting.
1865 — John J. Dominick.
1866— A. R. Hunting.
1867 — Peter Weidman.
1868— Hiram Walden.
1869 — Henry D. Rosekrans.
1870 — Henry D. Rosekrans.
1871 — Ira Zeh, resigned and John J. Dom-
inick appointed to fill vacancy.
1872 — John J. Dominick.
1873 — John J. Dominick.
1874 — John J. Dominick.
1875 — Peter Weidman.
1876 — Peter Weidman.
1877 — Chester Posson.
1878 — Samuel Davidson.
1879 — Samuel Davidson.
1880 — John J. Dominick.
1 88 1 — Ambrose R. Hunting.
1882 — Ambrose R. Hunting.
Statement of the aggregate valuation of the
town and amount of taxes levied and assessed
in 1880.
Assessed value of real estate. .$368,619.00
Assessed value of personal
property 69,500.00
Corrected value of real and
personal 488,475.00
Amount of town tax 1,165.85
County tax on town 2,665.83
State tax for schools 903-67
Amount State tax 92I-IS
Aggregate taxation 5.655-<>3
The tax rate in the town was .0125
The area of the town is 17,211 acres and
the number of names on the tax list three hund-
red and fifteen.
Merchants. — Upon the retirement of Ezra
Gallup from the mercantile business, George
Dominick succeeded him, whose contem-
porary for a while was a Mr. Lawrence ;
John Schoolcraft followed, and for several years
did a lucrative business, but at last removed to
Schoharie, C. H., and engaged in a hotel where
he died at an advanced age, and was known far
and near as " Uncle Johnny." From time to
time others located here, among whom were Da-
vid Zimmer, Sanford Marsellas, David Hilts,
Peter Becker & Son, and Wright & Giddings,
although they may not have followed in the order
given. The present merchants are, Jacob
Kelsh and O. F. Plank, the latter the present
postmaster, and the former acting justice of the
peace.
Physicians. — Upon the founding of the village,
Dr. Slade located here but removed and left
a vacancy which was filled by Doctors VanDyke
and Foster of Schoharie, the two leading pro-
fessionals of this part of the County at that day.
Dr. Darius Coy came about the year 1832
and was followed in a few years by Ira Zeh, who
formed a copartnership with his student the
present practicing, John Houghtaling, who upon
the dissolution of the connection, remained as
the only professional of the town, until two
years ago, when Dr. O. A. Snyder located, and
still remains.
354
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
FIRST SETTLERS OF BRUNNENDORF— SCHAEFFER
FAMILY AND NAME-RELICS FOUND-LUTHER-
AN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE— DOMINIE SOM-
MERS, AND OTHER PASTORS— DOCTOR LlNT-
VER— REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH — BAPTISM
OF GERSINA— CHURCH CONVERTED INTO A
pORT DOCTOR BUDD — COLONEL VROMAN'S
GRAVE — DAVID WILLIAMS' MONUMENT-
SIMON HOOSICK Mix— "POST Mix"— PETER
Mix — FIRST CLERK OF THE COUNTY — DR.
BRIGHAM— PHYSICIANS OF SCHOHARIE— CAP-
TAIN MANN— CAPTAIN SNYDER— TAVERNS-
PRESENT HOTELS- Fox's DORF— DIETZ FAM-
ILY—COLONEL WILLIAM DIETZ — WILLIAM
Fox AND SETTLERS OF Fox's DORF—
SMITH'S DORF— COURT HOUSE — GEORGE
TIFFANY— JACOB, JOHN, AND JOHN, Jr., GEB-
HARD — LAWYERS OF SCHOHARIE — LAWYER
FAMILY — GARLOCK'S DORF — JACOB VRO-
MAN DUANESBURGH TURNPIKE SAMUEL
SMITH- -O. H. WILLIAMS — J. G. CARYL—
STRUBACH MILL — VILLAGE AT DEPOT —
FIRST GRIST-MILL — CARDING MILL — DIS-
TILLERY— HUB FACTORY — WAGON MAKERS
— MARBLE WORKS — BUSINESS OF 1810 —
ENGAGEMENT AT FORT — SCHAEFFER HOUSE
AND FAMILY — INCIDENT AT GRIST-MILL —
JOHN INGOLD — BOUCK HOUSE, AND OTHER
BUILDINGS — BURNING OF COURT HOUSE —
GREAT FIRES — FOUNTAIN TOWN SCHOOL
HOUSE — SCHOHARIE ACADEMY — METHODIST
CHURCH AFRICAN CHURCH GEBHARD'S
CAVE — SCHOHARIE BRIDGE — FORMATION OF
TOWN — FIRST OFFICERS — SUPERVISORS —
LUTHERAN CEMETERY — COMMODORE HARD-
ING.
/"PHERE are spots upon which we may stand
and let our thoughts take freeer scope and
revert with greater ease and fondness back upon
the scenes of other days, as history and tradition
have painted them upon the retina of our minds.
Here beneath the refreshing shade of these
pines of the old Lutheran cemetery, we will
dwell upon the scenes of many years ago, when
giant oaks and pines covered nearly the whole
view before us, where those whose ashes lie
beneath us, and whose requiem the mourning
evergreens have so long sang, came in their
honest simplicity, to rear homes for themselves
and children, free from regal authority and
exactions. Year after year passed away ere
their vigorous strokes conquered the mighty
forest, and these-broad flats and lofty hills yielded
to them their virginity, and revealed a richness
that vied with nature's best.
Hendrick Schaeffer, Johannes Lawyer and
two sons, Johannes Jr., and Jacob Frederick,
Hendrick Conradt, Johannes Ingold, Hendrick
Haynes, Germans, mostly of the Palatine order,
settled here near the ledge of rocks about the
year 1718. Purchasing the land together, a
division was not made until the year 1753.
In three of the original " dorfs " the settlers
were in number seven. They first drew an
article of agreement for their lands, and then
received the deed, and after holding their pos-
session, perhaps until it became necessary to
divide with the children, a general division was
made, each individual deed receiving the signa-
tures of the whole. This settlement was dis-
tinguished from those above as " Brunnen-
dorf " or " Fountain Town," which (both
German and English) name was derived from
the springs that issue from the ledge, and es-
pecially from the one near the parsonage, whose
crystal fount still bubbles refreshing waters for
our use, as it did for those hardy pioneers, one
hundred and sixty years ago.
The dwelling lots were all to the west of the
cemetery, extending as far as the present farm
of Martin L. Schaeffer, that was settled by Hen-
drick Schaeffer. He was one of seven emigrants
of that name from Germany in 1710. Twoof
them, Hendrick and Johannes, settled here and
the remainder upon the Hudson and Mohawk.
The name was originally written Schaeffer and
Schaffer. At the present time, it is written in
various ways, according to the fancy of the
family.
TOWN OF SCHOHARIK.
355
Two families, whose children settled in
Cobleskill many years after this settlement, from
the Hudson, although cousins, varied in the
orthoepy of the name, by writing it Shafer and
Shaver, as will be seen by consulting the next
chapter.
But a few years ago Martin L. Schaeffer
was plowing a short distance back of his farm
buildings and turned up a portion of a fireplace
which was without doubt the spot upon which
the first Schaeffer settler's residence stood. Not
far from the fireplace was a small head stone,
with the initials and date,
ANO 1744 M. E. E.
From this Schaeffer family sprang those of
Breakabeen, Carlisle and Sharon.
By a map of " Fountain Town" bearing date
'753; now m possession of Henry Cady, we
find that the most easterly building in this dorf
was the Lutheran Church, a blue limestone
structure, the corner stone of which was laid on
the toth of May, 1750, and on the 6th of May
following, was dedicated. It stood upon the
ground now occupied as burial lots of Dr. George
A. Lintner and John Gebhard, the former hav-
ing been a resident pastor of the organization
for the term of thirty years, long after its found-
ers had crumbled to dust. At what time the or-
ganization was effected, the records do not show,
but undoubtedly soon after the settlement of
the valley was made, and before this little ' dorf"
was begun. The first vestry meeting was held
June 8, 1743, under the following officers: —
Abram Berg, elder; HendrickSchaefferand Peter
Lowenstien, deacons. It was resolved to erect
a parsonage for the minister, and a place of
worship for the congregation.
On the jd of July, following, sacrament was
administered to one hundred communicants,
and on the i2th of September, following, servi-
ces were held for the first time in the parsonage
and continued to be until the erection of the
church. The building still stands in the south-
west corner of the cemetery, in good repair, and
is the oldest one in the County.
Would that a reflection of the scene might
again be witnessed that here presented itself one
hundred and thirty -eight years ago, as Peter N.
Sommers and his uncouth yet sincere flock gath-
ered and knelt for the first time within those
walls before the throne of Him whom they so
anxiously desired to adore ; but that passed on
to the heart of their God to swell the effulgence
of his love.
" Previous to the building of the parsonage,"
Dr. Lintner says in the Lutheran Magazine of
1827, of which he was the editor, "the pioneers
of these settlements performed services by one
of their number reading approved" sermons, and
occasionally Dominie Berkemeier, of Loonen-
burgh (Athens-on-the-Hudson) preached to
them as they assembled in the most spacious
dwellings."
The records of the church have been care-
fully preserved, and were written originally in
High Dutch. The late Dr. Lintner translated
them to English, and upon the first page we
read: —
"In the name of the Holy Trinity."
" I, Peter Nicholas Sommers, from the city
of Hamburgh, received on the 7th day of the
month September, in the year 1742 the call as
Ev. Luth. Preacher in the congregation at Scho-
harie, authorized by the consistory at St. Tuni-
tatis at« London and ordained by the Rev. Jo-
hann George Palm for taking charge of said
congregation.
" I started from Hamburgh for London and
under God's almighty protection I arrived at
London on the 25th of Oct. Circumstances
prevented my setting out for New York and the
27th I started for Albany where I remained un-
till the 25th May. Then I went to Schoharie
where I on the first Sunday of Tunitatis preached
my introductory sermon. The Lord our God
be furthermore with me and my beloved congre-
gation that the great end of my arduous office
maybe accomplished that the name of the Lord
may be glorified. Amen."
Sommers' field of labor was wide, as he
preached in the Lutheran settlements of Stone
Arabia, Little Falls, Canajoharie, New Rhine-
beck, The Camps, Claverack, Loonenburgh,
Hoosick, Albany, Helleburgh, and as the coun-
try became cleared and settlements made, in
Cobleskill and Sharon. He was married to
35*
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Maria Keyser, of Stone Arabia, on the 26th of
May, 1744, by Dominie Berkemeier, and the
fruits of the marriage were ten children, among
whom were two pairs of twins. In the year
1768 he was taken suddenly blind and remained
so to the close of 1789. when one morning as he
awoke, his sight was restored. Upon calling his
faithful wife to his bedside, he exclaimed, " I
can see !" " What can you see ? " she asked.
" I can see the trees, you and everything." And
to the close of his life his sight was retained.
He died in the town of Sharon in the year
1795, aggd eighty-five years, and after many
years he was re-interred by the St. Paul's
Society but a few rods from the site of the
original church. During the Revolutionary war
the enemies of our country, of whom so much
reverence was not expected, spared the church
and parsonage, while nearly all other buildings
fell by the British and maddened Mohawk
torch.
As that struggle ceased and prosperity
dawned upon the once desolated settlement
contributions of money and material were made,
for the building of a new edifice, and, as the
ancient figures upon the belfry tell us, the
present brick church was erected in 1796.
In the foundation lie many of the stones of
the old church, and upon them are inscribed
the names of several of the donors.
The pastors of the church and the date of
locating are as follows : —
Rev. P. N. Sommers, 1743.
Rev. Anthony T. Braun, 1791.
Rev. Frederick H. Quitman, 1795.
Rev. Anthony T. Braun, 1799.
Rev. Augustus Wackenhagen, 1805.
Rev. John Molther, 1816.
Rev. George A. Lintner, 1819.
Rev. J. R. Keiser, 1850.
Rev. P:. Belfour, 1857.
Rev. J. H. Heck (present pastor), 1868.
We were pleased to find among the papers of
the antiquarian, John Gebhard, Jr., a receipt
given by Rev. Peter N. Sommers for his yearly
salary. The very affable article was written in
German, and upon translating it reads : —
" I gratefully acknowledge to have received
for my yearly Salary from my church Elders and
Deacons, Forty Pounds properly and duly paid.
Schoharie the 29th of May, 1745-
PETER N. SOMMERS, Pastor."
Perhaps it would be safe to say no minister
of this or any other church in the County, en-
deared himself to the people and churches of
all persuasions as did Dr. Lintner, whose pas-
torate, as will be observed, extended from 1819
to 1849. He was born in the town of Minden,
Montgomery county, N. Y., February 15, 1796,
and spent his early childhood at the homestead,
when at the age of ten years, he was sent to
Cooperstown to attend school. He early
entered Union College, and after graduating in
that institution commenced the study of theology
under the direction of Rev. Mr. Domeger, and
was licensed to preach by the Evangelical
Lutheran Ministerium of New York in Sep-
tember, 1818. In January, 1819, he accepted
a call from this church, and was installed June
1 6th, of that year. Rev. Edward Belfour, in a
memorial published soon after Dr. Lintner's
death, says : —
" He was the recognized leader of the young
men of his Synod, including Rev. Frederick
Schaeffer and H. N. Pohlman, in their manly
opposition to what he was wont to call the
Quitman Dynasty of Rationalism. But after a
time he and others became so dissatisfied with
the character of the old Synod, that he initiated
measures for the organization of a new Synod.
A convention was called at Schoharie in 1830,
and the result was the formation of the Hart-
wick Synod, of which he was chosen the first
president, an office which he often held and
graced in after years.
" In 1837, certain members of this Synod
withdrew and formed the Franckean Synod on
the widest latitudinarian basis. The movement
was thoroughly revolutionary, and led to vigor-
ous controversies, and even to contests in the
courts. Dr. Lintner led the Hartwick Synod
and successfully defended himself and associates.
* » * * * * »
" From the time of his resignation in 1849,
he was engaged in promoting the work of
foreign missions, of the American Bible Society,
a,nd of any other good cause which afforded him
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
357
an opportunity to do something for his Master.
He was editor of the I.it//i<-> an M<t;*azinf from
1827 to 1831, and contributed to various
religious publications, in which he was especially
earnest, and as in his sermons, almost bitter in
his opposition to the use of all intoxicating
liquors and wines.
l; He was a man of strong and determined
character; he seldom relinquished any purpose,
but clung to it most tenaciously until it was
accomplished, when that was possible. He
closed his eyes for the last time on the scenes
of this world, at two o'clock on the afternoon of
December 21, 1871."
In the Lutheran Afagazine of April, 1827. we
find, up to that date, 3,691 baptisms had been
performed, 778 marriages, and 722 confirma-
tions in the church since its organization. In
the year 1753, Rev. Gideon Hawley, the Indian
missionary, passed through this place, and in his
account of the journey, says : —
" In regard to Schoharry, it is fine land, and
settled by Palatines, brought over at the expense
of the nation, in Queen Anne's reign. Here are
three decent meeting houses and two Dominies,
the one a Calvinean, and the other a Lutheran.
The language of the people is German or High
Dutch, and they are husbandmen."
It has been supposed that the three meeting
houses referred to, were the parsonage, (which
had been used as such for eight years), the
church built in 1750, and the Calvinian, of
Weiser's dorf, or Middleburgh.
In speaking of Schoharie in those days, and
even down through and after the Revolution, all
the settlements in nearly the whole of the
County's present territory were included, as there
was not a special hamlet bearing the name.
Carrying the idea that the Reformed church
of Schoharie village was not built at that time,
it might be easily conjectured that the Weiser
church was included. But here lies a mistake ;
the Reformed church of this place stood at Fox's
dorf and was built at a much earlier date. The
first records were supposed to be lost or de-
stroyed by the burning of the old parsonage,
but they were not. The records comprised three
volumes ; the second was lost, and the first and
third are in existence.
We find upon the map of 1750, the church
pictured upon it, and find it stood east of the
Stone Fort, at the point of the second bend of
the creek above the iron bridge, upon a knoll
where two or three apple trees may now be seen.
The organization was effected about 1728, and
we believe the church was erected in 1736.
The general history of this church we have
studied, and cannot give it in any better or more
truthful light than the Rev. Sanford H. Cobb
did in a communication published in the Scho-
harie Union, February 9, 1871. He says : —
"«*•••"» One
thing which inquiry shows us will be looked on
by most as a discovery, is the fact that the
organization of the church as a society, ante-
dates the building of the Stone church nearly
fifty years. That building was erected in 1772,
as appears in numerous inscriptions on the walls
of the church. The church as an organized
body, with officers and members, was in exis-
tence in the year 1730. The last date is the
earliest found in the records of the consistorial
minutes. In that year, under date of December
3d, is recorded the appointment of Church offi-
cers, whose names may be here copied : —
Elders:—
Johannes Vedder,
Johannes Bekker.
Deacons : —
Samuel Hagedoorn,
Pietre Ziele.
" It would seem probable that the formation
or the church was a few years previous to that
date. In the first Treasurer's book an entry is
found under date of 1728.
" It is certain that, whether to a regularly
organized congregation or not, the gospel was
preached in this place and vicinity by ministers
connected with the Classis of Amsterdam, the
Holland Classis which had special charge over the
Dutch churches in America. Corwin's Manual
mentions Hendrik Hager as preaching at East
and West Camp, and at Schoharie between 1711
and 1717. The same book also mentions a
John Fredrich Hager who officiated * *
in 1720.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
<i« » * » The labors of Hager
were evidently of a missionary character, and
were succeeded by those of John Jacob Ehle,
whose field embraced Schoharie and the valley
of the Mohawk, from 1720 to 1750, and was,
subsequent to 1750, a missionary to the Mohawk
Indians. It is improbable that either of the
men mentioned above was actually a settled
pastor over the Schoharie Church.
" The work of Hager commenced the year
after the settlement of Schoharie, and the pres-
ence here of the two in a missionary capacity,
may account for the early establishment of the
Reformed Church in the Schoharie valley. The
name of the church organized probably between
1720 and 1730, was the Protestant Reformed
High Dutch Church of Schoharie.
* » * * * * *
" The first name which has a probable right
to be placed on the pastoral record of the
church, is that of Reinhardt Erickson. It is
signed at the bottom of a consistorial minute as
President of Consistory. His pastorate lasted
only one year, (1730-31). He was a man of con-
siderable prominence in his day in the church,
and very successful in his ministry at Schenec-
tady. He was suc-
ceeded in the Schoharie pastorate by George
Michael Weiss, or Weitzins, who was a native of
the Palatinate. His diploma from the University
of Heidelberg, and certificate of ordination are
engrossed in Latin on the Records of the Scho-
harie Church, together with the call made upon
him by the church, which is written in German.
He came to this country in 1725, and preached
in Pennsylvania to the Germans, and in 1731,
came to Schoharie, after a visit of a year in
Holland. He remained here until 1736, labor-
ing also in adjoining counties, and afterwards re-
turned to Pennsylvania, in which State he died
in 1762.
"Weiss was followed at Schoharie in 1736 by
Johannes Schuyler. Dominie Schuyler was the
first Dutch minister ordained in this country.
Previous to this date all ordinations had been
performed in Holland, but by express permission
of the Classis of Amsterdam, Dominies Erick-
son and Haeghoort were appointed to ordain
Schuyler. Schuyler immediately settled in Scho-
harie, and continued in the pastorate until
1755. Under this pastorate the church formally
ranged itself with the Dutch Reformed Church
— Dominie Schuyler, with his elders, taking
active part in those efforts to form an American
Ecclesiastical Judicatory, which afterwards re-
sulted in the formation of the General Synod.
Schuyler was twice pastor of this church.
" The first pastorate of nineteen years was be-
tween the dates just mentioned. From 1755
to 1766 he was settled over the churches of
Hackensack and Scraalenburgh, and in 1766
returned to Schoharie, joining to his second
pastorate here the ministry of Beaver Dam.
" This second pastorate lasted until his death
in 1778. It was during the last settlement of
Dominie Schuyler that the Old Stone Fort was
built. * * *
" Dominie Schuyler's name is cut in large let-
ters on the east wall of the old church, together
with the date, 1772, and his body was buried
beneath the pulpit. Thus, if tradition says cor-
rectly, the bones of Schoharie's best known pas-
tor have lain for a century, and their resting
place has, in these last years, been desecrated
by most profane uses. As the remains at once
of a pastor faithful and beloved, and of a patriot
animating his brethren in the Revolutionary
struggles, they have deserved a better treatment.
" The interval between the two pastorates of
Dominie Schuyler was nearly filled by the min-
istry of two others. The first of these was Jo-
hannes Mauritinus Goetchius, who labored here
from 1757 to 1760. His field here extended
over thirty miles. He was educated as a physi-
cian and afterward prepared for the ministry.
He left Schoharie for Shawangunk and New
Paltz, and died in 1771.
"He was succeeded in Schoharie in 1760 by
Abraham Rosenkrantz, about whom little can be
learned, save the dates of his various pastorates.
He remained here until 1765, when he settled
at Canajoharie, at which place he probably died
in 1794.
" The second pastorate of Dominie Schuyler
ended in 1779, and the church, owing doubtless
to the political disturbance and war, remained
vacant until 1785. In that year the church
called one William Schneyder, a student, to be
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
359
their pastor. He appeared before the General
Synod for examination and ordination, but fail-
ing to sustain a creditable examination, he was
not ordained, and requested and obtained per-
mission to study another year, and be examined
at the next meeting of Synod. Instead, how-
ever, of doing this, he solicited and obtained or-
dination from the German Reformed Church in
Pennsylvania, and settled in Schoharie. In the
next meeting of the Synod this irregular conduct
was noticed, and the Synod instructed the Classis
at Albany, to which the Schoharie church be-
longed, to call the church to account for settling
a minister disapproved by the Synod.
" The answer of the church was exceedingly
contumacious, in effect telling the Classis that
the church at Schoharie was competent to take
care of itself, did not desire any interference,
and wanted to have nothing further to do with
either Classis or Synod !
"From that date (1785) until 1820 the church
maintained itself entirely independent unless
indeed it may have had some quasi relation to
the German Coetus. It is impossible to answer
this and many other questions which spring up,
because of the loss of the consistorial minutes
between 1785 and 1820. The book which
contained them was destroyed by fire in the
kitchen of the second parsonage. The parish
register, however, is preserved, and gives a com-
plete record of marriages and births from 1731,
together with many historical notes interspersed
in the records. From this register most of the
dates in this paper are obtained. The pages of
the register covered by the pen of this Dominie
Schneyder are truly elegant specimens of pen-
man's skill. Schneyder remained but three
years, leaving Schoharie in 1788. He was suc-
ceeded by J. L. Brosffle, who preached both in
Schoharie and Canajoharie, terminating his min-
istry in the former charge about 1798. There
is difficulty in ascertaining the exact dates of
Brueffle's giving up the charge here and the in-
stituting of his successor. The more probable
solution is the date just given and the speedy
installation of J. D. Schaeffer.
" It is possible that the church was ministered
to by Rynier Van Ness for a while, though the
labors of that man were mainly at Middleburgh.
He may also have filled the vacancy from 1780
to 1785, though no mention is made of him in
the Schoharie church books. Under date of
1799 there occurs in the register a rather amus-
ing solitary note by a minister named J. J.
Kyermann, whether settled or not does not aj>-
pear. Beneath this entry is written in Latin,
and evidently in the handwriting of Dominie
Schaeffer, ' A vagabond unworthy of the name
of preacher or pastor.'
"Dominie Schjeffer's pastorate commenced
about 1798 or 1800, and continued until 1820,
within the memory of many now living among
us. At the conclusion of his ministry the church
was glad to give up its independent position,
and connect itself with the Classis of Montgom-
ery, from which and the Classis of Albany those
churches were afterwards set off, which consti-
tuted the Classis of Schoharie.
"The ministry of Paul Weidman com-
menced in 1820 and continued to 1836, fol-
lowed by that of J. M. Scribner, 1836-1839;
Samuel Robertson, 1839-1843; Ransford Wells,
1844-1857; E. Crispell, 1857-1863; S. H.
Cobb, 1863-1871 ; Edwin Vedder, 1871-1873;
William C. Handy, present pastor.
"The eastern portion of the congregation
was set apart in 1844 to form the church of
Gallupville.
" In the same year the Schoharie church oc-
cupied the new brick building in the Court
House village, and ceased to worship in the Old
Stone Church."
The land upon which the church was built
has been sold from the original "church lot,"
which contained fifteen acres.
There have been three different buildings used
as parsonages. The first stood near the creek
above the first bend, and the second where the
third was built and which is now occupied by
William Vroman.
Johannes Eckerson, brother of Major Ecker-
son, of Weiser's dorf, purchased the land of
Myndert Schuyler and conveyed it to the " High
Dutch Reformed Church" in 1752. We find
within the Old Fort the fact of his giving the
land, as also by the deed, to be found in the hands
ot Henry Cady. Within the walls of the old
36°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
church a daughter of Joseph Brant or Thayen-
danegea was christened "Gersina." In all
probability the chief and his squaw were on a
visit to the valley where the child was born, and
falling in with the customs of the whites, the
child was christened as soon as the mother
could attend church.
In 1772 the old church was razed to the
ground upon the completion of building the one
now called the " Stone Fort." The control of
the church was wafted to the hands of the Low
Dutch soon after the
Revolution, but at
present the descend-
ants of each unite as
one around the altar
reared so long ago by
their forefathers, and
we trust, with the
same honest, earnest
simplicity as charac-
terized them in their
worship of their God.
A new church was
built in the>eari845,
and the stone build-
ing was purchased by
the State, and for a
number of years used
as an arsenal, but not
being necessary for
that purpose, through
the efforts of Peter
Couchman, at that
time Member of As-
sembly, the State
deeded the property
to the County in
1872, and by a small appropriation by the board
of supervisors yearly, it is kept in repair.
We would here say further upon the subject
of the organization of the two churches here,
that both, in their time, suddenly appeared
here as a meteor in the heavens, full fledged,
without the usual church formalities of organi-
zation, and it is not at all probable there were
any. From vague sources we are led to think
the Lutherans organized at Hartman's dorf
before settling here, but he have not any proof
that could be relied upon.
THE OLD STONE FORT.
As hostilities between the Colonies and the
mother country became more desperate, and
the safety of the people in this section more
uncertain, in the fall of 1777 small block-
houses were built in the southeast and northeast
corners of the stone church, and the whole in
closed by pickets, and the house of God be-
came a fortress. Beneath its roof the inhabi-
tants of the surrounding country found safety
from the invasions of the Indians and Tories.
Many, many anxious nights were here passed
by those worried yet
determined patriots,
expecting each mo-
ment to look abroad
over these beautiful
flats and see their
homes fall by tlie
Mohawk's torch, and
hear the dying strug-
gles of their kinsmen
who dared to remain
upon their own
hearthstones.
As we approach
the Old Fort we can
but feel we are upon
hallowed ground —
ground bathed by
mothers tears, fath-
ers sweat and priva-
tion, and the blood
of noble sons, that
bespeak grandeur
and sublimity o f
character which will
resound to succeed-
ing generations.
Even these rough walls display that beauty which
polished marble fails to show, as the patriotic
deeds here enacted are reflected upon each
rough layer, making them emeralds in Freedom's
structure. Near by to the east lived Dr. Budd,
the delegate to the secret meeting in Albany in
1774, whose ashes lie in the Lutheran Cemetery,
beneath a marble slab bearing the inscription : —
"In memory of Doct. Daniel Budd, who departed
this life March 2oth, A. D. 1815, aged 65 years, 2
months and 18 days." Dr. Budd was a native
of New Jersey, and settled here about the year
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
36.
1770, and was, we believe, the first American
read physician in the County. He was a sur-
geon in the French war, and came to Schoharie
with the Schoharie company, under Captain
Hager, from Lake George. Some years previ-
ous to his death he built the house now occupied
by Paul Dietz, where he died, respected by all
who knew him as a skillful physician, enter-
prising inhabitant and true patriot.
Here within the yard in which the old fort
stands, lie many patriots. A small red sand
stone marks the spot that contains the ashes of
Colonel Peter Vroman and exhibits the "ingrat-
itude of Republics" in a manner too noticeable.
The graves of such unflinching soldiers should
be honored by more imposing looking monu-
ments. And here lie also the remains of David
Williams, one of the captors of Major Andre,
beneath an appropriate monument erected by
the State at an expense of two thousand dollars,
in 1876.
The remains were brought from Rensselaer-
ville, on the igth of July, escorted by a large
procession, and on the 23d of September, the
96th anniversary of Andre's capture, the
corner stone of the monument was placed and
an address delivered by Grenville Tremain, of
Albany, before an audience of several thousand
people.
Dr. Daniel Knower, whose energies were ex-
cited in the enterprise as a State Commissioner
to erect the monument, conceived the inscrip-
tions upon it which are on the east side, writ-
ten on a shield : —
"HERE RESTS THE REMAINS OF
DAVID WILLIAMS,
ONE OF THE CAPTORS OF
MAJOR ANDRE.
DIED IN SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
AUGUST 20, 1831,
AGED 76 YEARS, 6 MOS., 8 DAYS."
Underneath: —
"He with his compatriots, John Paulding and
Isaac Van Wart, on the 23d of September,
1780, arrested Major John Andre, and found
on his person treasonable papers in the hand-
writing of Gen. Benedict Arnold, who sought
by treachery to surrender the military post of
West Point into the hands of the enemy. In
resisting the great bribes of their prisoner for
his liberty, they showed their incorruptible I 'a
triotism, the American Army was saved, and
our beloved Country became free."
Upon the marble base is " David Williams,"
upon the north side a monogram of David Will-
iams ; within a circle below is, "Vincit Amor
Patria;," and beneath: —
" Gen. Washington's letter to the President
of Congress, October, 1780: ' The party that
took Major Andre acted in such a manner
as does them the highest honor and proves
them to be men of great virtue.'"
On the south side upon a shield is "Fidelity,"
and below : —
"By authority of Congress, in 1780, a silver
medal was voted to them, and presented to
the captors by Gen. Washington, at a dinner
to which he invited them while the army was
encamped near Ver Planck's Point."
Upon the west side is engraved upon a plain
shield : —
"NANCY BENEDICT,
WIFE OF
DAVID WILLIAMS.
DIED AUGUST 5, 1844, AGED 87 YRS.,
6 MOS., 8 D'YS.
And beneath : —
"This monument was erected by the State
of New York from an appropriation made in
the Centennial Year of 1876, by a bill intro-
duced by Senator W. C. Lament under th'e fol-
lowing State Commissioners :
"DANIEL KNOWER,
"RALPH BREWSTER,
"CHARLES HOLMES."
The monument is of Massachusetts marble,
having a granite base, upon which is placed a
marble block, the base of a shaft thirteen feet
in height— the whole being twenty-three feet
nine inches high.
Near by, to the northwest corner of the Fort,
is a plain, yet neat monument, to the memory of
Simon Hoosick Mix, who fell at the battle of
Petersburgh, on the isth of June, 1864. Mr.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Mix was born in Johnstown, N. Y., February
25, 1825, and was the son of Peter Mix, long
known as the editor and proprietor of the Sctio-
Itarie Patriot. At the age of thirteen Mr. Mix
published, in the office of his father, a small
paper called T/m Star, and in after years he
followed his parent in the publication of the
Patriot, which was subsequently changed to the
Sf/H'/iarie Union. His natural taste was for
literature, and the many productions from his
pen were able and pleasing, exhibiting a finer
expression of sentiment than is usually found
in the columns of the majority of country period-
icals. When the Rebellion commenced, Mr.
Mix volunteered his services to raise a regiment
of cavalry, but was opposed by the Secretary as
being a useless appendage to the army, but
through his plausible reasoning Mr. Mix was
commissioned to organize the regiment which
was called Van Allen's regiment, in honor of Gen-
eral VanAllen, a friend of Mr. Mix. Mr. Van Al-
len was commissioned Colonel, and Mr. Mix,
Lieutenant-Colonel. The regiment afterwards
was changed to the Third New York Cavalry,
and was in reality the first volunteer regiment of
Cavalry in service. Mix was promoted to Col-
onel, and was offered higher honors, but refused
them.
During 1862 and 1863, his regiment was the
only cavalry regiment at Newbern, and was
active in all skirmishes in that vicinity. He
participated in the actions at Little Wash-
ington, Goldsborough, Kingston, and Blantz
Mills, and drove the guerrillas from Hyde county,
during which act fifteen of a squad of thirty-five
men were slain in a swamp at the first fire.
In the fall of 1863 they were called to For-
tress Monroe, and were in the siege of Suffolk
by Longstreet, and as the Army of the James
advanced in the spring of 1864, his regiment
was sent to the front of Petersburgh, where they
arrived on the nth of May, under the com-
mand of General A. V. Kautz. The Army of the
Potomac arrived, and the advance upon the
rebel works was made on the I4th of June,
and lasted during the I5th and i6th.
The rebels had three lines of defense, the first
was taken, and upon the charge of the second,
on the I5th, Mix fell mortally wounded, at the
head of his regiment. The retirement of the
regiment from the charge brought the dead and
wounded in the hands of the rebels, among
whom was Colonel Mix, whose body was not
recovered, and this monument simply stands in
the family plat to commemorate his name and
deeds, and not to designate the spot which holds
his remains.
Colonel Mix was held in high esteem by the
men under his command, as an officer and
comrade, and by all who knew him as a true,
genial, whole-souled man, and in his death the
government lost one of her best officers and
bravest soldiers.
In honor of Colonel Mix, the veterans of the
late Rebellion, from the vicinity, many of whom
were in his regiment, organized Post Mix,
under the rules and regulations of the Grand
Army fraternity in 1868.
The charter members of the same were:—
T. J. Shannon,
P. S. Clark,
Cyrus Guffin,
E. Simmons,
C. C. Kromer,
R. W. Kinney,
W. Stocker,
S. W. Hollenbeck,
J. Maternagan,
C. Kniskern,
Edwin Shafer.
Peter Mix, the father of Colonel Mix, was a
native of Johnstown, Fulton county, and early
learned the printers' trade. He became the editor
and proprietor of The Montgomery Republican
in 1825, and continued the same until 1836,
when the office was burned and the paper dis-
continued. He removed to Schoharie village
and commenced the publication of 754* Scho-
harie Patriot in 1838, and there died.
Not far off lies the first Clerk of the County,
Joachim G. Staats, who died in 1801, at the age
of thirty years. He was a very good scholar,
to judge of his writings, and passed away at an
early age.
Beside him lies Dr. Origin Brigham, who died
on the 2d of August, 1816, aged fifty-nine years.
Doctors Budd and Brigham were here practicing
I
t-s, Jr. A few
.viil, win-
|r.
Fn. I
'
Budd, H
— I
Foster, James Crm
John I.
..hin a w -..mains o§
..min Pond, \--. stern
ly day, and marri>
-bram Bf
'iny, he \--.
i life
jf} prominence.
;ig the accurnulati that
: '
'
'
JOUI :
.
n. This .
-
•
that bui-
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ir blood."'-
•
'
across ti-
ner of war a:
1778
•
-
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Hi
-
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.
'
'
TOWN OF SCHOHARIF,
363
atone time, but the former came many years be-
fore the latter. Schoharie Village has had a long
list of physicians, and among them were several
of unusual skill.
The first practicing physician located in the
valley, we believe to have been James Lewis,
who was here as early as 1730, and closed his
career about 1750. One Thomas Yunk or
Young soon followed and died in 1770. Dur-
ing Young's time, Dr. Johannes Werth, a Ger-
man, settled and was succeeded by his son Jo-
hannes, Jr. A few of the old doctor's surgical
instruments are now in the possession of Tobias
Bouck, of Cobleskill, whose wife was a grand-
daughter of Johannes, Jr.
Following the above early physicians at Scho-
harie were Doctors Budd, Brigham, Cornelius
VanDyck, Joshua Crounse, P. S. Swart, David
Budd, Harman Van Dyck, Jacob Beakley, Lo-
renzo Hubbard, Lathrop, Justin Rice,
Joel Foster, James Crounse, Cornelius C. Van-
Dyck, John I. Swart, John Pindar, and the pres-
ent practicing physicians, Doctors Wm. S. Lay-
man, Norwood, Kingsley and Kilmer.
Within a very costly vault lie the remains of
Benjamin Pond, who came from some eastern
State at an early day, and married the daughter
of Abram Bergh. After many years of labor
and economy, he became the wealthiest man in
the County. But while riches guaranteed a life
of ease and prominence, disease claimed its vic-
tim and death its own, and Pond passed away,
leaving the accumulation of years behind, that
could not be transported " beyond." His son,
A. B. F. Pond, from 1861 to 1865, was editorand
publisher of The Schoharie Republican, whose
able columns exhibited ability that few country
journals are fortunate to possess, and which
many of the city periodicals would do well to
obtain. This cemetery at present belongs to an
association, and is being kept in commendable
order. Within its limits lie heroes of the three
wars that built, established and perpetuated one
of the grandest governmental structures the
world has ever known, and cemented each part
to the other by their blood and privations.
The settlement made here at an early day,
was known as Fox's dorf, and around it clus-
tered many scenes that were peculiar to the
Revolutionary struggle, of which we will make
mention before going back to consider facts re-
lating to Brunnen and Smith's dorfs.
Across the creek where Peter Vroman now
resides, stood the house of Captain George
Mann, who espoused the cause of the Crown
after receiving a commission in the Provincial
service. The old house was built with a stone
basement, in which was the bar-room and
kitchen, where whites, Indians and negroes as-
sembled and mixed promiscuously and plotted,
much to the detriment of the neighborhood's
safety. The upper part of the building was
brick to the eaves, and if memory serves us
aright, they projected through over the base-
ment, making what would be styled at the pres-
ent time a piazza.
The day of McDonald's flight, Mann sought
safety from the Provincials' grasp in the moun-
tain across the creek, and after secreting for
several months, he gave himself up to the
Colonial authorities, by whom he was kept as a
prisoner of war at Albany until the spring of
1778. His property was not confiscated, as his
acts had not been such as to make him a very
bitter enemy to the cause, and his allegiance to
the new government in after years atoned
in a measure for his rash conduct.
He was arrested in November, 1777, and
after lying in prison until spring, he wrote a
letter to Colonel Vroman and others praying
for them to intercede in his behalf, to be re-
leased from confinement, promising to divulge
everything he knew of the Tories' arrangements
and become a patriot. He was accordingly
released, and proved a true man in the Colonial
cause. After the war closed he removed to the
present hamlet of Warnerville, where he reared
a large and influential family.
Where Jacob Dietz now resides, lived Captain
Jacob Snyder, who was at the Stone Fort when
Johnson and Brant passed by. Mrs. Snyder
carried the rum around to the men, and when
the ball struck the eaves of the church, some of
the company cried fire ! She coolly dropped
the rum and ran in the tower to see where the
fire was. Not seeing any cause for alarm, she
resumed her task as if nothing had occurred.
The ball which lodged in the plate, was presented
364
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
to her in after years, but being often loaned, it
was finally lost from the family's knowledge. At
present no less than three balls in the possession
of different ones, are said to be the " identical."
Captain Snyder weighed out the rations to
the men in the fort with a pair of steelyards,
which are now in the possession of Philip
Snyder, a grandson of the Captain. The same
balances were used in 1812 for the same pur-
pose when the Schoharie Regiment rendez-
voused here.
Captain Snyder died in 1786, and his widow
married Philip Schuyler, who was boss workman
upon building the Stone Fort in 1772. Peter
M. Snyder, familiarly known as " Yankee
Pete," succeeded his father in the old home-
stead, and commenced keeping tavern in 1802.
In 1817 he built the house in which Jacob
Dietz now resides. When he was a boy his
father kept tavern and the language spoken by
the family and most everybody else that
frequented the place, was High Dutch, and
when business called a Yankee in thesevparts,
as it occasionally did, in the form of peddlers
and speculators, it became necessary to have
some one to communicate with them. Peter
M. was the chosen interpreter, and became as
proficient in the Yankee language as it was
possible for a High Dutch tongue, and there
being three Peter Snyders, Peter M. was ever
after called " Yankee Pete." His son, Philip,
succeeded him and continued the business for
several years. But the building of railroads
destroyed the profits of "tavern-keeping" on all
the turnpike roads, and this old stand was
promoted to a private dwelling.
Alluding to taverns, we might here notice them
entire as they were in " Ye olden time," and
particularly in the early part of the present cent-
ury.
Missionary Hawley, in his narrative of his
visit here in 1753, says:—
" And at dusk we arrived at the nearest house
between Fort Hunter and Schoharie (Kneis-
kern's Dorf), but did not put up until we came to
what was accounted a public house, but very unfit
for the entertainment of gentlemen strangers. It
had only one room, and in that room was a slaw-
bunk with a straw bed upon which we lodged.
This, however, was not the worst of it, for we
had been contented with coarse fare and ill ac-
commodations, in case we could have had quiet
rest, but the unhappiness of our case was that
it was at the end of the week, and to spend
their wages three or four old countrymen came
in and gamed and drank through the night,
within a foot of our bed. We remonstrated and
complained, but in vain. Having had broken
rest through the week, we needed balmy sleep
to refresh us, but of which we were denied."
Who was the keeper of the inn referred to
we are unable to say, but believe it to have been
one of the Lawyers. During the Revolution,
John I. Lawyer kept near the parsonage ; after-
wards Johannes Ingold, who was followed by his
son Johannes, Jr. So it will be seen during
the Revolution, there were two inns, Lawyer's
and Mann's, Previous to 1800, and a few years
after, John Ingold remained in the old stand,
while within the distance of two miles, no less
than nine sprang up like mushrooms, and at one
time were all doing a thriving business. We
will here give their locations and the prominent
keepers, but may not be correct as to the time.
There were four in the village. Chester Lasell
kept where the Parrott House now stands, and
Andrew Loucks where the late Peter Oster-
hout resided. The original tavern where Wood's'
Hotel now stands, was a wood building, and
kept by David Swart, afterwards by Abraham
Keyser, and was burned while occupied by Alex.
Vrooman, brother of Jacob. A brick structure
was placed in its stead by him. Some time after
the establishment of the taverns already men-
tioned, the residence of General Wm. Mann was
purchased by Sheriff Peter Osterhout, and con-
verted into a hotel, and after passing through
several hands, it was bought by John School-
craft, and for several years known as the "Man-
sion House." In 1868 the building was burned,
and upon its site stands " Union Block."
Further down, Christian Lawyer held forth
where the late Wm. Winter resided, and Peter
Vrooman could be found in the stone house
still standing upon the "Gardiner" farm.
Having thus alluded to the early taverns and
their numbers, we will copy from the town
records the inn keepers and the amount each
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
365
paid in 1805 for license. It must be remembered
the territory of the town was much larger than
at present.
The record says : — " the account of the
money Collected the ensuing year, of the
several Keepers of Inns and Taverns, the sums
as are annexed to each person's name respect-
ively, in conformity to the act entitled : An act
to lay a duty of Excise on Strong & Spirituous
Liquors, & to regulate Inns and Taverns: —
May 71
1805
Peter M. Snyder $5.00
John Young 5.00
Jacob Lawyer, Jr 5.00
John Herrick, Jr 5.00
David Lawyer, Jr 6.00
William Sloan, Jr 7.00
Daniel Hare 5.00
David Swart 7.00
Bartholomew Swart 6.00
Peter Kow S-oo
Christian Lawyer 5.50
John Rosekrans 5.00
Peter Vroman, Jr 5.00
Christopher Wetsel 5.00
John Brown, Jr 5.00
Jacob L. Lawyer 5.00
John Dominick, Jr 5.00
DeWalt Hilts 5.00
Jacob Snyder, Jr 5.00
Judah Burton 5.00
Josias Hager 6.00
Jacob W. Hilton 4.50
Joseph Wright 1.67
Total $118.67
We have placed before us, by Henry Cady,
a license bearing date 1811, given to Peter
Vrooman, " to keep an inn as it was necessary."
At the same time Cornelius Vrooman kept upon
the old Mann place. Yankee Pete came next,
while further on was Peter Mann ; still beyond
Jacob Snyder, cousin of Yankee Pete, held
forth where Smith Couch now resides.
In place of those nine inns, we have but three
whose spacious appearance exhibits the same
progression in that branch of business as we
find in everything else.
The first houses of entertainment were called
inns ; as they became more polished they were
called taverns, but at the present time, in ac-
cordance with their elevation in space and ap-
pearance, they are recognized as hotels, and
the three which are located here add much to
the appearance of the village.
Wood's Hotel is fitted to accommodate over
one hundred guests, while the Parrott House,
not to be excelled, finds ample space for nearly
double that number. The Taylor House is
upon a smaller scale, but pleasant surroundings
can be found within its walls.
Fox's dorf proper was upon the south side of
the creek, around the present " stone fort " and
the settlement upon the north side was not
made until a much later date. The lands lying
between the creek and Oarlock's dorf were not
purchased by actual settlers until 1771, when
Peter Mann, Johannes Ball, of Beaver Dam and
Akerof Canajoharie, purchased of Bleeker.
Aker sold his interest to William and John
Diet*, of Beaver Dam, sons of Johannes Dietz
who was massacred by the Indians in 1782, at
the latter place. William was a blacksmith, and
a true patriot, and settled nearly opposite of
William Dietz's present residence. He had four
sons, Peter, Philip, Abram and William, who
became prominent citizens and reared large
families, that have of late years dwindled down
to few in numbers, in comparison with other
old families. Two daughters followed the
custom of the day and married into the leading
families of Fountain Town and Kneiskern's dorf.
Maria married John Sidney, whose ancestor
was one of the seven of the latter settlement
under the name of Sidnic, and Christina united
with John Lawyer, and was perhaps considered
the "fortunate one" in those days, by becom-
ing connected with the land autocrats of the
country. The latter removed to Jefferson
county where their children still reside. Eva,
the only daughter of John Dietz, also be-
came interested in that family and married
Abraham Lawyer, the son of Johannes, the
large landholder.
Colonel William Dietz the youngest of the
four brothers became the leading politician of
366
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the County. He was a self-made man, receiv-
ing only the meager advantages of the district
school, but became a very good scholar for
those days and superior in business affairs.
Working in unison with William C. Bouck
under the " Albany Regency," a political clique
formed by the leaders of the Democratic party,
he made a successful career in which the charge
of official corruption was not made by his
opponents, with any foundation of truth.
Colonel Dietz was early promoted from one
office to another in the militia service, until he
was appointed Colonel. He was elected super-
visor of the town in 1812, and to the Assembly
in 1814 and 1815, with William C. Bouck, and
again in 1823 with Peter W. Snyder. In i825j
1826 and 1827 he was in Congress, and the
honor of State Senator was conferred upon him
successively in 1830, 1831, 1832 and 1833. It
will be seen that Colonel Dietz was a prominent
man and held responsible official positions.
He did avast amount of business in the settling
of estates, and was an honest, careful man, in
whom all had confidence. He was naturally
quiet and sought the society of neighbors and the
quiet of home to the publicity and extravagant
customs with which an official life is apt to
bring one in contact, After a useful life he died
at his home on the 24th of August, 1848, at the
age of eighty, leaving but one heir, David, who
also has passed away.
David's children were William, Mrs. Mer-
rill and Mrs. Boughton, of Schoharie and Mrs.
Judge John Mann, of Milwaukee, VVis. who are
the only heirs to perpetuate the name and
virtues of one of Schoharie's gifted sons.
The founder of Fox's dorf was one William
Fox, who for reasons unknown to the writer,
removed to Stone Arabia, then a part of Pala-
tine, with several others about the year 1755 or
1760, where his descendants may still be found.
In the beginning of the century his grandson
removed to the town of Sharon, where he died
in 1816 leaving a family of four sons, two of
whom are still living at advanced ages bearing
the impress of the early settlers, in form, muscle
and longevity. The Snyder family we believe
to be the only one of the original settlers of
this dorf still remaining. There were the Akers,
Funks, Werths, Kobells, Stahls, (Stalls) Mancks,
(Monks) Hogebooms and perhaps many
others in this settlement, but about the time
Fox, the leader removed, they scattered here
and there and gave place to others. The
Beckers of the High Dutch branch and Zimmers
were of a later date, and settled farther up the
creek, but a few years previous to and after the
Revolution they were owners of property in and
around the dorf.
In the early settlement of this place four
dorfs were located within the distance of two
and one half miles, — Brunnen, Fox's, Smith's
and Oarlock's.
Having located the two former, the third was
pleasantly situated where the railroad depot
now stands.
By the divisions made upon the map before
alluded to, there were but seven residents here
in the first settlement. The map shows a space
of land along the creek unoccupied. All of
the lots in this dorf of value, were divided into
seven parts, that each resident might stand equal
with the others.
When the lands were bought, upon which the
separate settlements were made, they were pur-
chased by all together, and remained undivided
many years ; perhaps until the marriage of chil-
dren requiring means to start in life, compelled
the parents to know what belonged to them in-
dividually. The papers relating to Fox's and
Smith's dorfs are not to be found, and without
doubt are lost forever, leaving us in the dark as
to their true history. But we are inclined to
think the Fox settlement was made a short
time prior to Brunnen dorf about the year
1715 or 1717.
The founder or List-master of Smith's dorf
was Johannes George Smith, who was under
John Peter Kneiskern while at the Camps, and
upon the Canadian expedition in 1711. When
excavations were made for the foundation of
the engine house, several skulls and other bones
were found, which leads us to believe it to have
been the burial ground of the dorf.
Opposite of this settlement near the creek,
was an Indian encampment, but of what tribe
and numbers, appearance and customs, we are
unable to tell.
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
367
Before the Court House was built, the road
running through Fountain Town, ran from house
to house near the ledge of rocks as it was made
in the beginning of the settlement.
When the question of locating the Court
House was agitated, the people of the settle-
ment promised to give the lands to the County
for a site, and when it was established and
built (1800), the road was changed to its present
position. When this County was formed in
1795, not having a Court House, all business
was transacted at "the house of Johannes In-
gold." With the exception of holding Courts
and meetings of the Board of Supervisors, the
busiest part of the town was at Fox's dorf, and
at this place the aristocratic portion of the town
settled.
After the close of the Revolution, Colonel
Peter Vrooman, having his building burnt in
Vroomansland by the Indians, purchased the old
mill standing here (built about 1760) and built
the dwelling now occupied by Samuel Stevens.
Beside Dr. Budd, the Dietz family were to be
found near.
About 1790 George Tiffany, a native of New
Hampshire, came and settled in the old High
Dutch parsonage as a residence. His office
was in one end of the piazza of George Mann's
tavern. Here Gen. Thomas Lawyer studied
the profession. He married Tiffany's sister
after settling at Lawyersville. Tiffany repre-
sented this district in the State Senate in 1803,
1804, 1805, 1806, and was a well qualified law-
yer, whom the Schoharie County bar may look
back upon with pride. Tiffany was followed in
1794, by Jacob Gebhard, of Claverack, Colum-
bia county. They were the only lawyers by pro-
fession in the place for a number of years.
Jacob's brother John came and studied with
him, and these two are the progenitors of the
present Gebhard family of Schoharie County.
Prominent among them is John Gebhard, Jr.,
still living. He was born in Schoharie in 1802,
and received a limited education in the schools
of the place. Possessing an enquiring mind and
being fond of reading, he has acquired much
through his exertions that the schools he attended
could not inculcate.
He was elected to the County Clerkship in
1828, and held the office two terms. In 1846
he was delegate to the Third Constitutional State
Convention with ex-Governor William C. Bouck.
The latter did not vote for its adoption in the
Convention, while Mr. Gebhard voted in the
affirmative. In 1849 he was appointed Curator
of the State Cabinet, which position he held to
the year 1856. Mr. Gebhard was for many
years a justice of the peace, and has spent over
sixty years in the study of geology. His cabi-
net was purchased by the State a few years ago,
and placed in the Geological rooms at Albany,
adding much to the attraction of the latter.
George Tiffany removed to Canada and died
at Ancaster, province of Ontario, in 1842, aged
seventy-six,, leaving no heir to perpetuate his
name.
Following Tiffany and Gebhard as lawyers,
came Peter W. Quackenboss, Cornelius E. Yates,
John Cuyler, John Gebhard, Isaac Hall Tiffany,
Hermanus Bouck, Elias Halliday and Henry
Hamilton before the year 1815. They were
gentlemen of marked 'abilities, whose legal
careers were such as would cope with any in the
State — especially that of Henry Hamilton. Mr.
Hamilton came from Herkimer county as a
school teacher, and studied law with Tiffany.
In 1818 he was appointed District Attorney,
being the first one ever holding that office in
the County, and which he held creditably to
himself and satisfactorily to the people until the
year 1821. In the year 1832 he received the
appointment of Surrogate which office he held
two years. Mr. Hamilton married the daugh-
ter of David Lawyer, and once formed a part-
nership with Jacob Houck, Jr., and afterwards
with Charles Goodyear. In the " Stone Fort "
cemetery stands a plain marble shaft bearing
the dreaded conclusion of every one's life : —
" DIED JUNE IST, 1846.
AGED 58."
General William Mann was the next who es-
tablished an office here, and was soon followed
by Jacob Houck, Jr., from Catskill (1827).
The same year Charles Goodyear, of Law-
yersville, after graduating at Union College and
studying with Henry Hamilton, was admitted to
practice, and opened an office in that of Ham-
ilton. Being a careful, earnest worker, he soon
368
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
established a reputation that equalled any of
his predecessors in his profession, and was called
upon by the people to represent them in the
Assembly in 1840, and in Congress in 1845 and
1847— also in 1865,1867. In 1848 Governor
Young appointed him Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas. Upon the organization of the
Schoharie Bank in 1852, Mr. Goodyear was
elected President, which position he held to with-
in a short time previous to his removal to the
South in 1868. Mr. Goodyear was unfortunate
in a financial point of view, during the insane
speculations that followed the Civil war, and to
sustain that honor which years of fair and hon-
est dealing had obtained, his ample fortune was
sacrificed, and he removed to Charlottesville, Va.
There his legal qualifications were again appre-
ciated, and he was placed in the Judicial chair,
and tendered other positions which he felt com-
pelled to refuse. On the gth of April, 1876, he
died at his Southern home, in the seventy-
second year of his age.
Next in order came Wm. H. Davis, Wm. A.
Sternbergh, Ralph Brewster, Joseph Mackey,
Robert C. Martin, Nathan P. Hinman, Almerin
Gallup, Hobart Krum, Stephen L. Mayham,
(see Blenheim), N. L. F. Bachman, Chauncey
Hinman, John B. Grant, B. M. Handy, F. M.
Mayham, C. L. Bailey, and Wilfred Thomas.
The last ten, together with Mr. Brewster, are at
present residents of the village, and form, as did
their predecessors, a staff of lawyers, whose
• abilities have often been admired by different
courts. Several of the gentlemen named, be-
side Tiffany, Hamilton and Goodyear, have held
official honors, as will be seen by consulting the
Civil List of the County.
We find upon the map of 1750, that two fam-
ilies by the name of Lawyer were residents here
at that date, and the question that has puzzled
the Lawyer family for years has been, "To what
branch do I belong ? " All hold direct relation-
ship to Johannes, the great land-holder; but
who was he ? Was he the first Lawyer that set-
tled in the valley, or was he a son of the first ?
We have the wills of the three Johannes Law-
yers, that followed each other in succession,
giving the names of the children, and in com-
paring them with other records, we find that we
have the lineage correct. It is evident that the
first and only man by that name in America,
settled in the Schoharie valley. The family has
become numerous, extending over the whole
United States, and all trace their lineage to the
Lawyer of Schoharie. The progenitor of the
family was Johannes Lawyer, a merchant of New
York City, who came here as an Indian trader,
and was commissioned to survey and do busi-
ness for the Germans. The first notice of him
in the valley, was in 1720. He was a German,
coming from some place along the Rhine, and
emigrated about the year 1710. Hesettledtwo
of his sons — Johannes, Jr., near the old parson-
age, and Jacob Frederick, upon the Seller place,
about the year 1718. After a few years he set-
tled with Jacob Frederick and kept store, and
died sometime between 1 760, the date of his
will, and 1765, the proving of it. He was
buried in the Lutheran cemetery. He was a
practical surveyor.
His will states that he was a merchant, and
had five children, namely : — Johannes, Jacob
Frederick, Lawrence, Elizabeth and Sophia. At
the writing of the will Sophia was dead, and her
children by her two husbands, "Jost Bellinger
and Christian Ziele," were to share the mother's
portion. Elizabeth married Marcus Rickert,
and upon his decease, Hendrick Haynes, whom
we find, by the old map, was settled between
Johannes and Jacob Frederick. Haynes after-
ward settled in the present town of Seward.
The will gave each one of his children " one-
fifth part of his estate, both real and personal,"
without stating any real estate in particular.
His wife was then living and enjoyed the whole
until death. Johannes received his surveyor's
utensils. The will was witnessed by Peter N.
Sommers, Johannes Schaeffer, and Frank Otto.
Upon the death of this man, tradition says, the
people of the surrounding country assembled
and had a gala day. Casks of liquor and tobac-
co were freely rolled out for the occasion, as was
the custom in those days at funerals. Johan-
nes, the son, followed his father as surveyor, and
became a large land-holder, owning at one time
thirty-six thousand acres of land, principally in
the present territory of the County. No doubt
he received a good start from his father, and
perhaps purchased considerably before his
father's death. He was a very careful business
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
369
man, and like his father before him, married
twice. His first wife was a daughter of
Adam Vrorrian, zd, and Christina Sternbergh,
and their children, were as follows : —
Catharine, (Mrs. Abram Strubach) ; Kli/a-
beth, (Mrs. Adam Ziele) ; Maria, (Mrs. Gen-
eral Bartholomew Swart) ; Rebecca, (Mrs. Dr.
Budd) ; Lambert, of Cobleskill, (married Cath-
arine Lawyer) ; Jacob, (married Nancy Mann);
Abraham, (married Eva Dietz) ; Johannes, the
3d, (married Angelica Swart) ; David, (mariied
Christina Sternbergh) ; Christian, (married
Catharine Snyder) ; Henry, (married Catharine
Sternbergh); Peter, (married Nancy C. Bergh).
Jacob Frederick's (the ist) children were as
follows : —
Johannes, (the third large landowner) ; Law-
rence, of Cobleskill ; Catharine, (Mrs. Lambert
Lawyer, of Cobleskill); Jacob ; Nicholas; David;
Elizabeth, (Mrs. Lambert Sternbergh, Jr.).
Lawrence's (the ist) children were as fol-
lows : —
Johannes Jacob, (father of Mrs. Governor
Bonck) ; Jacob, (Little Jacob, so-called, whose
widow is still living with her son, Elijah Law-
yer) ; Lawrence and John L., the Ensign of the
Revolution, (whose son, Samuel, of Crysler's
Hook, was succeeded by the late John S. Law-
yer) ; and Mrs. Lawrence Lawyer, of Cobles-
kill.
Having given the line of the first and second
generation, we will follow Johannes the 3d, in a
direct line, who settled upon the Lasell place,
and was not a large landowner. His children
were as follows : —
John I., (married Ruth Allen, of Catskill) ;
Gertrude, (Mrs. Judge William Fletcher, of
Detroit) ; Maria, (Mrs. Harmonus Bouck) ;
Susan, (Mrs. Samuel Lawyer, of Crysler's Hook);
Christina, (Mrs. John Armstrong, afterwards
Mrs. Derick Van Vechten); Sarah, (Mrs. John
Peek, afterwards Mrs. DeFrate).
Johannes' (the son of the first Jacob Freder-
ick, and the third large landowner,) children
were as follows: —
Adam, Jacob Frederick, John I. I., Thomas,
of Lawyersville, Anna, Rebecca, Eva and Wil-
helmina.
When Johannes, the 2d, received his rents
and installments, it was the custom of the whole
family to assemble and have a general time of
feasting. A dividend was made, and each re-
ceived their share, little caring for the splendor
their income might grant them. We might
here state, in part, to prove that the second
Johannes was the large landholder ; that nearly
all of the purchases were made after the death
of the first Johannes. The lot of land lying in
Cobleskill, granted to Jacob Borst and Lawyer,
and one in. Seward, bearing the date of
1752 and 1761, were two exceptions. The
large tract to the east of Schoharie was granted
in 1768, also the one lying to the west of Morris
and Coeymans, at Central Bridge, as the gov-
ernment did not allow any one person to "take
up" more than one thousand acres. Lawyer
formed a partnership with thirty-six different
men, and after receiving the grants, he pur-
chased their interest at a nominal sum. One
Zimmer was interested in many of the grants
with Lawyer, and sold out to him for one
thousand acres, which lay upon and around the
present elevation that bears the name of "Zim-
mer Hill."
In 1796 Jabez W. Throop came from Con-
necticut, and worked as a mechanic until the
year 1800, when he commenced upon a very
limited scale, to " keep store." By careful and
honest dealing he established a trade that is
still retained by his son, O. B. Throop, after a
lapse of seventy-nine years. It is an example
of perseverance and stability in business that is
very seldom witnessed or experienced. Through
all the changes that have been brought about
within that time — financial reverses of less and
more pretentious concerns, and brighter pros-
pects of gain in other places — this house has
kept steadily on, outliving the long list of those
we have mentioned, upon the same ground that
the humble store of 1800 was built.
Another former merchant of the place de-
serves mention.^ Peter Osterhout, Sr., came to
Schoharie about the year 1820, and commenced
upon a limited capital. By strict attention to
business and honest dealing he soon enlarged
his stock and trade, and became, as did Mr.
Throop, one of the leading merchants of the
County. It was thought for many years, that
37°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
an article that could not be found at either
Osterhout's or Throop's, was not to be found
anywhere. Mr. Osterhout died on the 8th of
March, 1872, at the advanced age of eighty-two.
A correspondent of the Schoharie Republican
and former resident of the village, communi-
cated the following in addition to the foregoing.
He says : —
" In all probability I have forgotten the names
of some, but I call to mind the following :—
Nicholas Bouck, Rice Orcutt, John G. Gebhard,
Jr., Almerin Gallup, Petherel Millspaugh, Peter
Mesick, Simeon Deyo, James France ; all the
foregoing keeping what is known as a "general
assortment." John I. Lawyer, (hardware);
Warren S. Gates, (stoves and tinware) ; Abram
A. Keyser, (stoves and tinware) ; George Law-
rence, (groceries and liquors) ; Lewis A. Butler,
(clocks and jewelry); Mr. Willard, from Cats-
kill, (clocks, &c). The following firm names,
from the single names just given were well
known in their day: Bouck & Orcutt, Geb-
hard & Orcutt, Orcutt & France, Millspaugh,
Mesick & Co.
" I also called to mind the name of Charles
Vogel, (hardware, tin, &c.) His father, Freder-
ick Vogel, who was a watch and clock maker,
may have kept a small jewelry store. It is but
half a score of years when William O. Root,
kept clocks, jewelry, stationery, &c. Washing-
ton Throop, brother of Origin B. Throop was
in copartnership with his father, Jabez W.
Throop.
" I have an indefinite recollection as to hav-
ing heard that a Mr. Peter Bunker was in trade
way back to forty-five or fifty years ago ; and
that Mr. Bunker was a foundling brought up
and raised by Harmanus Bouck, whose daughter
he afterwards married. Rice Orcutt married
another daughter of Harmanus Bouck. Nich-
olas Bouck, a son of Harmanus, and Rice Or-
cutt constituted the firm of Bouck & Orcutt,
above named. Before the dissolution of the
firm Nicholas Bouck, as one of the firm of
Bouck & Barnes, engaged in the wholesale dry
goods business in the city of New York. Nich-
olas Bouck's first marriage was with Ann Lint-
ner, a sister of the late Rev. Dr. George A.
Lintner, whom the writer remembers as a
bright, cheerful young woman, always happy in
making the little folks happy. After the death
of his first wife Mr. Bouck married Sarah Wor-
cester, a graduate of the Albany Female
Academy and the first Preceptress of Scho-
harie Academy, a most accomplished and re-
fined lady. She was a sister of Mr. Worcester,
who has long been the Treasurer of the New
York Central Railroad Company. Mr. Bouck
having died, his widow married John C. Wright,
for many years First Judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas of Schoharie County ; afterwards
State Senator (four years) and subsequently
(1851) elected Comptroller of the State.
" Among the head clerks whom I call to mind,
and who were in reality the managers of super-
intendents for their principals, were Mr. Jeptha
R. Simms, (Mr. Roscoe speaks of him as
principal, and possibly he was,) a most affable
and courteous gentleman, who must have con-
trolled a large trade, Mr. Orrin Kibbe, (many
years with Peter Osterhout, Sr.,) a Mr. Best,
(with Millspaugh, Mesick & Co.,) a very reliable
man and the father of Mr. Jacob H. Settle's
wife, and Messrs. Elijah Lawyer and William
Osterhout (with Almerin Gallup)."
GarlocKs dor/. — Some time after the settle-
ment of Weiser's and Hartman's dorf, and per-
haps the time Fox's settlement was made,
another hamlet sprang up where Jacob Vroo-
man now resides, known as Garlock's dorf.
It has been stated that Elias Garlock was the
head man, and that he was a " List-master " at
the Camps. The List-master at the Camps was
John Christopher Garlock, and not Elias — un-
doubtedly Elias was Christopher's son. The
farm upon which Elias Garlock settled (Jacob
Vrooman's) was purchased of him by Josias
Swart in 1764, and other lands joining, by
Barent Vrooman, the grandfather of the present
Jacob, in 1765. We find the Garlocks were
settled near Canajoharie in 1768, which con-
futes the statement of the Garlocks leaving the
valley at the time Conrad Weiser did, on ac-
count of the land difficulties referred to in the
second chapter of this work. John Christopher
witnessed the conveyance, and we are led to
believe he removed from the Camps at an
earlier day to Canajoharie, and was the means
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
of drawing Elias away from this valley. There
is a map of Stone Arabia in the possession of
John Gebhard, Jr., bearing date of 1758, which
is a copy of one found by Johannes Lawyer
while then surveying, and we find among the
residents noted, Christopher and Elias Garlock.
But these conveyances of 1764 and '65,10 Swart
and Vrooman, say : " I, Elias Garlock, of
Schoharie, &c." Lawyer must have copied the
map after Elias settled there, and instead of
the former owner of the lots, placed that of
Elias and John Christopher Garlock upon it.
That they were the same men we have abundant
proof. Barent Vrooman married the daughter
of Josias Swart, and became the possessor of
the greater share of the property.
This hamlet comprised almost if not more
than forty families, and what became of them we
are unable to tell. As Hartman's dorf, the
largest of the settlements, vanished without
leaving a mark of its once existence, so has
this hamlet disappeared. Across the road from
Jacob Vrooman's, the first hatter in the County,
Nicholas Delavergne, settled in the year 1784,
and remained until 1808, when he removed to
Esperance, and was succeeded in this village
by Chester Lasell.
Jacob Vrooman the present owner and oc-
cupant of the "Garlock farm," is a son of
Barent A. Vrooman, in direct line from Adam
Vrooman, and was born upon the farm on the
27th of November, 1808. His educational
advantages were very limited, as the district
schools of his boyhood were very inferior, but
unlike many better situated he was energetic
and studious, and aspired to practical knowl-
edge. Through inheritance Mr. Vrooman is
the possessor of a fine property, as many others
of his age along the valley, to which he clings
with ancestral pride, regardless of other ex-
tended business relations. Mr. Vrooman pos-
sesses undaunted energy, with a firmness of
character that commands and elevates the busi-
ness in which he is engaged to a successful
status. Becoming interested in the Schoharie
Valley Railroad he became its sole owner, and
by careful, economical management the road
has become a success. With the exception of
A. T. Stewart's Florida road, this is believed to
be the only one owned by a single individual in
the United States.
Joining Garlock's on the north was " Kneis-
kern's Doff," which lies mostly in the town of
Esperance, and which we have noticed in the
chapter upon that town. Upon the first settle-
ments of these two most northern dorfs, the space
of land between the little brook crossing the
road north of Jacob Vroman's and William Hal-
lenbeck's farm, was unoccupied, and remained so
until about the year 1750, when Lambert Stern-
bergh's sons, of Kneiskern's dorf, settled upon
the farm now occupied by John Lendrum.
In 1811, the "Schoharie and Duanesburgh
Turnpike" was built by Thomas P. Danforth,
through the farm, to intersect the Great West-
ern Turnpike, " seventeen miles from Albany."
Upon the forks of the two roads stands a man-
sion that was built nearly sixty years ago for a
tavern, where the young people of the valley re-
sorted for dancing. Passing down the valley we
soon cross the " Central Bridge,"-which was built
in 1823, as was the road leading over the hill
east to intersect the Schoharie and Duanesburgh
Turnpike, making a direct road from Cobles-
kill to Albany. In 1824, Samuel Smith built a
hotel upon the ground now occupied by Charles
Rich, and began a business that grew to paying
proportions under his energetic and shrewd
management. In 1830, fire swept his establish-
ment away, but soon rebuilding, he continued
the business until the year 1847, when Levi
Totten purchased the stand, and " Uncle Sam "
retired. Charles Rich followed in 1851. In
1825, O. H. Williams, a former clerk of Peter
Osterhout, Sr., erected the brick store at present
occupied by Jacob Slingerland, and for many
years was engaged in the mercantile business.
Mr. Olaf K. Williams, was the son of Eben
Williams, a Revolutionary patriot, who held a
captain's commission through that war, and
proved a useful and staunch soldier, participat-
ing in many of the most important battles fought
during that eventful period.
Opposite, J. G. Caryl, son-in-law of Samuel
Smith, also established a trade in the same line
of goods. These two men, of energy and in-
tegrity, possessed the confidence of the farming
community to an unparalleled extent. Williams
372
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
passed away on the i3th of October, 1872,
" white with the frost of years.
Near by stands an ancient mill that was erect-
ed by Hendrick Strubach, grand-son .of the first
settler bearing that name, nearly eighty years
ago, and was the first mill on the stream that
used bolting cloths.
Near the mill for several years the manufact-
uring of agricultural machinery, was carried on
by G. Westinghouse, and at a later date by S.
K. Campbell, who removed the works to the
Central Bridge station, a small hamlet to which
the railroad gave birth upon its completion to
the place in 1864.
But very few manufacturing establishments
have been erected in the town of Schoharie, con-
sidering the wealth of the people and great de-
mand for every article that can be conceived.
The village at the depot, or " New Central
Bridge," through the energy of its inhabitants,
bids fair to compare favorably with any of its
sister towns as a central mart and manufactur-
ing point.
One of the pioneer business men was John
J. Rowe, a merchant, who was followed by A.
M. Becker, John M. Mead, and John Stever.
A. L. Fisher followed Jacob Burbanks in the
hardware business, and for many years has add-
ed materially to the business of the place, and
convenience of the community.
A short time after the Revolution a mill was
built upon Fox's creek, a few rods above the
iron bridge, against the bank opposite the road
leading to Central Bridge, where once stood the
first grist-mill built in the County soon after the
settlement of Fox's dorf. Henry Lawyer at a
late date repaired the mill, but the dam of
Colonel Vroman's mill flooded the waterwheel,
and the mill proved a failure.
About the year 1806, two Yankees by the
name of Chase and Davis, came and put a
machine in the old mill for carding wool. We
believe it to have been the first one in the
County, and although it worked slow, it was
considered a great improvement upon the old
mode of "hand-carding." They carded two
hundred pounds of wool in twenty-four hours
and were obliged to work night and day to do
the business. Being a successful and paying
machine, in a few years many were built which
produced a competition and caused small profits.
One was erected upon the Waterbury place in
1811 or 1812, by Stephen Lawrence, but was
changed to an oil mill, and did a thriving busi-
ness for a few years.
A distillery was in operation by Smith Young
in 1827, on the Peter Mann farm, and after
burning was again started on the Waterbury
road. According to the ratio of inhabitants it
is thought that there was more liquor con-
sumed in the County sixty and seventy-five
years ago than now.
Peter Mann erected a building for a tannery,
which was used as such for several years, but
was purchased by a firm from New York — Korn
& Barre — who established a silk factory within
it. The old building was burned and the
present stone building erected in its stead, and
for reasons best known to the firm the factory
ceased operations. Ephraim Mann finally
purchased the property and placed a provender
and planing-mill within the wall, whose humble
rumblings and clatterings seem to laugh at
former pretentious enterprises.
In 1859 a stock company was formed, with
a capital of $200,000, to manufacture wagon
hubs and felloes, and in the fall of that year a
building was erected near the cemetery for that
purpose, and equipped with an engine and all
necessary machinery.
It was run successfully until the i6th of
October, 1865, when the establishment burned
at a total loss of sixty thousand dollars. It was
rebuilt by the company, but soon purchased by
ex-Sheriff Durand. It was again burned in
1877, entailing a loss of fifteen thousand dollars
upon the owner. The vast amount of hubs
sent to all parts of the United States and
Canada, and the increasing demand for them,
was beyond the expectation of the owners. The
timber used was mostly elm, in which the
County abounds, and it being nearly worthless
for other purposes, the factory proved a grand
enterprise to the farmers.
An agricultural and machine shop was built
near the railroad station, soon after the com-
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
373
pletion of the road, which employed many
laborers for several years, but at present the
building stands idle, waiting for some enter-
prising capitalist to bid the hammer make its
stroke.
The wagon and carriage factories of this
place have proved successful. The present one
of R. N. Stafford & Settle was long occupied
by William Winter, whose reputation for relia-
ble work was known far and wide, and -many
vehicles of his manufacture, of thirty years'
usage, still defy our rough roads, and we im-
agine make merry over the struggling weak-
kneed apologies for wagons of the present day,
that are made like Hodge's razors, "to sell."
Mr. Winter came to Schoharie as a mechanic
in 1842, and formed a partnership with Van
Camp for the manufacture of wagons and
sleighs. He commenced business where the
fire engine house now stands, and afterward oc-
cupied the present "carriage building." John
Feeck carried on the business prior to Winter's
advent for several years, but who preceded
him we are unable to learn. Winter and R. N.
Stafford carried on the business together for the
last years of Mr. Winter's interest in the trade.
While engaged by the State upon the canal,
he died suddenly at Yatesville, on the 26th of
August, 1876, aged fifty-nine.
After the publication of the foregoing in the
Schoharie Republican, an anonymous writer
commmunicated the following in regard to
"Schoharie wagon makers :" —
" Peter L. Feeck, a brother of John Feeck
and also a brother of Jacob J. Feeck who
recently died in the town of Fulton, carried on
the manufacture of carriages with a partner.
Peter L. Feeck married a 'daughter of Jabez
Throop.
"Austin Knowles preceded all the carriage
makers of Schoharie who have done business
within the recollection of the writer. About
the year 1835 or 1836 he closed up his affairs
in Schoharie and engaged in the same business
in Philadelphia with his brother Lyman Knowles.
He took with him a large number of unsold and
unfinished carriages, which were sent to Catskill
and shipped thence by water to Philadelphia.
"Zeb Smith was another wagon maker. His
son, Amos, succeeded him, though this is not
positively stated. Their shop, afterwards oc-
cupied by Peter Lemoge, a Canadian French-
man and cabinet maker, was long ago demol-
ished. It stood in the vicinity of the Gardiner
barns.
"The two Wilbers made fine carriages for
some years in the shops adjoining those of
Winter & Stafford. One Champion and a Mr.
Pearl engaged in wagon making opposite the
Lutheran church. They were there before and
after 1857.
"And who, if he knew him, can forget Peter
A. Rickard at the junction of the old Water-
bury lane with the main road not far from the
Old Stone Fort. Peter could make a wagon or
a wheel-barrow, a hay rigging or a coffin, but if
he heard of a fish lying in Fox's creek waiting
for a net or the torch and spear, the customers
would also need to wait outside of Peter's closed
doors."
We cannot pass another firm that has been
perhaps more successful than any firm at the
place, and in passing the many cemeteries
through the County whose marble shafts so boldly
admonish us of our uncertainty of life, our minds
cannot but be riveted to the old established
firm of H. R. & Z. J. Brown. They came to
Schoharie County from Catskill, Greene county,
and settled in Punchkill in the fall of 1845. After
fourteen months' residence there they removed
to Schoharie village, and have continued the
business since, which has assumed greater pro-
portions than any other of the character in this
portion of the State.
In the True American of 1810, we find Thomas
Penfield advertises " saddles, harness cap and
holster making "; also Nicholas Feeck that he
had commenced the business of "Tayloring," and
wishes all to patronize him, and Benjamin Miles
comes out with a short notice that he keeps
" leather and groceries." Jabez W. Throop gives
a list of goods for which cash and barter will be
taken in exchange. "Ashes are wanted."
These were the only "business men" of the
place at that time, as we find no others adver-
tise. Without doubt the village contained but
few houses directly around the Court House,
but they were scattered along the line of road
374
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
from Martin L. Schaeffer's to the Stone Church.
Near the latter gentleman's dwelling stands the
old family residence of Revolutionary times,
that was spared from the torch by the preten-
sions to loyalty of a negress slave.
At the invasion of Johnson and Brant the
people of this neighborhood had ample time to
remove to the lower fort for safety, as the alarm
gun from the upper and middle forts had been
heard, besides scouts were going and coming,
giving the location of the enemy at all times
through the day. Mr. Hendricus Schaeffer was
at the lower fort, and when the invaders divided
their forces to approach the fort from the east
and west sides, Mr. Schseffer and two others,
William Enders and John Kneiskern wheeled a
small field-piece from the southeast block-house
to the knoll where Smith Young's residence
stands, and fired upon the force that was com-
ing in that direction. They fired but once how-
ever, when Schaeffer's companions fled from the
fort, leaving him to haul the gun alone or leave
it. They were ordered to return, which they
did, but through a shower of bullets which
passed them without harm. When the force
passed the Schaeffer residence the main portion
was near the river, and small squads entered the
houses and did the mischief.
The owner of the Schaaffer house was Chris-
tian, the son of the original settler — Hendrick.
He had been a cripple for several years and
refused to leave home and seek the fort for
safety. When the squad of Indians and Tories
entered the building, a negress slave assumed a
loyal air, and verified it by strong language,
and placed a goodly supply of pies and other
eatables within sight, which tempted their ap-
petites and they left the house without doing
any damage. It was supposed the members of
this clan were strangers to the family, and find-
ing them at home, while true patriots were in
the fort, beside through sympathy to Mr.
Schaeffer in his infirmities, were the reasons the
house was spared. It still stands in a good
state of preservation, and is something of a
curiosity. The beams are hewn smooth, and
the braces are cased in a curve, with oak.
A groove is cut in the posts in which split slats
are placed to plaster upon, which saved the ex-
pense of nails and sawing lumber for lathing.
Mr. Schreffer not having any heirs, adopted
his only brother's (Jacob) son, Hendricus, who
was at this time at the fort as before mentioned.
In the possession of Mr. Martin L. Schaeffer are
several relics, among which is an oil painting of
Hendricus and his wife; also the weathercock
that was perched upon the steeple of the old
stone Lutheran church of 1750. It is made of
beaten iron, of the thickness of very heavy sheet,
and displays good workmanship. Undoubtedly
Johannes Lawyer, the first deacon of the
church, suggested the idea of placing a " Roost-
er " upon the spire, as we find he was very par-
tial to those bipeds, requiring each of his tenants
to give him a pair of chickens yearly, beside the
stipulated rents. These interesting relics lure
us back to olden times, and awaken a lively
curiosity to seek further through such inter-
stices in the hazy past, for more mementoes,
more facts.
Near the time that Hendrick settled here, his
brother, Johannes, also built a house, near the
present location of the brick house upon the
opposite side of the road. We cannot say why
Johannes was not mentioned when the lands
were first mapped, but he was, without doubt,
as early a settler as his brother. During the war
the house was burned, while the family was ab-
sent, supposed by the enemy to be in the fort,
where they really were.
Before leaving these two families to follow
the footsteps of the invaders, we will open the
records, and trace their genealogy down to the
present time, fearful that those yellow leaves
may lose the impress that dimly marks their
names, and those that wish to learn of them will
search in vain. Hendrick had two sons and
eight daughters. The sons were Jacob, who
settled at Breakabeen, and Christian the cripple.
Jacob had but two sons, that we know of —
Marcus and Hendricus. Hendricus settled, as
has been seen, with Christian, and had but one
son, Christian H., the father of the present
Gideon, Martin, Luther and Jacob H. His
only daughter married the late Nicholas Russell,
of Cobleskill, Christian H. married the daugh-
ter of Peter Schreffer, of Cobleskill, who passed
his last days at this place. Johannes, the
brother, was succeeded by his son, Martinus,
whose son Marcus occupied the old homestead
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
375
when burned, and was at the fort. David was
the son of Marcus and the father of the present
Marcus and Henry living near. Thus we find
the last ones mentioned in line of the two fami-
lies are the fifth generation.
The invaders passing down, laid the houses
in ashes, with the exception of the stone house
of Johannes Lawyer, who had removed to a
building near the fort for safety, and a wooden
structure occupied by John I. Lawyer as an
inn, also the old parsonage and Lutheran
Church, which, tradition says, were spared by
order of Johnson and Brant. Simms was in-
formed that the house of John I. Lawyer was
burned the night following. We do not believe
that the enemy returned, as it would have been
too hazardous to have done so. The night was
passed by the patriots at the lower fort, in con-
junction with the forts above, in making
preparation to follow and skirmish with the rear
of the army the next day, beside keeping a
vigilant eye upon the enemy's encampment. If
a scout had been sent out to finish the work of
destruction, they could not have gone far before
meeting their doom, as Christian Strubach
with his trusty followers were on their watch.
The building might have been burned by a fly-
ing spark from the ruins of Ingold's dwelling,
but more likely by the brands of the Colonists,
whose opinion of Lawyer's loyalty was not very
complimentary. There were several houses
near the fort which escaped the Mohawk's
torch, as they were too near the muzzle of the
patriots' unerring rifles and the little six-
pounder that was wheeled out to salute their
coming. Captain Mann's mansion across Fox's
creek was also spared, beside one occupied by
a man named William Dietz, down the valley
near where the late Peter Snyder's residence
stands. Mrs. Dietz had just finished milking
and was entering the door when she saw a few
Indians approaching. Setting the pail down in
the door-way she sought safety back of the
house, while the savages' thirst for blood and
plunder was pacified by the pail of milk, and
they passed on to " Kneiskern's dorf."
The old grist-mill that was built by Johannes
Eckerson about 1760, stood between the old
house and the creek, and was set on fire, but
making little progress before the enemy dis-
appeared, it was soon extinguished, and stood
for many years after, and was owned by Colonel
Peter Vroman, who settled here at the close of
the war. Thomas Eckerson, son of Johannes,
was the miller at that time, and he with his wife
had just returned on foot from Schenectady as
the enemy set fire to the mill. Upon his enter-
ing the building, an Indian raised his rifle and
fired upon him, when a Tory of the neighbor-
hood standing near, threw up the muzzle of the
gun, and the charge went over him. As he
struck the gun, he exclaimed, " If you shoot
him we can't get any more flour ! " The old
mill stood for many long years, and was re-
placed by the present one, by Jacob Fisher, and
long owned by John Griggs, who was followed
by the present owner, Samuel Stevens.
Within the hamlet of Brunnen dorf lived John
Ingold, who first settled near Weiser's dorf, and
removed to this place about the year 1740.
His house was burned by Johnson's forces in
1780, but he rebuilt after the war closed, and
those buildings were used for holding the first
courts in the County. The records say, " at
the house of John Ingold," while tradition says,
" in the wagon-house of John Ingold," which
building is still standing, and in which the legal
talent of such men as Tiffany, Gebhard, Van
Veghten, Cady, and a host of others was dis-
played, and which were noble examples of in-
dustrious workers, deep and active abilities and
honorable aspirations.
Johannes Ingold, Jr., succeeded his father,
and was the first Coroner in the County. He
represented the County in the Legislature in
1808, 1809 and 1810, with John Rice of
Sharon. He was also Supervisor of the town
ten terms, 1797 to 1800 and in 1803, 1807,
1808, 1809, 1810 and 1811, besides holding
several other local offices, in which he displayed
that honesty for which he was noted. He was
much respected by all who knew him, and
passed away at an advanced age.
The family name we believe to be extinct in
the valley, except upon the tombstones that
bear
"The name, the year, the day."
After the invasion, buildings were slowly
erected for the security of crops, but no resi-
dences were built until after peace was pro-
376
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
claimed in 1783, and then only upon the sites
of the burned houses.
When the Court House was built in 1800
more order in the location of the buildings was
observed, and one of the first marks of improv-
ment that accompanied the Court House, was
the building erected by John Bouck, and long
occupied by John Gebhard, Jr. It was a first-
class country residence of that day. Within it
was a tile fireplace, that now graces the Frey
mansion near Canajoharie, and which was pur-
chased in Albany at a great cost, and was the
only one of the kind in this part of the country.
Within the walls of this old house assembled
the refined of the place, to enjoy the hospi-
tality of the highly respected host.
The observing can plainly note by the differ-
ent style of buildings, at what period they were
erected, and mark the improvement in archi-
tecture as well as convenience and comfort in
their construction. The one alluded to was
considered a fine residence in its day. But in
strolling up the street, observing the modern
additions placed upon some of the buildings of
equal age, and especially in viewing the spa-
cious residence of James O. Williams, we can
but be struck with the development of architect-
ural art.
The appearance the present Court House
presents, no doubt is in as great contrast to the
one built in 1800, as the buildings we have men-
tioned. It was a three story stone building,
covering less ground than the present one, with
a belfry rising from the center of the roof, with
but little ornamental work upon it. The jail
was in the third story, in which some time in the
year 1845, a man by the name of Burton was
confined for grand larceny. He made an at-
tempt to escape by burning the lock from the
wooden door. The wood being very dry, the
fire was soon beyond the control of the prisoner,
and ascended to the attic and cupola. The
incendiary gave an alarm and was with difficulty
rescued. Another building was erected the same
and following year, of more pretentious appear-
ance. It was built of stone and consisted of
the Court, Supervisors' and Sheriff's rooms and
office. The jail which is still standing, was
built in the rear, and though a small structure
it is sufficient for the purpose for which it was
intended, and is frequently destitute of occu-
pants.
The village was very fortunate in having no
conflagrations up to the year 1868, when a most
destructive fire occurred, which threatened an-
nihilation of the ancient "dorf." Our esteemed
frjend Squire John Gebhard thus alludes to the
burning : —
"On the 1 8th of July, 1868, the largest and
most destructive fire the village ever witnessed
occurred. It was of an incendiary origin. The
hay in the barn belonging to Francisco Wood
& Son's hotel, about the middle of the night,
had been set on fire, and when first discovered
the flames were bursting out of the roof. The
brick hotel of Mr. Wood was greatly injured, a
portion of the roof being burnt off. From the
hotel the fire extended north, to Badgley's brick
store, which was also materially damaged. From
thence the fire extended to the large three story
frame building adjoining, occupied by several
tenants. The third story of the building was
occupied by A. A. Hunt, editor and proprietor
of The Schoharie Republican, and all the type,
presses, plates, etc., belonging to the office, and
the bound files of the paper since 1819, to-
gether with the building, were totally destroyed.
The next building, the 'Arcade,' a wooden
structure, was also burned, and the adjoining
one occupied by Alexander Rickard. The
progress of the fire in this direction was finally
arrested at O. B. Throop's fire-proof drug store.
To the south of the hotel the flames burned the
roof of the " Schoharie County Bank," then en-
tered the brick store and dwelling of Hiram
Benedict, which were destroyed. Next the roof
of the fire-proof store now occupied by Jacob T.
Miers was burned. From thence, the flames ex-
tended to the store now occupied by Henry A.
Brown, which was also materially injured. The
fire in this direction was stopped at the brick
residence of the late Peter Osterhout, Sr., but his
storehouse and barns were consumed. All the
out-houses, barns and sheds in the rear of the
burnt buildings were destroyed. A man by the
name of Jacob Lagrange was suspected as the
incendiary. He was arrested during the fire
and made a full confession of his guilt, and was
tried for the offence and convicted on his con-
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
377
fession and sentenced to the States Prison for the
term of eight years."
Squire Gebhard also adds: —
"A destructive fire occurred in the villlage on
the i yth day of January, 1 870. At mid-day the
hay in the barn belonging to the ' Eagle Hotel '
(kept by William Parrott, Jr.,) now the Parrott
House, was discovered to be on fire. The barn
and carriage house attached were one hundred
feet in length, and the quantity of hay in the
barn and the advanced state of the flames when
first discovered, rendered any attempt to ex-
tinguish them wholly futile. The 'Eagle'
fronted on Main street and the south side of the
hotel faced and adjoined the Court House
lot. It was a frame building, extending one
hundred feet on Main street and was but a short
distance west of the barns in the rear. The
wind blowing from the east, at once drove the
flames from the barn to the house, and in a short
time it was completely consumed. The flames
reached the Court House, and soon laid the
wood work in ashes. To the north of the
hotel, the tin and hardware store and residence
of Warren S. Gates, both frame buildings, were
destroyed. The cause of the fire has not been
ascertained."
The County being again destitute of a Court
House, steps were at once take for rebuilding.
The citizens of Cobleskill village petitioned to
the Board of Supervisors to erect it at that place,
and as an inducement offered to give the loca-
tion and at last, to bear the expense of building
without cost to the County. Schoharie, awak-
ened, made a like offer to retain the county-
seat, to which the Board acquiesced. But
through some technicality, the County contribu-
ted to its erection, which occurred in 1870. It
is a blue limestone structure, three stories in
height and considered fire-proof, the cornices,
dome and pinnacles being galvanized iron. The
first story comprises the Surrogate's and County
Clerk's offices, and a large kitchen where cooking
is done for the prisoners ; while upon the second
floor large apartments for the sheriffs family,
together with a Supervisor's room and Sheriffs
office are conveniently arranged. The third
floor comprises a spacious Court Room with
gallery and petit-jury room. The former clerk's
office was a low stone building, and stood upon
the north line of the Court House lot. The fire
of 1868 seriously damaged the walls, but the
records and other papers were uninjured,
although they were but a few feet from the burn-
ing buildings that caused an intense heat.
Whether the people of the progressive " Foun-
tain town " had a school before the school here
was built, near the old parsonage, or not, we are
unable to tell. A few, very few, of the present
residents first began to solve the mysteries of
" Daboll " and worry over "Webstei's Speller
and Definer" in the old building.
When its walls began to crumble, another
was built near the present Lutheran church,
but like its predecessor, time and truants accom-
plished the work of destruction, and it yielded
upon the appearance of a more commodious
one that still stands but a short distance off.
Schoharie Academy. — By an act of the Legis-
lature, passed upon the 28th of April, 1837,
Jacob Gebhard, William Mann, Charles Good-
year, Peter Osterhout, Sr., Benjamin Pond,
Peter S. Swart, William Dietz, Henry Shafer,
Jacob Vrooman, and such other persons as may
associate with them, were constituted a body cor-
porate by the name of The Schoharie Academy,
for the purpose of establishing, maintaining and
conducting a Seminary of learning for the edu-
cation of youths of both sexes. It was incor-
porated by the Regents, February 5, 1839,
and has been a superior school from the com-
mencement.
The course of study is as extensive at pres-
ent as any similar institution in the State. The
present faculty consists of : —
Solomon Sias, Principal.
Robert B. Handy, French, German and
English branches.
Miss Emma K. Cramer, Intermediate or
English branches,
Miss Hattie Morrison, Common English.
Miss Ida Mayham, Primary or Preparatory.
It is under the management of the following
able " Board of Education : "
Hon. S. L. Mayham, President
M. N. DeNoyelles, Secretary.
J. O. Williams, Wm. S. Layman, M. D.,
Jacob T. Miers, J. W. Marsh.
378
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The first " Regents Higher Academic Diplo-
ma" ever presented in the County was given on
the I3thof June, i88i,toE. E. DeNoyelles, and
the ninety-fourth in the entire State. The only
three Regents Certificates ever awarded in the
County were eiven also to scholars of this school,
which bespeaks well for the faculty.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — Within the
shadow of the spire of the ancient brick church
stands another substantial structure dedicated
to the worship of the same " Master " according
to the theory of Wesley. Although the organ-
ization of this body is young in years, in com-
parison to the Reformed and Lutheran, yet its
records show but few superior workers in the
"vineyard." It was organized in 1840 under
Rev. David Poor, preacher in charge, with
twelve members. Rev. - - VanAuken, then
living here, became deeply interested in the
organization, and under his labors the present
house of worship was erected in 1842. The
ministers in charge from that date up to 1852
we are unable to give, but from that date to
the present time, they were as follows: —
William R. Brown, 1852-1854.
A. W. Garvin, 1854-1856.
Joseph Cape, 1856-1858.
A. Heath, 1858-1860.
I. C. Fenton, 1860-1863.
A. D. Heck, 1863-1867.
E. Taylor, 1867-1869.
E. Mott, 1869-1872.
• Milton Tator, 1872.
A. Champlin, 1873.
W. B. Bedell, 1874.
A. W. Powers, 1874-1876.
L. A. Bigelow, 1876-1880.
J. G. Gooding, 1880 and present.
Barton Hill and Central Bridge are con-
nected with this church in pastorate. The
membership is one hundred and seventy-seven.
The following are the present officers: —
Stewards : —
M. N. DeNoyelles,
P. S. Clark,
G. D. Warner,
S. R. Wright,
Abram Becker,
John Stever,
George Terpenning,
Ira Blanchford,
G. Shank.
Trustees : —
M. N. DeNoyelles,
P. S. Clark,
S. W. Zeh,
W. M. Preston,
John Morrison,
George D. Warner,
T. D. Young.
Recording Steward: —
P. S. Clark.
African M. E. Church. — Of more humble
pretensions, the small "African Methodist
Episcopal Church" organized in 1856 by R. T.
Eaton, closes the list of religious organizations
in the village. The pastors who have officiated
are as follows : —
Reverends Benjie, Bessler, Ray, Wales, Ham-
mond, Tyler, Ely, Sanford, and the present Rev-
erend Mr. Gibbs.
Referring to the Barton Hill Methodist So-
ciety, we are led to remark it was formed in
1824, and one of the leading men at its organi-
zation still continues one of its main supporters.
Theodore Barton, now at the age of eighty-five,
was one of the pioneers of the elevation known
as Barton Hill, and still possesses the activity of
mind and body found in most men of fifty. He
is the only one left of four brothers who came
from Duchess county in 1818 and purchased
lands of the Keysers, Who were preceded a few
years by Gideon Wilber and the Simmons
family. By strict economy and industry Mr.
Barton has accumulated a competency which,
together with his religious character, ranks him
with the foremost men of the town. He is the
oldest Mason in the County.
But a short distance from the Barton neigh-
borhood is found the celebrated Gebhard's cav-
ern, first explored by our venerable friend John
Gebhard, Jr., Dr. Joel Foster and Mr. John S.
Bonney in the fall of 1831. Among the many
rich specimens obtained in this cave is one re-
sembling alabaster. While we are led to think
TOWN OF SCHOHARIK.
379
it is but carbonate of lime and not sulphate, yet
its beauty and close resemblance to the genuine,
make it nearly as valuable and worthy of ob-
taining. The ingress to this cave is precipitous
and somewhat hazardous, which but few visit-
ors feel disposed to incur, yet the beautiful
threadlike crystals, stalactites and stalagmites,
aragonite and satin spar, found down in its
depths, well repay the student for his venture.
Schoharie Bridge. — On the a6th of March,
1803, an act was passed by the Legislature to
establish a lottery and appoint managers of the
same, to raise $41,500 "for opening and im-
proving certain great roads in this State," and
the sum of six hundred dollars was included for
the building of the bridge over the Schoharie
creek, opposite of Schoharie village. The
money was " to be paid to the Commissioners
of Highways of the town of Schoharie for that
purpose." By an act passed March 8, 1805, John
Dominick, Jr., John Becker, John Ingold, Jr.,
Peter Shafer, David Swart, Peter Swart, Jr.,
Jacob Lawyer, Jr., and Peter I. Shafer were
created a body corporate to build the bridge
and were called the "Schoharie and Cobleskill
Bridge Company." The structure was finished
in 1813. Near this bridge upon the farm of
John Gebhard, during the Revolution, the patri-
ots manufactured sulphur for making powder,
and it was thought that other minerals, such as
silver and copper existed there in great quanti-
ties, but little effort was made to unearth them.
We have already mentioned the village was
first called "Brunnen dorf" and afterwards
"Fountain Town." At a later date it was fre-
quently called " Sommersville," in honor of the
first Lutheran pastor. It received its present
appellation upon the building of the Court
House.
The town was formed in 1788, as a part of
Albany county, and comprised nearly the whole
of the present territory of Schoharie County.
In 1797, Middleburgh, Blenheim, Broome and
Cobleskill were taken from it, and in 1846
Wright and Esperance. The first general elec-
tion of town officers of which we have any rec-
ord was held "upon the first Tuesday in April,
1797," and lasted three days. The voting was
done by dropping the ballot in a hat and each
official voted for separately. The following ticket
was elected : —
Supervisor — John Ingold, Jr.
Clerk— Henry Becker.
Assessors — Jacob Becker, Jacob Kneiskern,
Peter Swart, Casper Crounse, Hendricus
Schaeffer.
Commissioners of Highways — David Stern-
bergh, Peter Swart, John Enders.
Collector — William Mann.
Commissioners of Schools — George Tiffany,
Jacob Gebhard and James Brown.
Overseers of Poor — Hendricus Schaeffer,
Henry Weaver.
Poundmaster — Johannes I. Lawyer.
Constables — Richard Green, Jacob Smith,
William Schoolcraft.
Fence Viewers — Marcus Shafer, Jacob Sid-
nick (Sidney), Peter Ball, Peter Enders.
At the town meeting in May, 1804, it was
Resolved, That every crow killed, six cents
if Braught to the town Clark and the Town
Clark cuts off the head and gives a certificate.
The earliest records of the town that are ac-
cessible, bear the date of 1789, when nearly
the whole of the present County of Schoharie
was in one district or town, belonging to Al-
bany county. We find Marcus Bellinger was
supervisor, and Johannes Dietz acting town
clerk. A book was kept according to the
statutes, in which was registered the births of
illegitimate children, and the marks that each
farmer placed upon their cattle, sheep and hogs,
which was necessary, as they were turned in the
forest during the summer months, and enabled
each owner to identify his property without
trouble. The illegitimate children were prin-
cipally those of slaves, and in registering, both
cattle and infants were mixed up promiscuously,
as follows :—
" The mark of John Jost Werner is as fol-
lows to his neat cattle, sheep and swine to-
wit — A hole through the right ear & the left
ear cropt
JOHN JOST WERNER.
Recordid the 28th day of March 1799
HENRY BECKER, Town Clark."
38°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
" SCHOHARIE, Nov. gth, 1799.
" This is to certify that there is a child born
on the Twenty-fourth day of September Last of
A Negroe woman, a slave, her name is Felora
& the child is a Male Child & named Jack or
John, the woman now belonging to the sub-
scriber MARCUS BELLINGER or his
wife CHRISTINA."
SCHOHARIE, March 12, 1796.
" The following is the mark of Tobias Swart of
his horn cattle. — The ends of both ears Cut off
and then slits cut in both ears allso.
"Recorded the izth day of March as above
written, TOBIAS SWART."
Following the above is : —
"Broke into my inclosure the first day of
June 1800 a large Read ox with a white face
and a white spot on his left fore sholder and
also his left ear cut of and a slit in the left ear.
JACOB BECKER, JR."
In another book we find the following in re- .
gard to the school money : —
" We the subscribers forming a board of Su-
pervisors for the city and county of Albany held
by adjournment at the City hall of the said city
Do hereby certify, pursuant to an act of the
legislature of the State of New York, en-
titled an act for the encouragement of
Schools passed the gth day of April 1795—
that there is alloted by the said board the sum
of one hundred and thirty pounds — eleven shil-
lings and eight pence — farthing to the town of
Schohary For the uses and purposes expressed
in said act.
Given under our hands and Seals
this Seventh Day of July in the
year of our Lord One Thousand
seven hundred and ninety-five.
JAMES V. RANSELAER,
JACOB WACHSTRASON,
GARET ABEEL,
MARCUS BELLINGER,
JACOB WINNE,
NATH OGDEN,
LEONARD BROUKS,
PETER WEST,
ARIE LAGRANGE,
T. DUANE,
HYAL CORY."
The above sum was the last drawn from
Albany county for the support of Schoharie
schools.
Much to the discredit of the several towns,
the records of this town have been kept in much
better taste and care than any other, and enable
us to present the officials to date.
SUPERVISORS.
1767 — Marcus Bellinger.
1768 — Marcus Bellinger.
1769 — -Marcus Bellinger.
1770 — Marcus Bellinger.
1771 — Marcus Bellinger.
1772 — Marcus Bellinger.
1773 — Marcus Bellinger.
1774 — Marcus Bellinger.
1775 — Marcus Bellinger.
1776 — Marcus Bellinger.
1777— Marcus Bellinger.
1778 — Marcus Bellinger.
1779 — Marcus Bellinger.
1780 — Marcus Bellinger.
1781 — Marcus Bellinger.
1782 — Marcus Bellinger.
1783 — Marcus Bellinger.
1784 — Marcus Bellinger.
1785 — Marcus Bellinger.
1786 — Marcus Bellinger.
1787 — Marcus Bellinger.
1788 — Marcus Bellinger.
1789 — Marcus Bellinger.
1790 — Marcus Bellinger.
1791 — Marcus Bellinger.
1792 — Marcus Bellinger.
1793 — Marcus Bellinger.
1794 — Marcus Bellinger.
1795 — Marcus Bellinger.
1796 — Marcus Bellinger.
1797— John Ingold, Jr.
1798 — John Ingold, Jr.
1799 — John Ingold, Jr.
1800 — John Ingold, Jr.
1 80 1 — Peter Swart.
1802 — Henry Becker.
1803 — John Ingold.
1804 — Henry Becker.
1805 — Henry Becker.
1806 — Silas Tompson.
1807 — John Ingold.
TOWN OF SCHOHARIF,
1808— Peter Swart.
1809 — Peter Swart.
1810— Peter Swart.
181 1 — Peter Swart.
1812 — William Dietz.
1813 — Peter Swart.
1814 — -Henry Becker.
1815— Gideon Wilber.
1 8 1 6— Peter W. Mann.
!8i7 — Peter W. Mann.
1818— Peter W. Mann.
1819— Peter W. Mann.
1820— Henry W. Starin.
1821 — Joseph Hunting.
1822 — Joseph Hunting.
1823 — Jacob W. Mann.
1824 — Jacob W. Mann.
1825 — Jacob W. Mann.
1826 — John Swart.
1827 — John Swart.
1828— John Swart.
1829 — John Swart.
1830 — Henry Hamilton.
1831 — Henry Hamilton.
1832 — Henry Hamilton.
1833 — Henry Hamilton.
1834 — Charles Goodyear.
1835 — Charles Goodyear.
1836 — Charles Goodyear.
i837— John C. Wright.
1838 — Henry Hamilton.
1839 — John S. Brown.
1840 — John S. Brown.
1841 — John S. Brown.
1842 — Hiram Walden.
1843 — Hiram Walden.
1844 — Daniel Larkin.
1845 — Charles Knox.
1846 — John Griggs.
1847 — David Dietz.
1848 — Jacob Vroman.
1849 — Jacob Vroman.
1850 — Jacob Vroman.
1851 — Albiness Hess.
1852 — Albiness Hess.
1853 — Albiness Hess.
1854 — Albiness Hess.
1855— Jonas Kilmer.
1856 — David Dietz.
1857 — Gideon Schaeffer.
1858— Treat Durand.
1859 — Ralph Brewster.
1860 — Elijah Lawyer.
1861 — Elijah Lawyer.
1862— William Winter.
,863— William Winter.
1864— William Winter.
1865— Peter S. Swart.
1866— William Winter.
1867 — Elijah Lawyer.
1868 — James O. Williams.
1869 — James O. Williams.
1870 — Francisco Wood.
1871 — John W. Larkin.
1872 — John G. Caryl.
1873— John G. Caryl.
1874 — John W. Larkin.
1875— John W. Larkin.
1876 — William B. Murphy.
1877 — Ralph Brewster.
1878— Ralph Brewster.
1879 — John W. Larkin.
1880 — Hiram Schoolcraft.
1881 — Jacob Rickard.
1882 — Hiram Schoolcraft.
TOWN CLERKS.
1789 — Johannes Dietz.
1790 — Johannes Dietz.
1791 — Johannes Dietz.
1792 — Abram A. Becker.
1793 — Storm A. Becker.
1794 — Josias Swart.
1 795 — Josias Swart.
1796 — Peter Borst.
1797 — Henry Becker.
1798 — Henry Becker.
1799 — Henry Becker.
1800 — Henry Lawyer.
1 80 1 — Henry Lawyer.
1802 — Peter Vroman.
1803 — Peter Vroman.
1804 — William Dietz.
1805— William Dietz.
1806— Peter W. Mann.
!8o7 — Peter W. Mann.
1808— Peter W. Mann.
1809 — Peter W. Mann.
1810 — Peter Vroman.
1811 — Philip Stembergh.
38*
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
z— W. W. Enders.
,813 — Philip Dietz.
1814— Peter W. Mann.
1815— Peter W. Mann.
,816 — John Lawyer.
1817 — John Lawyer.
,818 — John Lawyer.
1819 — William Mann,
jgzo — John Budd.
j82i — John W. Mann.
j822 — John W. Mann.
1823 — John Budd.
1824 — John Budd.
1825 — John Budd.
1826— Peter S. Swart.
1827— Peter S. Swart.
1828— Peter S. Swart.
1829— Peter S. Swart.
1830 — David Dietz.
1831— David Dietz.
1832 — David Dietz.
1833 — David Dietz.
1834 — David Dietz.
1835 — Jeptha R. Simms.
1836 — Jeptha R. Simms.
1837 — Jeptha R. Simms.
1838 — Jacob G. Mann.
1839 — Jacob H. Smith.
1840 — Gideon W. Eaton.
1841 — Moses Young.
1842 — Moses Young.
1843 — James France.
1844 — Albiness Hess.
1845 — Amasa Gibbs.
1846 — Cornelius VanDyck.
1847—8. P. Swart.
1848 — S. P. Swart.
1849—8. P. Swart.
1850—8. P. Swart.
1851—8. P. Swart.
1852—8. P. Swart.
1853—8. P. Swart.
1854—8. P. Swart.
1855 — Philip Deyo.
1856 — Sylvanus Sweet.
1857 — Loring Andrew.
1858—8. P. Sweet.
1859—8. P. Sweet.
1860 — James A. Bouck.
1 86 1 — James A. Bouck.
1862 — Julius Rowley.
j863 — Julius Rowley.
1864— Julius Rowley.
1865 — Cornelius Bailey.
jS66 — Cornelius Bailey.
1867— William O. Root.
! 868— William O. Root.
1869 — John Sweet.
1870 — Philip Deyo.
1871 — John Sweet.
1872 — John Sweet.
1873 — Philip Deyo.
1874 — John Sweet.
1875 — Philip Deyo.
1876— Philip Deyo.
1877 — Jacob E. Mann.
1878— Jacob E.Mann.
1879 — Jacob E. Mann.
1880 — Jacob E. Mann.
1 88 1 — Jacob E. Mann.
1882— H. R. Brown.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Marcus Bellinger, 1794.
Lawrence Schoolcraft, 1797.
William Monger, 1797.
Cornelius Seabury, 1797.
Peter Swart, 1797.
Ralph R. Phelps, 1799.
Jacob Schoolcraft, 1800.
Henry Becker, 1802.
Silas Tompson, 1803.
Abraham Sternbergh, 1804.
David Ball, 1805.
Harmonus Bouck, 1809.
John G. Watson, 1809.
Jabez W. Throop, 1811.
Isaac Barber, 1815.
Olney Briggs, 1817.
Daniel Larkins, 1817 to 1828.
Jeremiah D. Tompson, 1821.
John I. Dominick, 1821 to 1825.
John Lawyer, 1822 to 1827.
Alexander Crookshanks, 1822.
W. L. Candee, 1824.
John Swart, 1828.
Ezra Gallup,* 1828 to 1831.
James Burnet, 1828 to 1831.
* The first elected on regular ticket.
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
383
Daniel Larkin, 1833.
Olaff H. Williams, 1837.
David Miles, 1838.
John I. Dominick, 1839.
Asahel Billings, 1840.
Ezra Gallup, 1841.
John Gebhard, Jr., 1842.
Charles R. Gorden, 1843.
James B. McMasters, 1846.
Ralph Brewster, 1847.
Ezra Nethaway, 1847.
George Westonhouse, 1848.
Elijah Dickinson, 1849.
Jacob A. Crounse, 1850.
Peter Mann, 1850.
A. B. F. Pond, 1851.
Peter Mix, (to fill vacancy) 1852 to 1853.
Christopher Wetsel, 1852.
Henry Wilsey, 1854.
Joseph Williams, 1855.
Ralph Brewster, (to fill vacancy) 1855.
Daniel Larkin, (to fill vacancy) 1856.
John Gebhard, 1857.
Ralph Brewster, 1858.
J. O. Williams, 185910 1863.
Peter Nethaway, 1860 to 1864.
JohnF. Shafer, 1861 to 1865.
Ralph Brewster, 1862 to 1866.
William B. Murphy, 1865 to 1869.
Smith W. Haskins, (to fill vacancy) 1865.
John D. Wilsey, 1866.
Peter A. Loucks, (short term) 1866.
Smith W. Haskins, 1867.
G. G. Mann, 1868.
John F. Shafer, 1870.
Jacob Enders, 1871 to 1874.
William H. Barton, 1872 to 1880.
M. L. F. Bachman, 1876 to 1880.
Otis Guffin, 1879.
• Jesse W. Smith, 1880.
BOUNDARIES.
The original bounds only, are on file, and
from them Esperance and Wright have been
taken.
A final act passed April 12, 1813, for the
division "of the counties of this State into
towns," thus defines the town then formed : —
" And all that part of the County of Schoharie,
beginning at a point in the west bounds of
the county of Albany, two miles southerly of the
place where Fox's creek intersects said west
bounds, thence westerly to the place where
Weaver's Stony creek originally emptied itself
into the Schoharie creek, and thence westerly to
the place where the Cobleskill road crosses the
Punch Kill, thence with a straight line to a
point in the north bounds of the county five
miles westerly of Schoharie creek, thence along
the bounds of the county easterly and southerly
to the place of beginning, shall be and continue
a town by the name of Schoharie."
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
HON. STEPHEN L. MAYHAM.
Stephen L. Mayham was born in the town of
Blenheim on the 8th day of October, 1 828. His
father, John Mayham, was of Irish origin, his
parents having emigrated to this country from
Ireland and settled in Troy about 1790. His
mother, whose maiden name was Betsey Fergu-
son, was of Scotch descent.
The subject of this sketch is the third son of
a family of thirteen children, and was reared
upon a farm, where he was taught those lessons
of industry which have made their impress upon
his life and laid the foundation of the success
that he has since achieved. His early education
consisted of a term of two or three months in a
district school, during the winter sessions, the
balance of the year being devoted to farm
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
labor, together with one or two years of evening
instruction by a competent person employed by
his father as a family teacher in the home upon
the farm.
When about eighteen years of age, he com-
menced teaching in a district school in the
winter, and continued his labors upon the farm,
in the summer, besides attending a select
school a short time in the autumn months. In
that way he acquired a fair English education.
At the age of twenty years, he entered the
law office of Samuel W. Jackson, since a Justice
of the Supreme Court, but then practicing law
at Gilboa. After reading law one year in Mr.
Jackson's office, he went to Ithaca, Tompkins
county, and there entered the office of Love &
Freer, where he remained until 1847, when he
was admitted to practice in all the courts of
New York State.
After remaining another year in the office of
his preceptors at Ithaca, he returned to his
native County and located in the practice of his
profession. Although remote from the county-
seat, and in a community affording but a small
amount of litigation, he soon succeeded in
establishing a good country practice, and ac-
TOWN OF SCHOHARIE.
385
quired a favorable rank among the members of
the Bar in the County.
Mr. Mayham was elected superintendent of
schools two years, and supervisor of his town
for three successive years, the last time without
opposition. In 1859 he was elected District
Attorney of Schoharie County for a term of
three years, and so satisfactorily discharged the
duties of that office, that without effort or
solicitation on his part, he was elected as
Member of the Assembly from his County, and
entered upon the duties of that office January
i, 1863, his official term as District Attorney
having expired December 31, 1862.
In 1866, he was nominated by the Demo-
cratic party for the Senate in the i5th Senato-
rial district, against Charles Stanford of Schen-
ectady, by whom he was • defeated. In 1868,
he was elected in the I4th Congressional Dis-
trict, consisting of Albany and Schoharie coun-
ties, to the 4ist United States Congress, during
which session he served as one of the Commit-
tee of private land claims and the expenditures
of the State and Postoftice department.
In 1878 Mr. Mayham was elected to the 45th
Congress from the counties of Schoharie, Greene
and Ulster, comprising the i3th district and
served on the Committee for the District of
Columbia, as Chairman sub-committee of Ways
and Means, and on the Committee of Expendi-
tures of the State department, etc.
He was also, at one time, President of the
Schoharie Valley Railroad, and for the last eight
years has been president of the board of educa-
tion of the village of Schoharie, where he is now
residing, and devoting his time to the practice
of law, in partnership with his son.
Mr. Mayham was united in marriage with
Julia Martin, a grand-daughter of General Free-
gift Patchin of Revolutionary fame, who was
largely identified with incidents of that war in
Schoharie County. To them were born seven
children, four of whom are now living.
PETER S. SWART, M. D.
The subject of this brief memoir was a son of
General Bartholomew Swart, of Schoharie, and
was born July 15, 1801. His early life was
spent upon his father's farm near the village of
Schoharie, and he was educated at the village
school.
About the year 1820 or 1822, he began read-
ing medicine with Doctor Cornelius VanDyck,
and subsequently read with Doctor March,
of Albany. In 1824, he was graduated from
the medical college of that city, and soon there-
after commenced the practice of medicine in
Schoharie.
Dr. Swart was twice married ; his first wife was
Maria Snyder, of Schoharie, to whom he was
married in 1824; and his second wife was Eva
Eliza Michaels, with whom he was united in
marriage in 1869. The latter was a daughter
of the late William G. and Maria Lawyer Mi-
chaels. She is an intelligent and estimable lady,
and is still residing in the village of Schoharie.
Both of the Doctor's wives were great-great-
grand-daughters of Johannes Lawyer, the first of
386
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the family bearing that name, who came to
America, from Durlech near the Rhine, in
1717.
Dr. Swart was also a descendant of Johannes
Lawyer, his mother being a daughter of the great
landholder of that name. The Doctor was County
treasurer of Schoharie County for two succes-
sive terms, and also treasurer of the village of
Schoharie, several times. In politics he was a
Democrat. He was a member of the Reformed
Church.
CHAPTER XXIII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS— HISTORICAL INTER-
EST— ORIGIN OF COBLESKILL — TRADITIONS —
FIRST SETTLEMENT — BROWN'S MILL AND
STREAM — OMEN OF DANGER — DEVASTATION
OF THE VALLEY AFTER THE BATTLE— FLIGHT
OF THE SHAFER AND BROWN FAMILIES —
COBLESKILL MILITIA — WHIPPING TORIES —
BUILDING A FORT — INVASION BY INDIANS AND
TORIES — TAKING PRISONERS — ESCAPE OF
LAWRENCE LAWYER— FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE —
LAMBERT LAWYER — JACOB L. LAWYER —
MRS. J. L. LAWYER — COURTER MANSION —
CHARLES COURTER — DEATH OF LAMBERT
LAWYER — SALE OF THE HOUSE AND FARM
— AUGUSTUS C. SMITH — HOTELS AND
INNS — COMMERCIAL HOTEL EARLY
MERCHANTS LUTHERAN CHURCH
REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH — METHO-
DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH — ROMAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH — OLD FAMILIES — MRS.
BORST— THE SCHAEFFER OR SHAFER FAMILY
—VAN DRESSER FARM — RICHTMYER FAMI
LY — CAPTAIN BROWN — HENRY SHAFER —
BERNER SETTLEMENT — DOCTOR WERNER —
BERNERVILLE — ITS BUSINESS INTEREST
CARY'S MILL— KILMER SETTLEMENT — WET-
SEL FAMILY— BRAYMAN'S MILL-HOWE'S CAVE
— PUNCHKILL— SCENERY ON THE ROAD WEST
—MINERAL SPRINGS— PAUL SHANK — METH-
ODIST CHURCH OF MINERAL SPRINGS — LAW-
YERSVILLE— FIRST SETTLERS — ANGLE FAMILY
YOUNG FAMILY — GENERAL DANA — His
LIFE JOHN REDINGTON — WILLIAM ELMAN-
DORF— JARED GOODYEAR— ISAAC H. TIFFANY
THOMAS LAWYER — JEDEDIAH MILLER-
DOCTOR SHEPHERD — SHUTTS FAMILY -
THOMAS SMITH— HENRY SMITH— J. H. RAM-
SEY _ WILLIAM H. YOUNG — CEMETERY—
WAKEMAN FAMILY — REFORMED CHURCH —
LUTHERAN CHURCH— EARLY MERCHANTS-
PHYSICIANS — LEGAL FRATERNITY — PAST AND
PRESENT — MANUFACTURING INTEREST — MA-
SONIC SOCIETY — GOOD TEMPLARS — G. A. R.
POST — NATIONAL BANK -- FORMATION
OF THE TOWN — FIRST OFFICERS — SUPER-
VISORS—EFFORTS TO REMOVE THE COURT
HOUSE — BOUNDARIES.
THE town of Cobleskill possesses peculiar
attractions, particularly to the Geologist
and Historian. The greater part is underlaid
with limestone, in which is detected the various
changes that nature has made through countless
ages, and presents fossiliferous strata that are
well worthy the researches of the enquiring
student.
The mighty changes nature has wrought
through the far back centuries have left im-
mense fissures in these rocks that are the won-
der and admiration of the world.
Within their dark recesses are found the most
beautiful stalactitical formations which the drip-
ping waters of ages have slowly and tastefully
arranged by percolation through the rock
above, as well as other mineral deposits pecu-
liar to such caverns, all of which are worthy the
attention of the student, and have attracted
such from all parts of the educated world.
The historical interest that clusters along the
Cobleskill is deep and of such a nature as to ex-
cite one's sympathy and patriotism. Here was
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
387
a border settlement, during the struggle for
liberty — of staunch patriots, whose valor and
stability, under the most withering circum-
stances, have but few equals and no superiors.
Along the valley, devastation and death, by the
hand of ruthless Tories and Indians — rudely
swept, and blighted the hopes and aspirations
of many happy firesides — saturated the soil with
patriots' blood, and laid the beautiful and pros-
pering vale in waste !
Here, too, many scenes and incidents of
other times occurred that are of interest, which
we will from time to time notice as we unroll
the scroll upon which the past has written with
a truthful pen.
The name of the stream, town and village, at
present is written Cobleskill. From what orig-
inated the word and its meaning is not definitely
known.
Many traditionary tales are told by the oldest
families and documents as to its origin, but the
one that has been given credence, is from the
late Judge Brown, as stated in his pamphlet his-
tory of Schoharie published in 1823.
He says : —
"So called after the name of a man who
cleared a spot at the outlet under the pretence
of building a mill thereon, but was never brought
about, but by the Indians was called Ots-ga-
vaw-ge."
Author Simms visited the Judge a short time
before he died and was told by him " he had
been there to mill." It is very doubtful to us
that a mill was built where conjectured.
There was a small mill built by John Peter
Kneiskern upon a rivulet, as we mentioned in
the Esperance chapter, near William Shout's
work kitchen about the year 1740, and it was
in use up to the time of the Revolution, and
was no doubt burned by Colonel Johnson and
Brant, October 17, 1780. We think as memory
carried the Judge back upon Mr. Simms' visit,
he being very aged and somewhat in his dotage,
the Kneiskern mill was the one he visited and
that he was correct when he wrote his pamphlet
history. .The man that received the credit of
building that mill, and others in the Schoharie
district, was Jacob Kobell.
The Schaeffer tradition is to the effect that
the cows of the first settlers were pastured along
the creek and one or more of each herd having
a bell attached to the neck, for the purpose of
finding them, led the settlers to give the stream
the name of Cow-bell A7//~ kill meaning creek.
Another family states that owing to the bed
of the creek in many places being covered with
round stone, it was called Cobble Kill. While
the late John G. Young, whose ancestors came
at an early day said " I was informed by my
grandfather and other old settlers, that there
lived an old Indian near the West Kill junc-
tion, whom the people called Cobus, and they
gave his name to the stream." Turning now
from tradition, we will glance over old docu-
ments that speak plainly and bear strongly
towards Mr. Young's idea, and then leave our
readers to draw their conclusions.
The oldest writing that we have had the
pleasure of examining that alludes to the stream
bears the date of 1728 and uses the creek as a
boundary and calls it Cobus. A royal land
grant now in the possession of Tiffany Lawyer,
bearing date of 1753, also speaks of the stream
as Cobus "or as the Indians call it Ots-ha-le-ga"
and still at a later date when the boundaries of
the town were described in 1801 by act of the
Legislature, we read Cobuskill and the town re-
ceiving the name of Cobelskill. Thus we see
the original name of the stream was Cobus kill
while the town and village has borne the name
of Cobels and Cobleskill. It was formerly
thought that the West Kill was the main stream
instead of being a tributary.
Johannes Schaeffer of Ulster county, pur-
chased six hundred acres east of the present
village, in 1749, and in the year following, his
son John, and Peter his nephew, settled upon it.
At the same time Jacob Borst settled upon the
south side of the creek, opposite the Schaeffer
brothers. John built a log house where Mrs.
Peter Lawyer's fine residence now stands, and
Peter built to the west, across the brook, near
where Charles Hamilton now resides. Johannes
Schaeffer was a large land holder as will be seen
by many of the old titles, and whether he was
a relative of the Schoharie Schaeffers or not we
are unable to tell. In alter years, they became
connected by the daughter of Peter marrying
388
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Christian H. Schreffer, the father of the present
Gideon, Martin L. Jacob H. and Mrs. Russell.
John was long known as Hans Schaeffer, and
built the Mrs. Lawyer mansion for an inn,
about the year 1815, and for many years was a
respected "host."
The orthoepy of the family name is Schaeffer
but that branch of the family found in and
around Cobleskill have changed it to Shafer
and Shaver.
In 1752 Jacob Borst and Johannes Lawyer,
2cl, of Schoharie purchased the lands to the
west of Schaeffer's and Borst's, upon which the
village now stands and an addition was made
to the settlement from Schoharie and Middle-
burgh — They were Lawrence Lawyer, son of
Jacob Frederick Lawyer, ist, John Bouck,
George Ferster and John Frimire.
About the year 1765 Christian Brown, brother
of the late Judge Brown, settled upon the farm
now occupied by James Becker, and built a
saw and grist-mill, which was the only one west
of Schoharie creek.
It was a small affair as most of the mills were
of that day in the border settlements, merely
cracking the grain, leaving the flour and bran
to be separated by the ingenious matron. A
bolt was placed in the mill after the Revolution
but being ignorant of conveyers to carry the
grinding from the stone to the bolt, it was car-
ried in a basket and fed from a hopper. Indian
corn and wheat were the chief products of the
soil, the former being used chiefly for subsistence
from the fact that it was easily prepared.
Brown's J////was placed nearly opposite Mr.
Becker's residence upon the south side of the
stream that issues from a fissure in the rock
after following a hidden path for several miles.
Several streams in the town of Carlisle flow
in the fissures, so abundantly found in the lime
rock strata, and it is believed that all of them,
with but one exception, unite in emerging at
this place. The prominent feeder is a swampy
pond lying to the west of Carlisle village, known
as " Shank's Pond." The water enters a crevice
in the rock upon the east bank, over which is
placed a saw-mill, and runs beneath hills and
valleys the distance of nearly two miles and ap-
pears above ground, upon the lands of William
Brown. Being utilized here again by another
mill, it passes on one-fourth of a mile, and
again seeks its underground course, to emerge
as before stated at Becker's.
This may be called the main stream and is
fed during the fall and spring months, by another
swamp lying south of Carlisle village upon the
farms of Henry I. Ottman and Jabob H. Kneis-
kern, known as the " Cranberry swamp." This
underground tributary joins the one before men-
tioned, before it emerges at Brown's mill, as a
succession of indentures may be traced upon
the surface beneath which the water flows.
Still another swamp upon the north side of
" Owelus Sowlus" or Karker's mountain upon
the lands of Adam Lawyer, during high water
seasons is drained of its surplus by a similar
fissure, and helps swell the volume that here
bubbles up from the rock-bound cavern.
During the Revolution, the people of the val-
ley were continually on the alert for Indian in-
vasions, and kept scouts out along the border
to watch for their appearance and the move-
ments of the Tories, and when they were de-
tected lurking around, the women and children
were sent to the lower fort at Schoharie or the
middle at Midd!eburgh,much depending upon the
location of relatives, with whom they could visit.
Household valuables were also removed there
for safe keeping, if not buried beneath leaves
or brush in the forest or secreted in hollow
trees.
A family tradition says that Christian Brown
returned to his farm, after removing his family
to the lower fort, to thresh some grain, and while
busily engaged a bird flew in and perched itself
upon his shoulder. Thinking nothing of the
affair he continued threshing and the same bird
repeated the act again and again, as if warning
him of an impending danger. Like all the
sturdy Germans, Brown was imbued with super-
stitious omens and fears, and upon the bird's
last appearance his fears were aroused, and upon
reconnoitering through the chinks of the log
barn, he saw a squad of Indians cautiously
skulking along a brush fence, running at the
edge of the woods along the side hill to the
south. Being a Captain in the militia service
his capture or scalp was a tempting trophy for
the redskins to present to their king as a mark
TOWN OF COBLKSK.il. I..
3»9
of prowess and loyalty. The Captain slyly re-
treated and returned to the fort.
It was here the wedding took place, during
the war, between Captain Brown's man and
maid seivant. while Brown and family were at
the lower fort. The frequent invasions of the
Indians required a company to be formed in
the valley, of which Brown was Captain. They
were held for duty regardless of any individual
interest in agricultural or mechanical labors.
Protection was the watch- word, and from the
battle fought by them in 1778 to the close of
the struggle, they were kept in arms, and if upon
foreign duty, others tilled their places. It was
at a time when the soldiers were quartered here
that author Simms says a wedding was cele-
brated. Pork, beans, and sour-krout were the
viands and undoubtedly the " marriage bells "
rang as merrily as if all the extravagances of
modern weddings were indulged in. The militia
were the invited guests and it was a gala day
for the weary and hunted yeomen whose lives
were but seasons of hardships and privations.
The first hostile invasion in the valley was on
the ist day of June, 1778, under the command
of the Mohawk chieftain, Brant. His force was
estimated to number about four hundred Tories
and Indians, but probably it did not number
more than half of that. The Indians were prin-
cipally the Aquago's of the Susquehanna, as
blood-thirsty and revengeful a race as could be
found.
The battle being fought in the present terri-
tory of Richmondville, we have there given afull
account of the transaction, and shall refer now
only to such incidents as occurred upon that
day within the present limits of the town. After
the retreat was made by the patriots, and while
the enemy were engaged at the Warner house,
a messenger was dispatched on horseback down
the valley to apprise the inhabitants of their
danger of being slain or captured. Lawrence
Lawyer's house was the first from the west, and
stood upon the south side of the stream
between it and the present residence of Peter
Tingue. Lawyer was in the engagement, and
fled with the remaining militia to the fort,
and on coming to his house found his family
had been apprised of the defeat and had fled.
Mrs. Lawyer was three days in the woods
secreted, not knowing the fate of her husband,
or what to do with heiself She finally returned
to her home, but found nothing left but ashes ;
house and out-huildii ^ gone, and devastation
on every hand. The dwelling of George I-'erster.
which stood where the Courier house now
stands, that of John Bouck, JohnSchell. John
King, Adam and Jacob Shafer, all within the
immediate neighborhood, were but smoking
ruins, and their occupants refugees in the
cheerless forest. She, with others, broken-
hearted, fled to the lower fort, and arrived there
on the fourth day. Farther down the valley
lived Henry Shafer, (the late Judge,) where his
grandson, George Shafer, now resides, and the
Borst family near by, also John and Peter
Shafer. upon the opposite side of the creek.
For reasons unknown, the enemy did not
move down to them, and they were the only
buildings left standing from Zea's, above War-
ner's, to the school-house east of the village,
except the latter, and a log house of Warner's.
Flight of the Shafer and Brown Families* —
The messenger apprised the women and chil-
dren of Peter and John Shafer's families, who,
in company with an aged German schoolmaster
by the name of Paughoer, fled to Captain
Brown's house, and taking Mrs. Brown and
children with them, entered the forest to reach
the fort. Without doubt, the messenger
exaggerated the result of the conflict and the
proximity of the savages. AS these families were
so frightened, they did not know which way to
direct their course, although they had traveled
over the ground many times. They became
lost and lay beneath a hemlock tree over night.
The night being cold and the children timid
a fire was built at a late hour and around it
they knelt, while the teacher, with hushed
voice, invoked the protection of the Friend of
the troubled and helpless. As soon as daylight
appeared, they started, and near noon arrived
at " Sidney's " on the Schoharie creek and were
taken by him in a lumber wagon to the fort,
where they found their husbands and fathers,
they having arrived the evening previous.
* From Mrs. John |. Borst, daughter of Jeremiah
Brown.
39°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Captain Brown and Henry Shafer(late Judge)
were running together in the retreat, and were
followed by a squad of Indians, that were anx-
ious to obtain as valuable a prize as Captain
Brown, whose scalp would bring eight, and
body, alive, delivered at Niagara, twenty "cur-
rent dollars of British money." As they were
climbing over a brush fence Shafer was shot in
the thigh, which paralyzed his limb so as to make
it impossible for him to proceed. Brown turned
to assist him, but the Indians being very near,
Shafer told him " to run and not stop for him."
The Captain bounded in the thicket and eluded
his pursuers and reached the fort early in the
evening, expecting Shafer to have been killed.
As the Indians jumped over the fence they did
so close by Shafer, and he said two of them
looked him in the eye, but passed on to capture
Brown, expecting, no doubt, to return and take
his scalp.
The Judge, as he was familiarly known for
many years after, was a rather tall, muscular
man, with the nerve of a Spartan, and he
crawled, rolled and tumbled along, to the
thicket near, and secreted himself until danger
passed.
J. R. Simms says of Shafer in his excellent
" History of Schoharie and Border Wars : " —
" He directed his steps toward Schoharie, and
on the way, fell in with Peter Snyder, his
brother-in-law. They traveled together nearly
to Punchkill, when Shafer, too weak to proceed,
concealed himself and requested his comrade to
inform his friends at the fort where he might be
found, desiring them to come after him. His
fellow traveler went to the fort, but instead of
doing the errand as desired by his wounded
relative, he reported him dead. Shafer tarried
beneath a shelving rock until Monday morning,
when by great exertion, he arrived at the house
of a friend in Kneiskern's dorf. As he was
much exhausted, he was prudently fed gruel
until he revived, when he was taken to the fort
and cured of his wound."
The company that was formed in the valley
early in the war was called the Cobleskill militia,
and was not attached to the regiment of the
Schoharie and Duanesburgh district as a com-
pany, yet each of the members were enrolled
upon that "muster roll," as will be seen by con-
sulting Chapter III of this work. The most of
the company belonged to the present territory
of Cobleskill, and consisted of nearly thirty
members. Only twenty of them, however, were
engaged in the conflict of June ist.
They were as follows : —
Christian Brown, Captain.
Jacob Borst, Lieutenant.
Nicholas Warner, Ensign.
George Warner, Jr., Private.
John Frimire, do
George Frimire, do
Jacob Frimire, do
John Shafer, do
John Zea, do
Leonard King, do
Johannes Bouck, Jr., do
John Schell, do
Martinus Ferster, (Fester) do
George Ferster, " do
John Ferster, " do
Henry Shafer, do
Lawrence Lawyer, do
Jacob Shafer, do
Peter Shafer, do
William Snyder, do
Those that were killed in the engagement and
at the Warner house were : —
John Zea,
Jacob Frimire,
Jacob Shafer,
John Ferster,
Martinus Ferster.
Leonard King, Peter and Henry Shafer were
wounded, and according to author Simms " the
whole number killed, including Captain Patrick
and his men, was about twenty-two, five or six
of his men were also wounded and two were
made prisoners."
Having written the name of John Schell, we
cannot pass on, but relate an incident in the
life of the firm old patriot that has not been told
in print.
After the close of the Revolution the old sol-
diers were venomous towards the Tories, and
whenever an opportunity offered they handled
them unmercifully.
TOWN OF COBLESKILL
39'
While attending a horse-race at Lambert
Lawyer's, two Tories from the " Rhinebeck set-
tlement," whose record of brutality was bad,
drank to excess and while under the influence of
liquor boasted of some heinous crime during
the war, and ended by hurrahing for King
George.
Schell's ire was aroused, and procuring a
rope and a " black snake " whip, he tied the two
together, by their necks, and led them to the
hitching post, and whipped their coats off their
backs, (living them a resting spell, he drove
the pair through the streets, as cattle, taking
particular pains to remind them of his presence
by an occasional stroke. He filled their pockets
with small stone and compelled them to rattle
the same, and cry out, " King's money ! King's
money!" as an offset to the derisive act of
filling the mangled soldiers' mouths with Con-
tinental money, at the Warner house ! As
night drew near, he hitched them again to the
post and gave them another severe chastise-
ment, and let them go, declaring to them if they
ever boasted of their crimes again he would kill
them. It seems singular that many of the old
Tories often boasted of committing crimes
in which there was no truth, at least, so far as
their having any complicity in them, except the
principle of assent.
Building of a Fort. — Nothing of any impor-
tance occurred in the valley after the battle, till
the spring of 1781, except the building of
houses and an occasional fright by the appear-
ance of Tories and Indians in the neighbor-
hoods that sympathized with them in the cause,
as reported by the vigilant scouts.
The lower and middle forts being too small
to accommodate the settlers of the surrounding
country, many of the women and children were
taken to the "Camps" upon the Hudson,
where nearly all of them had relatives, with
whom they could visit and be safe from the
savage enemy ; owing also to the distance the
settlers of this section were compelled to travel
daily, for protection, when invasions were
threatened, beside, the hospitality of private
families becoming wearied in quartering soldiers,
the citizens applied to the committee of safety
for the building of a block-house at some point
in the valley.
Captain DeHoise, of the regular service, being
stationed at the lower fort, was ordered to
superintend its structure, which was commenced
in the spring of 1781, and finished before the
harvest, by the aid of soldiers and citizens. It
was built nearly opposite the residence of
Charles Hamilton, and was of sufficient capacity
to accommodate the settlers in itself, without
their being compelled to build tents or huts
within the pickets, as at Schoharie, for the com-
fort of those that resorted to it, Its shape and
construction is not known, more than that a
cupola or observatory was built, from which the
valley could be seen for a long distance.
The house of Peter Shafer stood where Ham-
ilton's now stands and was enclosed in the
pickets. A moat surrounded the whole in
which the water of the brook running near, was
turned and from which the garrison was sup-
plied. The brook was much larger than at the
present time from the fact the one running
through the western part of the village upon
which Harder's shops are built, made a turn
near the residence of Mathew Burhans and ran
east past Virgil Kling's into the channel of
the brook now seen. Lambert Lawyer changed
the course of the stream when he first settled
upon the Courier place, for mill purpose.
Here the militia were stationed and obtained
their supplies from the people gratuitously
and we may imagine lived upon the " fat of the
land." The henroosts and granaries of the
Tories of " Rhinebeck " were often visited by
the soldiers in their scouting expeditions and
their "donations" thankfully and most agree-
ably received. Nothing of a warlike character
occurred here until the fall of 1781.
Invasion of 1781 — As has been intimated the
Cobleskill militia and citizens that remained in
Fort DeBoise obtained many of their supplies
from the Tories of New Rhinebeck. They
said in substance: — "If your party destroy our
crops and other means of subsistence, we will
live upon you."
After thus helping themselves to their pro-
ductions the Tories became greatly incensed
and concluded to follow the adage of ''diamond
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
cut diamond " and devastate the valley; con-
sequently in the latter part of September 1781
a party of Indians from the Mohawk appeared
in the Karker neighborhood and were joined by
a number of the Tories to carry out their de-
signs.
The leader was from "New Rhinebeck" and
full of vengeance as he had been stripped of his
cattle by Willet and hunted by the Cobleskill
scouts. They crept slyly to the valley unper-
ceived and began the work of devastation in
burning Lawrence Lawyer's, John Bouck's,
George Ferster's and John King's house,that had
been rudely rebuilt after the invasion of 1778.
They passed down the valley and kept at too
great distance from the fort to enable the few
that were within it, to fire upon them with
effect. They passed round to Judge Shafer's
buildings, and applied the torch to the house,
after plundering it of such goods as they could
carry conveniently. They burned his log barn
and stacks, and passed on to the Borst place
below. That family was at the middle fort.
The party here put up for the night, and held a
pow-wow over their success. Mrs. Judge Shafer
was in the fort, we are informed by Mrs. David
Shank, a daughter, and saw the flames rising
from her house. She went alone and ex-
tinguished them, but the barn and stacks
were laid in ashes. As she was returning to the
fort she said the burning of property up the val-
ley was a sad and discouraging sight.
Abram Bouck, then a lad, was at home and
was captured as he was starting to return to the
fort. George Frimire and brother John were at
Ferster's and in making an attempt to escape,
George was killed and scalped— John it was
thought was a willing prisoner as he had fol-
lowed the invaders of Vroman's Land to Canada
the previous year, but stoutly denied the charge.
George Ferster was also taken and rudely dealt
with.
Early the following morning the invaders burnt
the Borst buildings that sheltered them through
the night and retraced their steps up the valley, j
They burnt Judge Shafer's house and drove his
few cattle along, together with others they could !
collect, in all about thirty head. Every build- j
ng from Lawrence Lawyer's to the Borst place
was burnt, except the fort and Peter Shafer's
(enclosed within the pickets) and Hans Shafer's,
that stood where Mrs. Peter Lawyer's fine resi-
dence now stands.
Hans lost nothing. His reticence throughout
the struggle after the battle of 1778 was con-
sidered suspicious, and caused the patriots to
keep a watch over his movements.
The Ferster and Frimire families seemed to
be the most unfortunate of any in the valley
during the war. The former was stripped of all
its male members, upon the capture of George
the father, at this invasion, and the massacre of
John and Martinus, the sons, in the conflict of
1778. John Frimire and his second son, Jacob,
were killed in that memorable battle. One son
fled to Canada with Zea as related in Chapter
XVIII, while George and John were taken pris-
oners at this time. From those two families
came the brightest examples of unselfish heroism
and patriotic sacrifice that are to be found in
the annals of our country.
The enemy passed up to the present village
where the New Rhinebeck party separated from
the Indians and skulked to their homes. That
night they had a meeting at one of the clan's
houses and two buxom Tory daughters enliv-
ened the occasion by playing upon fifes, while
the Tories themselves refreshed their weary
bodies by drinking Ferster's potato whiskey.
There could not have been many men in the
little fort at the time, as it seems if there had
been, an effort would have been made to check
the savages' progress.
Undoubtedly the men were off upon duty as
scouts, or in the Schoharie valley assisting their
brethren in their fall work. Our Tory informant
says " they watched their chance and did good
service." Thus it was as the white-capped
cloud suddenly arises in a clear sky, changing
sunlight to darkness and bringing hail and Na-
ture's other destructives, so those monsters
"watched their chance" and when all seemed
quiet and secure, they pounced upon unpro-
tected settlements, and with the torch laid them
in ashes and bathed the ruins with brothers'
blood.
Lawrence Lawyer was on his way from Scho-
harie the afternoon the buildings were burned,
and when near the present hamlet of Punch-
kill, he came suddenly upon three Indians, who
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
393
were driving a few head of cattle, but they not
seeing him, he crouched down by the side of a
log and they passed on without noticing him,
although they were within a few feet of him.
Quite a number of cattle were driven from the
valley by the invaders at this time.
Lawrence died in 1848, at the age of eighty-
nine years and ten months.
First and Later School Houses. — While we
are dwelling upon the incidents connected with
this neighborhood, it may not be amiss to refer
to the first school house in the town.
An old man whose head is silvered by the re-
flection of eighty-seven years, well spent, and
whose father and mother learned to read and
write High Dutch correctly within its rude
walls, pointed out the little knoll upon the
north side of the road, east of M. W. Hearn's
residence, and east of the gate-way, near the
willow tree, as the spot upon which the first
school house was built. It was a log building,
and for the want of a "creaking door," a large
blanket was pinned up in winter, under which
the pupils were forced to crawl in going in and
out. A small hole was made upon the south
side for a window, over which the teacher's
cloak was hung to keep out the wind. A large
hole in the roof allowed the smoke to escape
from the fireplace and through which light was
admitted to enable the scholars to stqdy. The
teacher was a Mr. Paughoer, to whom we re-
ferred in the flight of the Brown and Shafer
families, and who taught as early as 1770. At
the close of the war a frame building was
erected upon the same spot, in which many of
the oldest inhabitants, now living, well remem-
ber attending school. Two buildings for that
purpose have been erected and abandoned
since, before the one at present in use was
built; each exhibiting the degree of prosperity
and pride the people possessed. The present
one marks the progress of the day and the deep
interest taken by the citizens of the village in
the cause of education.
We have before us the report of J . H. Sals-
bury, Superintendent of Common Schools, made
in 1845, m which he says, in referring to new
school houses : —
"That of Cobleskill, (the third one built in the
district) is a splendid building, reflecting credit
upon the inhabitants of the district, and par-
ticularly upon Messrs. C. Courier, Thomas
Smith, D. Lawyer, M. Swart and others, by
whose voluntary subscriptions a sum sufficient
was raised to rear it. It has two rooms, with a
portico in front, and a beautiful cupola upon it,
and for comfort, convenience and elegance, it
is perhaps surpassed by few, if any, in the
State."
Upon the building of the present one, the
former was abandoned, and was used for many
years as the Index printing office, and of late as
Dean's Marble Works.
Upon the building of the railroad, the village
gave promise of becoming a thrifty business
center, and there was an influx of settlers, which
required more commodious school rooms.
In 1867, the present brick structure was
built, and the schools soon adopted a graded
course, which has now become equal to any
school in Central New York, having three de-
partments— Primary, Intermediate and Aca-
demic— with an attendance of four hundred
students.
The present Board of Education of the
village is Charles H. Shaver, President; James
W. Lawyer and Albert Baker, whose design is
" to furnish to the youth a school equal to any
of its kind in the State, and to afford to all who
desire it, an opportunity to be fitted for college,
for business, for teaching, and, above all, for the
practical duties of life."
Additional Settlers. — Immediately after the
Revolution closed, measures were taken to re-
build, and other settlers, principally from Scho-
harie and Middleburgh, made a choice of land
near, and by the year 1800, the present limits of
the town were entirely taken up, except those
lands lying upon the precipitous hills, which
were considered of little value. Prominent
among the new settlers was Lambert Lawyer, a
son of Johannes Lawyer, 2d, of Schoharie, who
purchased in 1752 the land upon which the
village stands. Lambert settled in the log house
rebuilt by Ferster, and in which the latter kept
an inn after he was released. The old house
was built of logs, and stood where the court
394
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
house now stands. Lawyer built on a frame
addition, and continued the business up to the
year 1802, when the house was burnt. There
being quite an amount of travel of families
from the Eastern States, to Otsego and other
western counties, beside a good local trade, he
built the present house, which was the largest in
this section. The building was erected the same
year, (1802). The road ran upon the south of
the house at that time. The house was for many
years the town house, where the hardy yeomen
met to transact official business, hold law-suits,
etc.
Here it was voted as late as 1802, "That
stocks be built at the expense of the town,"
which appears as if they had " unwary ones " in
those "good old times," as now.
Among the town records we find that in 1 820,
"by a vote at Lambert Lawyer's, the paupers of
the town of Cobleskill shall be sold at auction
annually, on the first Tuesday in May, when
the licenses will be granted to retailers of spirit-
uous liquors."
Lambert growing old, and very wealthy, for
those days, wished to retire from the business,
so in 1815 he built a brick house where the
Hotel Augustan now stands, into which he
moved with his son David S., while another son,
Jacob L., took possession of the inn, and con-
tinued the business many years. He was a
soldier in the War of 1812, in Captain Kellogg's
Company, and in November, 1828, was elected
Sheriff of the County. He died July 30, 1850.
Mrs. Jacob L. Lawyer, is still living at the
advanced age of eighty-five. She was a Dries-
bach, of Schoharie, and when she came to
Cobleskill the first time, there were but few
houses, and the surrounding farms were nearly
covered with heavy timber. Her father came
from Pennsylvania in company with Jabez
Kromer, and after a short stay in Albany, they
came to Schoharie. The former located at that
village as a mechanic, and the latter settled in
Cobleskill as a physician, in 1793, both being
progenitors of the families now living in the
County bearing those names.
Jacob L. Lawyer sold the property to John
P. Bellinger, and Peter Van Patten, father of
the late Abram Van Patten, continued the
hotel business to the year 1839, when Charles
Courier purchased the property. Upon the
building of the turnpike in 1810, the back of
the house was made the front, and upon Mr.
Courier purchasing the property he removed
the horse-sheds, and upon the ground they
occupied, he built a store, in which he kept a
general assortment of merchandise up to the
year 1864, when he sold his stock to Simeon
Deyo, who was also in trade in the " Watson
house," or present " Kilts Hotel." Mr. Deyo
consolidated the two stores, and had the sole
control of the trade in the village. Mr. Deyo
was a practical business man, with a host of
friends, and did as large a business here as he
had done in Schoharie village, for eighteen years
in succession. He closed his mercantile affairs
in 1864, and purchased the " Mineral Springs,"
where we will again refer to him, in dwelling
upon incidents and facts relating to that place.
Charles Courier* was born in the town of
Schoharie on the 4th of June, 1808.
After the death of Lambert Lawyer, which
occurred in 1832, David S. came in full pos-
session of the brick house property, and in the
course of a few years he sold the same to Mar-
cus Sternbergh. It was kept as a hotel by him
for a long series of years, when LeRoy Eldredge,
of Sharon, purchased it, who in turn sold to A.
C. Smith, in 1867. Perhaps it may be inter-
esting to state that the property was sold by
David S. Lawyer, for a trifle over six Ihousand
dollars, while the consideration for ihe same
between Smilh and Eldredge was twenty-one
thousand dollars, showing a gain of over four-
teen thousand dollars, which must be placed to
the credit of the railroad. Mr. Smith repaired
the house at great expense, and made it as
inviting to guests as any in the County.
Increase of business required another exten-
sion, and many conveniences within, but
through a conflagration that originated in the
hotel stables in 1873, the whole was laid in
ashes, together with all the buildings to ihe east
as far as School street. In the two years follow-
ing Mr. Smith built the structure now standing
as Hotel Augustan, upon the ground occupied
by the old buildings.
* See steel portrait and biography at the close of this
chapter.
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
395
It is a large three-story brick building, with
well ventilated and spacious rooms, capable of
accommodating one hundred guests without
inconvenient compactness. To it, has flocked,
each heated term, many from different cities,
to enjoy its hospitality and the beautiful scenery
surrounding it. Scarcely had Mr. Smith fin-
ished and furnished the building to his satis-
faction, when he was stricken by disease. He
died November 14, 1877, at the age of forty-
nine.
Augustus C. Smith was a very genial and en-
ergetic business man. He conceived the rapid
growth of the village would ensure safety in
making the heavy expenditure of building such
an edifice, and had he lived, undoubtedly by his
enterprise and perseverance, he would have en-
joyed the realization of his plans. He was a
successful school teacherfor a number of years,
and was elected school commissioner over the
western district in the autumn of 1856. Mr.
Smith ever took a deep interest in the cause of
education, and in entering upon the duties of
the office, he threw his whole energies in the
work and awakened an interest throughout the
district, that caused the schools to advance from
the lethargy in which they were found. He was
re-elected as his term of office closed, and
throughout his official career performed his duties
with such faithfulness, as to ensure it was not as
much for the emoluments of the office,he worked,
as to meet the interest he felt in educational
matters.
As we are dwelling upon hotels and hotel
proprietors, perhaps we may with propriety refer
to others that were in past days and then come
down to others that are now existing in the vil-
lage. In olden times an inn was considered as
indispensable as the highway, as by the town
records we find in 1800, and for many years fol-
lowing, nine persons were licensed to " keep an
inn," in the town, and "who appear to be of
good moral characters, and are of sufficient
abilities, each to keep a publick Inn or Tavern,
and that each of them has accommodations to
entertain travelers."
Undoubtedly owing to the rush of business
the board considered it " necessary for the ac-
commodation of travelers that a tavern be kept
at their several places of abode in the said town
of Cobleskill." The nine that received licenses
were : —
Lambert Lawyer,
Peter Bouck,
William Snyder,
Nicholas Rouse,
Jacob Newton,
Nicholas Smith,
William Baker,
Caleb Lamb,
Lambert Shafer.
The town being much larger in area at that
time than now, there were but four of the nine
in the present territory — Lawyer, Bouck,
Shafer and Rouse.
Peter Bouck kept were Martinus Swart now
resides; Shafer upon the VanDresser farm.
Rouse near Punchkill, and Lawyer as before
shown.
Coming down to a later date (1810) Dr. Ja-
bez Kromer opened his house (which stood
where Kennedy's wagon shop now stands) as
an inn. The building was burned about the
year 1830, and the present wagon shop soon
after erected. John Foland succeeded Kromer
as host. He was father of the late John and
present Peter Foland, whose reputation as land-
lords are too well known by the traveling public
to need an introduction here. The house passed
into several hands from time to time, and in its
last days as a hotel was known as the " Nisbeth
House.
In 1842 Abraham L. Lawyer purchased the
building now known as the United States, and
changed it from a store (for which it was in-
tended,) to a hotel by building an addition.
Martin Watson, son-in-law of Lawyer, took
possession and continued the business to the year
1852, when he remaved to Albany and gave
place to others. Since that date the house has
been occupied as a store and hotel, Simeon
Deyo being the last to occupy it as a store-house.
From 1864 to 1868 several different "land-
lords" held forth, but in the latter year Levi
Kilts purchased the property and still remains
the proprietor. During the present season the
building has received an extensive addition
which makes agreat contrast from its appearance
forty years ago, when it was a small store, and
396
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the present time. Across the street from the
United States Hotel stood for many years a long
building with the gable towards the street, which
from time to time was used for various purposes.
Abram Van Patten rebuilt the house and for
several years enjoyed a lucrative patronage.
His genial countenance and unbounded hospi-
tality drew a host of friends around him, who
deeply regretted his untimely end.
Mr. Van Patten fell from a wagon at some
distance from home and when found life was
extinct. The house was managed by his family
awhile, who was followed by • • Benedict to
the present year, when Jefferson Eldridge be-
came the occupant, and remodeled the estab-
lishment in appearance and convenience.
Upon the completion of the railroad to this
place, James Blodgett erected the present Com-
mercial Hotel, near the station, as the Blodgett
House, for the convenience and comfort of
commercial travelers. The fall of 1866 found
it completed under the management of the
builder, who was followed by several different
firms and of late by Morgan Lewis, son-in-law
of A. C. Smith and former proprietor of the
Hotel Augustan. The house has accommoda-
tions for one hundred guests. Besides the in-
creasing patronage of the traveling public this
house has become a favorite summer resort. I
The village being so pleasantly situated, in a
fertile and interesting valley, free from malaria
and accessible to all parts, many whose custom
it has been to pass the heated term at the fash-
ionable watering places, find it more beneficial
to health to pass their summers here in quiet,
and each season finds their numbers increased.
Early Merchants. — Who was the first mer-
chant in the place, it is indeed hard to tell, but
we are led to believe one Staats, who was here
in 1790. Josias Kellogg was here as early as
1800, and was connected in after years with
Curtis Thorp.
The Lawyer family were the most wealthy of
any in the Schoharie settlements, and were
engaged in nearly every enterprise in which
money was to be made, and undoubtedly
through them the first settlers were supplied
with such goods as they required. The wants
of the settlers as we have before mentioned
were few — the chief being rum and tobacco —
aside from their wearing apparel and eatables,
which they manufactured and grew themselves.
After Kellogg and Thorp came John Peter
Bellinger. Upon the ground now occupied by
the United States Hotel stood a building which
was occupied as a store during the zo's, by
Jacob Slingerland; the building was burned and
rebuilt by Han Yery Bouck, and he or his
brother engaged in the mercantile business in
partnership with Jerome Kromer. Mr. Bellinger
was in trade part of the time with Jonas Bouck.
Charles Courier came in 1837, and formed a
copartnership with Minard Harder, in 1855,
and continued the connection until the spring
of 1860, when the business reverted to Mr.
Courier. During those years, Martin Watson,
A. B. Larkin and J. M. Falkner, were engaged
in trade, the latter two, after those dates.
Simeon Deyo being established in the "Wat-
son house," purchased Charles Courier's goods
and interesl, and became ihe only merchant in
the village for some time, as we before stated.
There may have been other merchants of short
residence here from time to time, of whom we
have nol made mention, but we have given the
leading tradesmen up to the year 1862. Long
years before the latter date, the chief station for
trading was at Lawyersville, and still later,
Bernerville. We will here state that the busi-
ness portion of the village for many years was
clustered around the present United States
Hotel.
Alonzo Ferguson was the pioneer hardware
merchant of the place, and commenced the
business in 1851. He was followed by C.
H. Shaver in 1854, who still is in trade.
Mr. Ferguson removed to Otsego county, and
upon the commencement of the Rebellion, he en-
listed and served through the war as Colonel of
the 72d Regiment of Volunteers.
In 1879, he returned to the village, and again
engaged in trade, having purchased the stock of
goods of Charles Hamilton, who had been in
the trade nearly two years. The three gentle-
men alluded to are the only merchants ever en-
gaged exclusively in the hardware trade in the
village.
TOWN OF COBLESKTLL.
397
Morris Cohn removed from South Valley in
1864, and engaged the most extensively in the
dry goods trade, and still remains as the largest
dealer in the County. Jacob H. Diefendorf,
also commenced at nearly the same time, and
after a few years closed. In 1872, Martin Borst
and Edgar S. Ryder, formed a co-partnership in
the dry goods and clothing trade, and the firm
became in 1878, Ryder & Ostrom, Borst having
retired and George D. Ostrom succeeding him.
The same year the firm again changed by the
retirement of Ostrom, and connection of R. T.
Lefevre, making the principals " Ryder & Le
fevre."
The first general druggist of the town was
Howland, who commenced in 1865,
and was succeeded by Jonas Dillenbeck, in
1867, who is still in business, having of late
taken an associate, and the firm is known as
Rowe & Dillenbeck. The conflagration of 1873
burnt Mr. Dillenbeck's large and well stocked
establishment, but it was immediately rebuilt,
and still retains the reputation of a first-class
house, which was early won. Several other firms
have " come and gone " since Mr. Dillenbeck
embarked in the business, and at present but
one other is in the trade. Hogan & Borst com-
menced in 1879, and still continue with the con-
fidence of the public. Doctor Ezra Lawyer, in
connection with his practice, was a favorite
druggist for a few years up to 1879, when
he retired from the business. To chronicle
all the business men of the town, and the
changes they have made from time to time,
would be an endless task, and by not going
over the whole field, we are confident we will
not be accused of favoritism. We have only
intended, in writing the foregoing necessarily
brief sketch, to notice the pioneers in each
branch, but in our retrospect, we find we have
missed Henry Smith, who built and furnished
with goods, the house standing near the old
school house, and in which William T. Moak
was clerk, in the years 1853 and 1854. The
basement was occupied in 1865 by "Lon"
Harder, as a grocery, which he removed to the
building now occupied by the druggists Hogan
& Borst. " Lon " built the store in 1867, and
created quite an excitement by his prize " Tea
Sales|" in which he disposed of thousands of
pounds of tea, and brought together crowds of
hundreds of people, to witness the distribution
of the prizes.
James W. Lawyer was the pioneer in the ex-
clusive grocery trade, and was followed by Alonzo
Harder. Daniel J. Dow removed from Sharon
Hollow, and engaged in that business, and since
then, G. R. Culver, John J. Dickerson, and J.
M. Dean, as Dickerson & Dean, who were suc-
ceeded by Decker & Wright, Martin D. Borst,
and James Herrick, have established flattering
trades, who, with D. J. Dow, make a specialty
of crockery, in addition to groceries.
Lawrence Lawyer's House and Family. —
When Lawrence Lawyer settled here, about the
year 1770, he built a house near the creek a
little to the north of Peter Tingue's present res-
idence. The road ran south of Lambert Law-
yer's to that house and from thence northwest
to Adam Shaver's, now Madison Shaver's, and
then west to William Snyder's inn, now occupied
by Sylvester McDonald. Lawyer was twice
burned out during the war, and in 1810 built a
large mansion upon the hill west of the village.
It was in after years occupied by his son, Abram
L., who was followed by Nicholas Russell, and
still later by Peter Coburn, in whose possession
it was when burned.
Lawrence had two sons, John L. and Abram
L. The foimer, father of the present James W.
Lawyer, was killed by a log rolling upon him.
Abram became a very useful and influential
man. He represented the town in the board of
Supervisors in 1823, 1824, 1825, and 1829, and
was sent to the Legislature in 1830, and again
in 1851. The years 1835, 1836, 1837, and
1838 found him in the State Senate, which po-
sition he filled with commendable efficiency, as
repeated elections prove. He died at his resi-
dence on the fifteenth of December, 1853, at
the age of sixty-two.
Mr. Lawyer married a daughter of Peter
Bouck, and his daughter (Mrs. Harvey Watson,
of Esperance,) is the only surviving member of
the family.
Churches. — From the first settlement of the
valley, in 1750 to 1764, the people were desti-
tute of a house of worship. Peter N. Sommers,
of the Lutheran Church of Schoharie, and
398
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Dominie Schuyler, of the High Dutch Re-
formed, together with missionaries, occasionally
performed divine services in houses and barns.
When not thus provided, the people either
walked to Schoharie or near the present Metho-
dist Centre Church in Seward, where stood
a rude log building in which meetings were held
quite frequently. During the Revolution, they
were careful in venturing upon the usual paths
to Seward, as the settlers of that section were
principally Tories, in whom they had but little
confidence.
After peace was proclaimed, the Rhinebeck
Church was built by the combined efforts of the
people of Dorlach, Rhinebeck and Cobleskill
and both societies, Lutheran and Reformed,
worshipped in the building up 1o the year 1800.
The Lutherans of Cobleskill became dissatisfied
with the management of the church property,
and being able to erect a church of their own,
THE OLD BRICK (LUTHERAN) CHURCH.
they did so in 1794. An effort was made by
them to obtain a division of the farm, but not
being successful, the matter was dropped until
1808, when they obtained fifty acres as their
portion. The building, for those days, was a
fine one and, being of brick, it was known and
referred to as the "Brick Church," for man)'
years after, by the people of the surrounding
country. The building became too small for
the congregation and a new one was erected in
the year 1868, at a cost, together with the fur-
niture, of thirty-six thousand dollars, that will
compare favorably with any in the country.
The old one was cleared away in 1869, and
upon the ground occupied by it, and the old
grave-yard, the brick block known as the "Rus-
sell Block," now stands. The store of Martin
Borst occupied the old site. It is sacrilege to
destroy every such relic of the past merely for
the financial gain that is reaped out of the small
plats upon which they were placed.
The founder of this organization was the Rev.
F. H. Quitman, and in gleaning from the re-
cords we are enabled to give the following facts
relating to the church, and in our labors were
assisted materially by Mr. Archibald Kilmer,
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
399
whose interest, with others, became excited in
behalf of the " old land mark."
In September, 1793, Lambert Lawyer gave
to the organization one acre of ground for
building purposes, and during the following
winter and summer the edifice was erected. At
what time the first meeting was held to organ
ize the society as a separate church, we are un-
able to tell, but by consulting the New Rhine-
beck papers should judge that part of the pro-
ceedings were performed in the early part of
that month (September). We find Nicholas
Warner and Henry Shafer (late Judge) were the
first Wardens, and Lawrence Lawyer, Henry
Shafer, David Bouck, Johannes Bouck, George
Mann and Peter Shafer the first Trustees, while
Henry Shafer acted as Clerk. From the books
we find the organization spoken of as " The
Lutheran Dutch Church, called 'Zion of
Cobleskill.' "
The builders of the edifice were : —
Henry Shafer,
Adam Shafer,
Peter Shafer,
John Shafer,
David Bouck,
Lawrence Lawyer,
Lambert Lawyer,
George Warner,
Nicholas Warner,
David Zeh,
Peter Mann,
John Bouck,
George Warner,
all wealthy men, not only for that, but our own
day, as farmers; and being situated in a rapidly
growing community, the pulpit was supplied by
the best preachers of the day.
As we have stated Rev. Frederick Quitman
founded the church and was the first pastor
from 1794 to 1800, and Anthony T. Braun
(Brown) from 1800 to 1805, yet they were also
preachers at Schoharie; Rev. Mr. Braun from
1791 to 1795, and Rev. Quitman from 1795 to
1799, when Rev. Mr. Braun again officiated
from 1799 to 1805. Those two men followed
in the footsteps of P. N. Sommers, and like him
preached at Beaverwyck, Stone Arabia, Green-
bush, and to scattering congregations within a
circuit of forty miles, but unlike him in doing
the work double handed.
These men were succeeded by one of the no-
blest men that adorned the church, Augustus
Wackei-.ha^cr, who began his ministry at Scho-
harie and herein 1805 and ended them in 1816.
He was the first President of the County Bible
Society and on its semi-centennial anniversary
at Schoharie in October, 1863, the Society voted
him a Bible, as a mark of their honor and affec-
tion. Upon the receipt of the token, at Cler-
mont, he wrote a touching letter of acknowl
edgement, that well deserves a place upon the
minutes of that Society. Though four score
years had passed over his venerable head, yet
in that epistle the earnestness, energy and men-
tal powers of the man 'could be at once seen
and felt.
John Molther followed in 1816 and remained
to the year 1819, when George A. Lintnercame
and officiated till the year 1834. At that date
this organization became a separate parish un-
der the pastorate of W. H. Watson, who re-
mained until the year 1841, when James Lefler
followed till 1844, and officiated also at
•Middleburgh. Rev. J. Fenner came that
year and was succeeded in 1846 by A. L.
Bridgman, who came only to fill a vacancy and
was relieved by Rev. M. J. Stover, who remained
till 1851, when S. Curtis came. The year 1855
brought P. A. Stroble, and 1858 Henry Keller,
who is the only one of the long list of pastors
that permanently settled in the village. His
pastorate ended in 1861, and I. S. Porter fol-
lowed him and remained till 1867, when A. P.
Ludden filled his place to be relieved by C. P.
Whitecar in 1873. Mr. Whitecar remained but
one year and removed to Middleburgh where
he labored till 1876. S. Stall followed Mr.
Whitecar in 1874 and closed his pastoral duties
here in 1877, when G. W. Hemperly, the present
pastor, was called. One fact we will here state
in connection with this church that is of deep
interest in its history : —
Rev. Walter Gunn, the first missionary from
the Evangelical Lutheran church of the United
States to heathen lands, was a resident of
Carlisle, and while but a young man was awak-
ened to a deep sense of his duty to God and
400
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
man by the Holy Spirit, and but a short time
after his conversion expressed a strong desire to
enter the missionary field.
Being too poor to prepare himself for the
work, he applied to the pastor of the Schoharie
Lutheran church for advice in the matter, who
could give but little encouragement, yet with
that earnest resolution that characterized all of
Dr. Lintner's works, the matter was brought be-
fore several members of the Hartwick Synod.
Dr. Lintner in his memoir of Mr. Gunn says :—
" At the meeting of that body, at Cobleskill,
in the year 1837, it so happened, or rather it
was directed in the providence of God that sev-
eral wives of clergymen belonging to the Synod
accompanied their husbands to the meeting.
During the session of the Synod Mrs. Nancy
Schafer, wife of Colonel Schafer, of Cobleskill, in-
vited the ministers' wives to spend an afternoon
at her home. Here they met without any pre-
concerted arrangements and had a season of
prayer, while their husbands were engaged in
the deliberations of the Synod. The ladies
present at this meeting were Mrs. Crounse, Mrs.
Senderling, Mrs. Lintner and Mrs. Schafer.
After prayer it was proposed to educate Mr.
Gunn for a foreign missionary."
" Each pledged herself for a definite sum and
agreed to work among the ladies of their re-
spective neighborhoods and solicit their aid.
" This gave rise to the Female Association of
Hartwick Synod for the Education of Foreign
Missionaries. This meeting was the germ of
the foreign missionary spirit, which went, forth
through the Hartwick Synod to other Synods
and subsequently led to the establishment of
our foreign mission."
Reformed Church. — There being several
families located at and near the village that
held to the Calvinistic doctrine, a building was
erected in 1819 for public worship. The pulpit
was supplied principally from the Reformed
Church of Schoharie and Middleburgh. There
never was a resident pastor connected with this
church, and through some mismanagement or
disagreement upon doctrines, the society was
disorganized and the church property sold.
The building at present is occupied by the post-
office, and James W. Lawyer's grocery. The
last deacon of this church was the late Isaac
Ottrnan.
Methodist Episcopal CAurf/i.—The early
records of this church were not kept, but by
the assistance of Mr. Minard Harder, we are
enabled to give an accurate history of the same,
as taken from papers relating to it in his pos-
session. In the summer of 1853, meetings
were held for the first time, in the residence of
John Schermerhorn, by circuit preachers, and
the year following the present edifice was built,
and dedicated about the month of October of
that year. The Sunday-school was held in the
rear part of the present residence of William C.
Ottman, in a room arranged by Josiah L.
Hawes, for a select school. Elisha Watson was
preacher in charge during 1853, and we find
Charles M. Anderson was an assistant, and
Truman Seymour, presiding elder. In 1854
Arunah Lyon was preacher, and Andrew Heath
acted as colleague. During those two years
this charge was in the Seward and Cobleskill
circuit. In 1855 and 1857, it was in the
Cobleskill circuit, which included Bernerville,
Punchkill, Greenbush, Grovenor's Corners,
Mineral Springs, Petersburg!!, Bramanville and
Cobleskill, and consisted of eight classes.
In 1855 Andrew Heath was preacher, and
Stillman B. Gough, associate.
In 1856 Joseph Conner was preacher, and
Joseph Cope, son-in-law of David Shank, asso-
ciate.
In 1857 the same clergymen were reappointed
and served.
These were the last pastoral duties performed
by Mr. Conner, as his health failed. He settled
at Warnerville and died soon after with con-
sumption.
In 1858 the circuit included Richmondville,
and was called "The Cobleskill and Rich-
mondville Circuit." During that year S. S. Ford
was preacher in charge, with D. W. Gould, asso-
ciate. The year 1859 was supplied by the same.
The pastors in 1861 were Alvin Robbins and
William J. Sands; in 1862, A. Hall and F. T.
Hanna; in 1863, A. D. Heaxt ; and in 1864
and 1865, Aaron Hall.
TOWN OF COBLKSK.ILL.
401
In the latter year, Grovenor's Corners, Ker-
nerville and Cobleskill were set off as a separate
circuit.
In 1866, Abel Ford filled the pulpit, followed
in 1866-1868, by D. W. Gates; in 1868-1871,
by Homer L. Grant; in 1871-1873, by R. H.
Robinson; in 1873-1876, by T. Dwight Walk-
er; in 1876-1878, by W. H. L. Starks; in
1878-1879, by Milton Tater ; and in 1879, by
J. S. Bridgford, at the present time officiating.
In 1867, Grovenor's Corners was taken from
the circuit.
This church was made a "station" and
separate from any other, with the exception of
Bernerville, that was retained a few years after.
The present officers are : —
Trustees : —
Reuben Harder,
W. H. Hawes,
Elmer France,
George D. Harder,
Francis France.
Stewards : —
Minard Harder,
Louis Hess,
John VanVoris,
George D. Harder,
Abram Gorden.
Leaders : —
M. S. Decker,
S. Wright,
C. P. Boarne,
C. H. Shaver,
Chester Earner.
The Sabbath school has 175 officers and
teachers with Louis Hess as superintendent.
Sf. Paul's Roman Catholic Church. — This
church was organized in 1870 by Rev. T. W.
Reilly, with a membership of seventy-five. The
edifice is a substantial brick structure, and was
built the same year at a cost of eight thousand
dollars.
The following pastors have officiated : —
Rev. T. W. Reilly,
Rev. Muldoon,
Rev. E. Philips,
Rev. John Brosenen at present officiat-
ing and resident.
To return to the old families of the valley we
find at the time of the Revolution they had in-
creased in numbers, and in a few years, each
had settled down to fill up the interstices between
distant neighbors.
Jacob Borst the elder had passed away leav-
ing Joseph, Jacob, Jr., and Yost in his stead.
The former two, by their energy and faithful-
ness in the cause of liberty, enrolled their names
upon Freedom's column as true and tried pa-
triots. Jacob was employed chiefly as scout and
braved many dangers from which others shrank.
In the fall of 1780, he in company with others
were taken prisoners at Moak's Hollow, and
driven to Canada. He was harshly treated and
held until the war closed, when he returned to
his home, but was soon confined by consump-
tion, which he contracted through exposure and
soon after died. Joseph retained the old farm
and his children were Peter, Christian, Henry,
John J., and Maria, (Mrs. Abram Brown). They
too, with the father, grew old and died, leaving
a record however, of being worthy children of a
worthy parent.
The widow of John J. Borst is still living at
the advanced age of eighty-three, with all the
vivacity of many at fifty. Mrs. Borst was a
daughter of the late Jeremiah Brown, who was
one of Captain Brown's children that fled with
the school-master. Thus we find running through
her veins, the true blood of Revolutionary pa-
triotism, such as has caused volumes of brilliant
pages to be written and to be admired through
all coming time.
Yost or Christian was too young during the
war to take a part. He was the grandfather of
Josiah Borst, the present resident of the village.
Peter Schaeflfer had but one child who, we
before stated, married Christian Schaeffer of
Schoharie.
John Schaeffer reared a large family of boys,
and one daughter, she being Eva, the wife of
Jeremiah Brown, and mother of the present Mrs.
John J. Borst. John or Hans Schaeffer took out
a license in 180435 an innkeeper, which busi-
ness he followed to his death, in conjunction
with the farm. He was followed by his son
Peter, who was long known as Colonel Peter,
being honored with a commission in the State
militia, under the old military law.
402
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The oldest son,' Henry, was located upon the
farm now owned by John Wieting and built a
small grist-tnill upon the south side of the
knoll east of the house. It was called the
"Corn cracker " and many of the old citizens
of the town well remember visiting the same.
The second son, David, settled upon the farm,
and built the large yellow house that was re-
cently torn down, so long owned and occupied
by William Walker.
Mr. Walker's firm opposition to bonding
the town to aid in the construction of the Sus-
quehanna railroad can but be fresh in the
minds of the people of the town. He fought
the project long and bravely but the bonds
were given and caused as he predicted "trouble
and anxiety." Mr. Walker removed from Grov-
enor's Corners to this farm.
Lambert Shafer, another son settled upon the
farm now owned by the Van Dresser Brothers.
Here he kept an inn which was for many years
a rendezvous for the neighboring faimers to in-
dulge in horse racing. The race course was
from the house, west to the turn of the road and
upon it many of the wheat fed horses displayed
their speed regardless of the day of the week or
state of the weather. The present residence is
the one then used and in which were witnessed
many sports peculiar, we may say, only to those
days. Here one Michael Haenig formerly a
Hessian soldier and taken prisoner at Saratoga
being rather full of " flip " and troublesome
" nog " hurrahed for King George, upon some
occasion, when a lusty yeoman caught him up
and threw him in the fire place swearing he
should be burnt up. Peter, father of Milton
Borst, being present, caught the poor fellow
and dragged him out, but not soon enough to
save him a severe scorching.
The farm was purchased by Abram and Will-
iam Shutts two brothers who occupied it for
many years and sold to John Van Dresser and
is now successfully managed by his sons Jacob
and Henry under the title of Van Dresser
Brothers, Mr. Van Dresser having died in
1880.
Richtmyer Family. — Joining the Van Dres-
ser farm is found one of Schoharie's oldest fam-
ilies and in whose veins, ran staunch, patriotic
blood. Conradt and William Richtmyer set-
tled here in 1791 — the latter upon the south,
and the former upon the north side of the
woods. The two brothers first located upon
the west side of Karker mountain opposite of
Joseph and Solomon D. Karker's — as black-
smiths soon after the Revolution, but not being
successful they changed to this neighborhood
where each grew old and died full of honor as
exemplary citizens, conscientious Christians
and successful farmers. They were sons of
Chris John Richtmyer, of Middleburgh, who
was a spy through the war and comrade of the
famous Tim Murphy.
Joining the Richtmyer's upon the south,
where Bradley Wetsel now resides, Abram
Bouck settled at the close of the Revolution.
He was taken prisoner in the fall of 1781 but
escaped and to the day of his death was venom-
ous towards Indians and Tories. He carried
one gun through the war and gave it at last to
George Becker, of Carlisle, who christened the
relic " Old Abr'm Bouck."
Mr. Bouck was a son of John Bouck who
settled where Martinus Swart now resides. The
old gentleman was succeeded on the place by
another son Peter, who kept an inn in the com-
mencement of the century. Peter married
Maria Hynds who was taken by Adam Crysler
and a squad of seven Indians in Dorlach upon
the 4th of July, 1780, as will be seen by consult-
ing " Seward."
Abram Bouck lived to a good old age and
by frugality and industry accumulated a fine
property.
Captain Christian Bnntm died soon after
the war closed. His children were Jeremiah,
William, Christian, John Jost, Eva, (Mrs. David
Earner) and Christina (Mrs. David Becker, of
Fox's creek). They too have passed away as
long years have intervened since they fled with
their mother through the forest to escape the
vengeance of an unprincipled foe.
Henry Shafer settled upon the farm now oc-
cupied by his grandson, George Shafer, some
time before the Revolution, but not as early as
the other Shafer families, and was the youngest
brother of John Shafer. He became a prom-
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
4°3
inent man in the County, being appointed As-
sistant Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in
1796, and represented the district in the Assem-
bly in 1806, 1807 and 1808, besides being Su-
pervisor of the town twelve terms, viz: — 1802,
1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1 8 10,
1811, and in 1814, 1820, 1830, 1831. He was
also Justice of the Peace for many years, all of
which official duties he performed creditably to
himself as a self-made man under adverse circum-
stances, and acceptably to his constituents. As
we have before mentioned, the German Dutch
invariably had in each of their settlements, one
to whom they would look up as the business
man. He was to take their cares of business
upon himself, and whatever he considered best
to be done, was done, and Shafer, possessing in
a degree, the characteristics required — honesty
and ability, was the chosen leader. There
were many living within the town during his day,
superior in ability, but they were of different
blood, and had not the confidence of the Ger-
man element. The Judge was followed in the
people's confidence, by General Thomas Law-
yer, and it is doubtful if the town will ever
claim two men again, that were more highly
esteemed by the people of the County, than the
Judge and General Lawyer.
Mr. Shafer had two sons and two daughters,
George, Peter, Mrs. Samuel Ward, and Mrs.
John Brown. He died on the I5th of April,
1839, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years.
Many of the grandchildren are residents of
the town, and highly respected citizens, prom-
inent among whom are William and George
Shafer and William Brown.
Mrs. Shafer was a daughter of George War-
ner, Sr., and performed many hazardous acts
during the struggle. Previous to the erection
of Fort DeBoise, she collected such eatables and
other comforts as the citizens of Cobleskill could
donate for the garrison at Schoharie, and car-
ried them on horse-back alone, without guide
or guard.
While on the way at a certain time, with a
plentiful supply, she came across a squad of In-
dians, who were roasting a pig near the present
residence of Mathew Bice.
Assuming friendship and courage, she drew
her horse up to the party, and asked one of
them to cut a whip, as her horse was lazy. He
complied with her order, and she passed on her
"way rejoicing." Three different times she ran
from the Fort to extinguish the flames the In-
dian torch had lighted against the side of her
log home. (Mrs. DaTiJ Shank.}
BERNER SETTLEMENT.
In the orchard near Dr. Werner's residence
stand two tomb-stones that mark the graves of
Joseph Berner and his wife, the first settlers of
the place. Mr. Berner was born in 1755 and set-
tled upon the farm now owned and occupied by
Peter Myers, and was soon followed by his
brother George. A permanent settlement was
not made until the close of the Revolution, as
frequent invasions of the enemy made it hazard-
ous, being quite a distance from others. Mrs.
Berner was a daughter of Jacob Borst, and sister
of Joseph and Lieutenant Jacob. Berner built
a grist-mill about the year 1789, where Dr.
Werner's barn now stands, and a few years after
removed it to the site of the old paper-mill.
His son, David I., became the possessor and
built a larger mill where the present Quacken-
boss mill now stands, which was burned. In
the year 1810 Joseph Berner placed the first
burr stone in his mill that was used upon the
Cobleskill, it being removed from Alexander
Boyd's mill in Middleburgh, to give room for a
larger one, which the increasing grain crop of
that section demanded. The early built mills
were very small, containing but one run of stone,
that being either a common sand-stone or a
" Sopus," scarcely over two feet in diameter.
Fall and spring freshets made it necessary to
rebuild several times within a few years, but not
being particular about the architectural beauty
of the structures, the losses were not considered
heavy. Mr. Berner was fortunate in escaping
from the Indians in the winter of 1782, as re-
lated by author Simms and verified by Jeremiah
Berner, the only son of the old patriot at pres-
ent living, he having arrived at the age of eighty,
in full possession of his mental, as well as physi-
cal faculties.
" On the nth of December, 1782, Nicholas
Warner and Joseph Berner went from the Scho-
harie fort to the Warner farm to obtain a sleigh.
404
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
When Warner and Berner were fastening one
sled to the other, one of the horses broke loose
and ran into the woods, and while they were
recovering the animal the enemy arrived. Catch-
ing the horse they fastened the team to the sled
and in driving past the house they discovered
the Indians, three of whom attempted to take
them. Two of the Indians fired upon them, the
third reserving his fire.
" The horses ran partly over a log and the
hindermost sleigh, not running true, struck a
sappling and drew the box off and Warner un-
der it. Berner, having the reins, was drawn
over the box and remained upon the sleigh bot-
tom. The Indian that reserved his fire ad-
vanced with steady aim upon Warner, who seeing
it was useless to undertake to regain the sleigh,
he told Berner to secure his own flight and leave
him to his fate. Berner drove to Schoharie,
while Nicholas and his father were driven in
captivity."
Dr. Philip Werner, to whom belonged the
old mill site, for many years the only physician
of the place, is of the same family that reside at
Warnerville, in fact of the whole County, as
they are descendants of four brothers that came
from Germany, at different times, the last about
the year 1760. The great-grandfather of the
Doctor was Christopher, a brother of George,
to whom we just referred as being taken
prisoner. This branch of the family retain the
original name Werner, while others give to "e"
the German sound of the English "a," and
wrote it so. The Doctor's family settled at
Beaver Dam, in Albany county, where a large
settlement of Germans was made at an early
day. He came to this place in 1846, and
retained a practice to the year 1881, when he
removed to Washington, D. C. His son, Edgar
S., is editor and proprietor of the Monthly Voice,
a periodical printed in Albany, devoted to the
cultivation of the human voice, and which
meets with a success beyond the expectation of
its energetic editor.
BERNERVILLE.
This little hamlet has been for many years
quite an important one to the surrounding
country, owing to the different mills that have
been constructed from time to time. The
Quackenbush grist-mill has been a substantial
enterprise for a great many years, from the fact
that its water privilege is one of the best found
in the country, enabling the mill to run in dry
seasons long after many others have been
obliged to cease. The machinery is of the
best and produces the choicest brands of flour,
which reputation it has always enjoyed.
Farther down, upon the Cobleskill, Isaac
Riley built a fulling mill, about the year 1814,
and superintended the same until his death,
which occurred in 1823, when he was succeeded
by his brother-in-law, Milo Bradley.
Mr. Bradley removed to Richmondville, and
was followed here by Azariah Riley, who suc-
cessfully carried on the business until his death,
which occurred in 1880. Mr. Riley was a
thorough business man, and after several years'
connection with the mill accumulated a fine
property. In his death, the town lost one of its
best men, and the neighborhood a substantial
member.
Beside the two mills alluded to, a paper-mill
was in operation for a number of years, but it
was burned, and no efforts have been made to
rebuild.
James Gale &* Sans, have for several years
manufactured revolving horse-rakes, chairs,
wagon felloes, and other wooden merchandise,
besides running a clover mill.
Being a business center for the farmers of the
vicinity, a store was opened by John Berner,
about the year 1825, and was followed by Law-
rence Becker, in 1830, Jacob Russell and Jehiel
Larkin, in 1835, and Clark B. Griggs after.
It was subsequently managed from 1847 to
1851, as a "Company store," the "company"
being farmers and mechanics living near. The
idea was to lessen the cost of goods to the stock-
holders, they having the privilege of obtaining
such articles as they wished to purchase, at cost
price.
An agent or manager was chosen by the Com-
pany at a salary, and for all goods bought by
those who were not stockholders, a profit was
realized, which it was thought would pay the
running expenses of the concern. There were
several like institutions throughout the country,
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
4°5
but all of them proved failures, and causes of
litigation. The one at this place went down
after the experience of four short years, and the
iMiildinw remained idle for a long time. John
J. Burner built a distillery upon Peter Myei's
present place in 1830. The bridge was built in
1832.
Union Church.— The church at this place
was built by different denominations, in 1845
and 1846. The pulpit is regularly supplied by
the Methodist Episcopal and Free Methodist.
The pastorate in past years has been in con-
nection with other churches, particularly Cobles-
kill and Mineral Springs, but what years with
each, we are unable to learn. We stated it was
built as a Union Church, but find the deed of
the lot says it is to be privileged first to the
Methodist Episcopal society, and when the pul-
pit is not supplied by a minister of that society
in good standing, it was to be privileged to
other denominations.
Passing down the stream, we come to Gary's
Mill which was built in 1 8 1 6 by Nelson Eckerson,
and at present is owned by John Cary. The Eck-
erson family early settled near and have been
from the first settlement of the Schoharie valley,
especially during the Revolution, one of the
head families of the County. The early fathers
were intimately connected with the Reformed
churches of Schoharie and Middleburgh.and were
the substantial supporters of those organizations.
Thomas Eckerson a nephew of Major Thomas
Eckerson, of Middleburgh, settled after the Revo-
lution, upon the farm now occupied by Alex-
ander Hays. He held a commission as Major
after that war, and was a very sagacious and
energetic 'man. He early enrolled himself in
the Colonial cause and was the miller of the
present Stevens mill, near the lower fort, during
the Revolution. He was a son of John Ecker-
son, and nephew of Thomas, Jr., the major
under Colonel Peter Vroman, of the i8th regi-
ment.
This Thomas, had seven children who were as
follows : —
John,
Nicholas,
William,
Cornelius,
Agline, (Mrs. Nicholas Snyder,)
Maria, (Mrs. John Dykman,)
Catherine, (Mrs. Henry H. Aker.)
The names Ecker, Eckerson and Aker are often
confounded as one, but it is a mistake ; while the
first two are one, the latter is an entirely different
family. The changes through which the former
name has passed, with a general history of the
family may be seen by consulting the chapter
upon Middleburgh.
Kilmer Settlement. — In the year 1799, John
Kilmer and his two sons, George and John,
came from Clermont, Columbia county, and
settled where John Kilmer, Jr., now resides.
The whole territory throughout this neighbor-
hood was a dense wilderness, with the exception
of small flats cleared by Joseph Berner, Major
Eckerson, and James Vielie (now George
Young.)
The original family name was Kilmore, but
since the family immigrated from the Old Coun-
try it has been known as Kilmer.
The father died and left his two sons in his
stead, whose children too, have nearly passed
away, leaving honorable records as energetic
and useful citizens. Those of George, were
John, Jeremiah, Joshua, David, Mrs. Jesse Pat-
rick, Christina and Nancy, wives of David I.
Berner.
Those of John were Peter, Jonas, John, Jr.,
David, Thomas, Mrs. T. J. Myres, Mrs. Jacob
Zimmer and Mrs. John Werth.
John Kilmore is still living upon the old
homestead, at the age of eighty-three, in full
possession of his faculties, and we are indebted
to his retentive memory for many facts that
would have been lost and which are of interest.
About the year 1811, there came to this neigh-
borhood, John Jost Werth, from Schoharie, who
settled upon the farm now occupied by his son-
in-law, Tobias Bouck.
Mr. Werth was the grandson of the first resi-
dent practicing physician and surgeon in Scho-
harie County, and son of Dr. Johannes Werth,
who succeeded his father in the profession and
practiced a short time before, and during the
Revolution. A few of the old gentleman's in-
struments are retained by the descendants, and
in comparing them with those of the present
406
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
day, we can see but few things present a greater
improvement than surgical instruments.
Mr. Bouck was appointed Under Sheriff by
John S. Brown, in 1842. During his official
term the famous Anti-Rent war occurred in the
south part of the County, referred to in Chap-
ter IV, of this work. Upon the expiration of
Sheriff Brown's term of office, in 1845,
Mr. Bouck was elected to the position which
he filled creditably to himself and economically
to the County. He represented the County in
the Legislature in 1857, being elected from the
town of Schoharie, where he made his home for
many years.
The family now known as Wetsel early
settled in this section, and are a branch of the
Wessels who came from Holland about the year
1655 or 1660. There were three brothers, and
the descendants of one settled upon the Mohawk,
one in Columbia county, and one in the Scho-
harie valley, at a much later date. How or why
the name was changed to Wetsel we are unable
to say, unless it came through the old German
pronunciation, as in many other cases. The
change has been of such long standing, it is im-
possible to convince many branches that a
change was made, and even that the family were
the true, or Holland Dutch.
John W. Brayman, of the Scotch Patent,
established a fulling-mill about the year 1830,
and carried on quite an extensive business for
many years. He built the present building now
occupied by George Casper as a cider-mill, and
being the business man of the little hamlet, it
received the name of Brayman' s Mills, by which
it is at present known.
But few fulling-mills are to be found in the
County now, where thirty years ago there were
many. We find Brayman's mill turned to
other uses. Mr. Casper is extensively engaged
in the manufacture of cider, making from fifteen
hundred to two thousand barrels annually.
When we consider the numberless smaller mills
that surround it, each making a few hundred
barrels yearly, we can have a faint idea at
least, of the amount of cider manufactured in
the County.
The hamlet being closely connected with
Howe's Cave, around which has sprung up quite
a settlement, the citizens of the two places and
surrounding neighborhood, erected a fine Re-
formed Church in the season of 1875. It was
in fact a removal of the Reformed Church of
Schoharie Mountain, or Punchkill. The society
was formed in 1808, and the church supplied by
the Schoharie Reformed Church up to the year
1834, when James E. Quaw was called and
preached that and the year following. He was
succeeded as follows: —
Paul Weidman, 1836 to 1846.
J. M. Scribner, 1847 to 1848.
R. Wells, (in connection with Schoharie,)
from 1848 to 1855.
E. Vedder, 1855 to and including 1863.
From the latter to 1872, no regular appoint-
ments were made.
J. Markle, 1872 to 1875.
A. C. Millspaugh. 1876 to 1878.
W. D. Buckelew, 1879, and present.
This church was originally the "High and
Low Dutch Reformed," and the first celebration
of the Lord's Supper was in February, 1809.
Elijah Dickinson was the first clerk, and held
the office for a long term of years. The first
records are not to be found, consequently the
first officers cannot be given.
The present ones (1882) are : —
Elders : —
Tunis Swart,
George Casper,
Theodore Owen.
Deacons : —
Martin Collins,
John King.
Peter Rockefellow,
Alexander Hayes.
Rev. Buckelew, within the past year, has been
active in organizing a society at Central Bridge,
and in building an edifice in which to worship,
in connection with this church, and through his
energy and earnestness in the cause, has been
successful in the accomplishment of his aim.
Following the stream down one-half mile and
looking upon the side of the rock -bound hill,
amid the clicking of the workman's hammer
strokes, — the rumbling of machinery reducing
the rock to dust, and the puffing clattering
TOWN OF COBLESKII.L.
407
steam-cars, is safely ensconced the entrance of
the celebratd Howe's Cave.
HOWF.'S CAVK.
This recess of darkness and wonders was dis-
covered by Lester Howe, a farmer living near,
in the year 1842. In regard to its discovery
we will here copy an article that was published
in the New York Tribune in August of that
year by one of the first visitors that traversed
its aisles, whose initials were E. G. S.
He says : —
"It may be well before going any farther, to
give some account of the discovery of this
cavern. Since the early settlement of this part
of the country, it has been known to the inhab-
itants of the vicinity, that there was a spot
somewhere along the ledge of the rocks on the
side of the mountain north of the stream, from
which issued a strong current of cold air — so
strong indeed that in summer it chilled the
hunter as he passed near it. It was familiarly
THE CAVK HOUSE.
called the " {>/iHi'ing mvfr," and no person ever
ventured to remove the underbrush and rubbish
that obscured the entrance, lest probably some
hobgoblin or wild beast should pounce upon
him as legal prey. Mr. Howe, who has recently
removed into the neighborhood, accidentally
heard some intimation of its existence in May
last, and with commendable curiosity immedi-
ately determined to visit it, and set out alone
without delay for that purpose. He found the
fact as stated, and upon removing the under-
brush he discovered a spring, some four feet
square, from which proceeded a current of cold
air, plainly to be felt at the distance of several
rods. Satisfied that there was a cave of some
extent, he returned next day with a friend and
entered it by the aid of lights to a great depth.
He renewed his visits from time to time, pro-
ceeding a little farther each time, until about
the 1 5th ult., when, after penetrating to the
distance of a mile, his passage was interrupted by
a lake of water. Since then he has transported
materials, built a boat, crossed the water, and
explored the Cave to the extent oifive miles by
measurement, and the end is not yet. How
much farther it extends is unknown."
Mr Howe's financial condition was such as to
debar him from opening the discovery to the
visiting world with that display of advertising
etc., which is necessary to an immediate success
408
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
at the present time, and it was long weary years
before its wonders were advertised and the
cavern made easy of access by blasting and re-
moving debris, that for ages had been crum-
bling from the ceiling through the action of
frost and water at and near the entrance. The
proprietor built a hotel near and at a later date,
extended the same over the entrance which was
burned the igth of January 1872. The year
following, the present gothic structure was
erected and owing to the increase of patronage
it became necessary to make large additions to
it in the winter of 1880 and 1881. Great im-
provements have been made without and with-
in for the convenience, comfort and safety of
visitors.
It is generally supposed that such caverns are
caused by convulsive upheavals that occurred
in the far back unhistoried centuries, making
fisures in the rocks, through which streams of
water pass and slowly wear them deeper and
broader, by dissolving the carbonate of lime of
which the rock is chiefly composed. In enter-
ing we find no signs of upheaval in displace-
ment of strata or dip of rock, but the most
peaceful regularity. The side chambers issuing
from the ceiling, the " rotunda," and various
other sections of the cave, present evidences of
the water's work, in their smooth rounded form
as " pot holes," so often found in the rock bed
of many rivers. As like scenes in nature pro-
duce unlike thoughts and feelings to different
beholders, so also this dark aisle may exert differ-
ent impressions upon different minds. The
mighty Niagara awakens in some an indescribable
awe, while to others it is but a water-fall, pos-
sessing a certain beauty, but without grandeur
or greatness. A visit to this cavern may give
to such the same impression. As we stand
within these massive walls, deep down in Nature's
vaults, in impenetrable gloom, we cannot but
feel the silent majesty of the works of God !
When we trace the lines of far-back centuries,
written so plainly upon each atom, and vainly
attempt to count the ages that have preceded
ages, and rolled their events within this lower
world, as memoirs of their creation, we exclaim,
" Thou ART Infinite ! " Here are above, below
and all around, the evidences of such power.
Our mind is lost in wonder, and the soul cries I
aloud, " Yea, Lord; Thou art mighty ! " This
unfamiliar beauty, and the order of these forma-
tions, humbles our genius to acknowledge that
Thou art also Wisdom !
The entrance to the cave is guarded by ma-
sonry that we approach with gloomy forebod-
ings, but which are soon dispelled by the inhala-
tion of cool oxygen, that seems to exhilarate the
lungs and awakens a lively curiosity to peer
deeper into the walls of darkness. The rippling
of crystal waters and musical sounds of distant
water-falls, the now low and then lofty arches
that overhang the foot-path, and faint sparkle of
dim crystals and calcareous formations as the
light approaches, lulls all fear of danger and
creates an eagerness for discovery that makes
us forget the fatigue that similar efforts would
cause in explorations among familiar objects in
the outside world.
One of the first attractions is " Musical Hall,"
where a whisper is reverberated with musical,
and at first, pleasant effect. Any tone of voice
is sent through the darkness with such distinct-
ness and grandeur of action or vibration that
one is silenced, so to speak, with reverence and
humility. We stand appalled at the reverbera-
tion of sound and anxiously pass on, that the
tell-tale walls of Musical Hall might not
waft an irreverent word or thought beyond
their dim confines.
In passing along, each step awakens deeper
interest, and must especially to the geological
student, afford double pleasure. The visitor is
soon confronted by a small sheet of water that
is formed by loose rocks that have dammed the
stream that has followed its '• hidden path " and
assisted to form one of the wonders of the world.
This is Stygian lake, to us inaptly called as its
calm, pure sparkling water is in too great contrast
to the seething fumes of the Ancients' fabled
Styx. As the faint light overpowers the darkness
that here crowds upon us, and reveals the sta-
lactitical formations, that interest which we have
felt before, is turned to solemn awe and won-
der. Here, above we find pendent from the
ceiling stalactites of every conceivable pattern,
each differing in size and form. 'From each one
a pearly drop of water is gathering to fall below
and give place to another, and which has thus
for ages been slowly and silently forming, to
TOWN OF COBLF.SKILL.
409
beautifully and artistically adorn as ' Prentice '
says these
" dim and awful aisles,
Shut from the blue and breezy dome of heaven."
Beyond upon a lower ceiling they are found
with less attraction, as nearness robs them of
their beauty. But a few more strokes of the
oar reaches an elevated arch that again carries
the mind to the far back centuries, and we can
but ponder upon the extent of time that these
larger specimens of Nature's handiwork has
been forming. Here imitations of animate crea-
tures are found, such as birds, beasts, branches
of trees and a calcareous pile called Lot's wife.
CRYSTAL LAKE, HOWE'S CAVE.
She is represented as arrested upon the instant
of her enjoying the last and forbidden retrospect
of the doomed city of Sodom.
The rough and rugged rocks of the Rocky
mountains must be mounted to enable the stu-
dent to study and the adventurer to claim a
conquest. The hammer of the geologist is
here allowed to click at his strokes in quest of
aragonite, and from the lofty pile — beneath
which the rippling water rushes — side chambers
can be entered that are within themselves
equally as curious and wonderful as the main
cavern.
Descending to the brook again we push on
through spacious rooms and the " winding way"
and we emerge into a circular room whose dome-
like roof is, the guide will tell you, beyond the
fiery rocket's reach. Within this space we are
bade to extinguish the lights and sit in silence.
What the light of the sun is to the taper, this
darkness is compared with the darkness of
the outer world. It is darkness profound ; and
when the torch is again lighted its feeble rays
are greatfully appreciated. And thus we go on
and on in narrow defiles and broad openings —
beneath low ceilings and again lofty arches un-
til passages diverge to narrow crevices — all filled
with beauty and grandeur that are indescrib-
4io
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
able. Throughout are side openings that lead
to other aisles— perhaps of greater length and
equal beauty but not more impressive. The
rushing of the waters, the thunders of distant
waterfalls that send their reverberations through
these apartments— the grand majesty of the
rocks and inpenetrable darkness, all unite with
the sermons so plainly written upon the whole
that "God only is great" and to bow the soul
in reverential awe !
In returning over the ground we find the
" Chapel " was not noticed which is one of the
interesting features of the cave. It is so called
from a beautiful combination of stalactites fall-
ing over a projecting rock at one extremity of
the room and resembles an altar with its fringe
and drapery. — Above is an opening in the roof
of immense height and from its edge are in-
numerable stalactites whose beauty can be ap-
preciated only by a visit, and the aid of the gas-
light that illuminates the cavern as far as the
lake. Here many have retired to celebrate
their bridal nuptials to give romance perhaps to
imagined tragical scenes.
As we emerge from the cavern, how welcome
is the light of day and as we gaze upon the
beautiful scene around, the words of Prentice
receive an echo from the heart when he says: —
" How oft we gaze
With awe and admiration on the new
And unfamiliar, but pass coldly by
The lovelier and the mightier ! Wonderful
Is the lone world of darkness and of gloom,
But far more wonderful yon outer world,
Lit by the glorious sun. These arches swell
Sublime in lone and dim magnificence.
But how sublimer God's blue canopy
Beleagued with his burning cherubim,
Keeping their watch eternal.
PUNCHKILL.
In crossing the Cobleskill from " Howe's
Cave," to the hillside, we soon come to the
small hamlet that bears the humble name of
Punchkill. The small rivulet that passes down
the steep bank, and which, through ages, has
worn a deep ravine to givewildness to the scene,
was named Punchkill, as historian Simms tells
us, by Johannes Lawyer, while surveying, from
the fact that the party indulged in a draught of
whiskey-punch upon its bank.
The hamlet was long known as "Schoharie
Mountain," and " East Cobleskill," but, as if to
retain the remembrance of the potent punch,
those names have long since been dropped, and
Punchkill " unanimously adopted."
An inn being erected here upon the building
of the Loonenburgh Turnpike through the place
in 1808, and a church the same year, an effort
was made to found a village, but met with poor
success. At one time it was a busy hamlet, but
when the railroad was constructed in the valley
below, it received a paralytic stroke, like all
other hamlets along the line situated as this,
from which it will never revive.
The first church built here was the " Re-
' formed," and stood near the present Methodist
site. After the "fathers" of this neighborhood
worshipped within its plain walls forty years, they
built the edifice to the west, and dedicated the
same on the 27th of December, 1848. Upon
building the new church at Braymanville, as we
have noticed, the Christian denomination pur-
chased the Second Reformed church building,
and now occupy it, its pastorate being in con-
nection with Warnerville and Richmondville.
The Methodist Church was connected in pas-
torate with the Cobleskill Methodist church, up
to the year 1866, it being the fifth class in the
circuit of eight. A list of the pastors officiating
previous to that date, can be seen by consulting
the list of pastors of the Cobleskill church, and
of late years those of Mineral Springs. The
present edifice was built in 1846.
In the beginning of the century, the highway
passing through this place from Cobleskill to
Schoharie, was obstructed by gates and bars
wherever the road crossed a farm line, as was
nearly everyroad throughout the country. Upon
the passage of the Legislative bill, authorizing
the building of the Schoharie bridge, petitions
were circulated among the townsmen for signa-
tures, praying to the Road Commissioners to
open the road " to the free and unobstructed
travel of the publick."
The owners of the land refused to acceed to
any demands, and openly prevented many from
traveling over their lands, which awakened such
a feeling against them, that a score or more of
the townspeople appeared before the Grand
TOWN OF COBI.ESKILL.
411
Jury, with Jared Goodyear at their head, and
obtained bills of indictment against them for
'• obstructing the highway with gates and bars."
The people were successful through Jedediah
Miller, to sustain their charges, on the ground
that the road had been in use as a public high-
way, for over twenty years, without molestation.
This occurred about the year 1811.
In passing along to the west towards " Min-
eral Springs," the visitor is charmed with the
picturesque view that presents itself in looking
up and down the valley. Here is a scene that
is worthy the attention of both the lover of
nature and of art. As the warm sunshine has a
soft refreshing influence upon the earth after
summer showers, so this scene refreshes and in-
vigorates the spirit of adoration and wonder,
that fills us in beholding the grandeur and bold-
ness of the hills that surround it, and in travers-
ing the winding aisles of the cave, and listening
to the thunderings of its waterfalls, deep down
in the bowels of the earth. It seems to be more
of a panorama, upon which art, guided by the
hand of the Omnipotent, has pictured nature in
beauty and peace, without marks of a revenge-
ful power, upheaving formations to give grand-
eur, as if in contrast to the scene around it.
Along this road, it being then but a path, the
early settlers of the Cobleskill cautiously and
wearily traversed daily to and from their homes,
to elude the wily savage and revengeful Tory,
during the days that tried men's souls. How
often did those troubled ones, while on their
weary march, look back and forward to catch the
last or first glimpse of their homes, to assure
themselves they had such. And with what feeling
of anguish they must have looked back on their
flight on the second day of June, 1778, and seen
the maddening flame lap up their labors of years,
and heard the demoniac shriek of their savage
victors, over the mangled corpses of fathers, sons
and brothers !
MINERAL SPRINGS.
This little hamlet was for many years
known as France's Corners, after Jacob
France, an early settler. He was a son of
Sebastian France, of Turlah, an honest man,
and true patriot, who long since passed the sad
ordeal of death, leaving a large family to per-
petuate the name and profit by his worthy
example. The waters of the spring being
utilized for medicinal purposes by Mr. Simeon
Deyo in 1867, at great expense, the name of
the hamlet was changed to give eclat to the
surroundings. Mr. Deyo did much to bring
these waters to the notice of the public, but it
was at a time when the country was laboring
under the pains of civil war, and only old estab-
lished watering places were patronized, and they
but sparely. Of late years, the Cobleskill val-
ley has become a familiar haunt for city pleasure
seekers, of quiet temperament, and if the
accommodations that Mr. Deyo furnished were
standing they could but be profitably utilized.
Betsey or Elizabeth, the daughter of Sebas-
tian France, and sister of Jacob, whom we
noticed, was the companion of Miss Catharine
Merckley the day she was assassinated in 1780,
in Turlah. She married Paul Shank, who
settled here and reared a large family. She
died on the 2 7th of October, 1846, at the age
of eighty-eight years. Paul Shank was a soldier
under Cornwallis, and upon that General's
surrendering his sword, Mr. Shank drifted to
Watervliet and learned the tailor's trade. The
France family living there at the time, he
became acquainted with Elizabeth and married
her at the close of the War, and settled upon the
farm now occupied by David Kromer, and
worked at his trade. The children were as
follows : —
John,
Sebastian,
David,
Mrs. John Frazier,
Mrs. Jacob France, Jr.,
Mrs. Peter France,
Mrs. Henry Fox.
David is the only son living, and is in his eighty-
first year of age. He has been for many years
one of the chief supporters of the Methodist
church, and an energetic business man. To him
we are indebted for information in regard to the
Methodist Church of Mineral Springs and
Punchkill, whose records are but scraps, and not
accessible.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Mineral
Springs. — The first meeting for organization
4I2
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
was held October 28, 1844, and Samuel N.
Wilber, David Borst, John Shank, David Shank,
Daniel Shafer, Henry P. Shafer, and Harvey
France, were elected trustees of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at France's Corners.
The church edifice was built in the latter part
of that year and the early part of 1845, and
dedicated in May of the latter year. It was
built during the pastorate of Revs. Pomeroy and
Warner, but dedicated under that of Revs.
Amos Osborn and Absalom Mosher, their fol-
lowers, who officiated in 1846 and 1847. The
successive pastors have been as follows : —
Amos Osborn and Samuel Covil, 1847-1848.
Joel Squires and Z. Kurd, 1848-1849.
Joel Squires and William H. Tiffany, 1849-
1850.
J. Giddings and William Diefendorf, 1850-
1851.
Elisha Watson and Charles. Anderson, 1851-
1852.
Elisha Watson and Diefendorf, 1852-1853.
A. Lyon and Andrew Heath, 1853-1854.
Andrew Heath and S. B. Gough, 1854-1855.
Joseph Conner and Joseph Cope, 1855-1857.
David Gould and S. S. Ford, 1858-1859.
Alvin Robbins and William J. Sands. 1860-
1861.
Hall and Hanna, 1862-1863.
A. D. Heath, 1864-1865.
Hiram Harris and Eli Baker, 1865-1866.
Eli Baker, 1867.
Henry Wright, 1868-1869-1870.
William Earl, 1871-1872.
Jarvis Devol, 1873-1874.
William M. Stanley, 1875.
D. McShell, 1876.
Alfred Eaton, 1877-1878.
J. J. Austin, 1879; the present pastor.
The present officers are :—
Trustees: —
Harvey France,
Lester France,
Jameson Cheesbro.
Stewards : —
Harmon Robinson,
Nelson France,
Christian Bouck.
Recording Steward : —
Nelson France.
Leaders : —
Harvey France,
Jameson Cheesbro.
LAWYERSVILLE.
In the spring of 1760 there came a number of
families from Rhinebeck upon the Hudson, and
settled to the north and northwest of this hamlet,
taking up lands that were then owned by Jurian
Young, a resident of Albany county. The set-
tlement was called New Rhinebeck, and a few,
only, of the farms then taken, at present lie in
the town of Cobleskill, but principally in Seward
and Carlisle. The farm now belonging to the
Engle Brothers is the principal one (at that time
settled) in this neighborhood, and upon it John
Conrad Engle and Johannes Yunk (now Young)
settled, the latter taking the north and the
former the south part of the farm.
Young was a cousin of Peter Young, the first
settler of Carlisle, and his children were Benja-
min, Ephraim, Gideon, Jonathan, Elias, David
and Margaret, (Mrs. Abram Tester.)
Engle and Young were brothers-in-law, Engle
having married Eva Maria, a sister of Young.
The farm was occupied by the two families un-
til the year 1801, when Gideon Young, the son,
being in possession sold to Engle and removed
to the present territory of Carlisle. From the
two families that settled here has sprang the in-
numerable families of Engle and Young that are
to be found throughout the western part of the
County and a vast army in the Western States.
Engle's children were : —
Anna, (Mrs. Hoffman, who was killed
with her husband Michael Hoffman,
in Turlah, by the Indians on the icth
of July, 1780).
Mathias,
Anna Caroline,
Kathrina, (Mrs. Tunis Kneiskern,)
John William,
Eva,
John,
Elizabeth,
Jergon,
Margaret, (Mrs. Jacob Strobeck).
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
413
The daughter Catharine, or Kathrina, was at
the house of Michael Hoffman, in Seward, when
the Indians approached to murder the family.
She fled to the woodland from her concealment
saw the double murder committed. Being
frightened in the extreme, she fled through the
forest, she knew not whither, and emerged upon
the flats at Central Bridge. A few men work-
ing in the field saw her running as if a lunatic,
and giving chase caught her, but her fright was
so great it was some time before they could calm
her excitement to glean the facts of the cause
of her fright. The distance she ran was at least
ten miles, through an unbroken and trackless
forest. It was one of the many acts of endur-
ance, as well as providential escapes from ruth-
less murderers that the patriots of the Revolu-
tion were forced to experience in their struggle
for liberty and independence. During their excit-
ing lives that so often threatened to terminate
in bloody tragedy, the hand of Providence
frequently warded off the invader's blow and
changed appalling scenes to pleasing romance.
In after years, when the deep forest's still-
ness was no longer broken by the stealthy war-
rior's whoop; and venomous hate that had satu-
rated Schoharie's soil alike with Patriot's and
Tory's blood, was bound by the joyful procla-
mation of peace to brotherly privileges and
Christian acts, Teunis Kneiskern, of Kneis-
kern's dorf, one of the young lady's captors in
her fright, did a " wooing go" to the house of
Conradt Engle, and claimed his captive as a
bride. Long years of faithful, domestic service
did she render to her husband, and reared a
family whose pleasure it is to recount, in their
old age, the story of their mother's escape from
death. Teunis favored the cause of the Crown,
with his brother Peter, of Carlisle, while his
brothers Jacob and William were true and faith-
ful advocates of freedom. The latter was taken
prisoner at Myndert's (Moak's Hollow) by a
band of Indians in the fall of 1780, and made
his escape from Rebel Island by lashing two
brandy kegs together and floating to the main
land. During the war the Engle and Young
families with many others sought safety at the
Camps. The male portion occasionally returned
to care for their personal effects.
The lands of this neighborhood are com-
prised in a Royal Grant bearing date 1730, by
some people designated as New Dorlach patent
and were chiefly owned by Johannes Lawyer,
second, of Schoharie, and given by him, to Jo-
hannes, the third, (in land succession) as stated
in Chapter IV.
After the close of the Revolution, General
James Dana of Connecticut, settled to the south
of Engle's, upon lands now owned by Gilbert
Dana, and was followed shortly by John Red-
ington another Revolutionary soldier and sev-
eral others from the Eastern States, of whom we
will make mention hereafter, as their lives were
useful and exemplary ones, and added much of
interest to the history of our County.
The new settlement here formed and of
which the pleasant hamlet of Lawyersville is the
nucleus, being principally made up of Eastern
patriots, it bore the name of New Boston for
many years.
Another name was applied to the place in
after years by many, which may still be heard
from the old people. It being upon the Royal
Patent granted to Goldbrow and Banyar and
others, in 1752, and which lay wholly in the old
town of Cobleskill, this place was designated as
the Patent and Cobleskill Patent, as well as by
its present name Lawyersville.
There not being any Revolutionary incidents
connected with this neighborhood more than the
part taken by the heroes that settled here we
will review their lives to which are justly due,
our honor and veneration.
James Dana was born in Ashford, Connecti-
cut, on the loth of October, 1732, O. S, and
was a meritorious officer in the struggle for lib-
erty. Isaac Hall Tiffany, a legal gentleman,
living here, in the early days of the settlement,
and a neighbor of General Dana, left a manu-
script relating to Dana's life, and dictated by
him, of which we were fortunate to procure a
copy. It reads as follows : —
" He appears to have commenced his military
career among the provincial troops under Sir
William Johnson. He assisted in building the
fort at Lake George, and was at the battle of
Lake Champlain, when the fortification was
attacked by the French, and General Johnson
wounded.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
" At the commencement of the Revolution,
he was a captain in Colonel Storrs' regiment in
General Putnam's brigade of Connecticut
militia. He arrived at the American camp at
Cambridge where General Ward commanded
immediately after the affair at Lexington.
" He was among the troops ordered to throw
up a breast-work on Bunker Hill. A half-
moon fortification of facines and dirt was
erected during the night.
•' Colonel Prescott was the engineer and re-
quested Dana's Orderly-Sergeant to assist in
laying out the fortification.
" When the second division of 500 troops
landed, they marched up Maiden river to gain
the rear of the American fortification. This
movement was perceived by Captain Dana and
communicated to General Putnam. By his orders
500 of the Connecticut troops were marched
down and took up their position and formed
two deep behind a fence. Captain (afterwards
Colonel) Knowlton commanded this detach-
ment.
"Dana was second in command. Putnam in
giving his orders, said to these officers, ' Do
you remember my orders at Ticonderoga ?' ' Yes,'
was the reply. ' You told us not to fire until we
could see the whites of the enemy's eyes.' ' Well '
said Putnam, ' I give the same orders now.'
The British advanced with muffled drums and
soft fifes and the officers and soldiers got over
the fence, south of the American lines. Cap-
tain Dana was posted in the center, towards
which the British column was advancing. The
order was ' Death to any man who fired before
Captain Dana.' When the column was eight
rods distant, Dana ordered the rear rank down
flat ; at this word the British officer faced about
and ordered the column to deploy from the
center. At that instant Captain Dana, Lieu-
tenant Grosvenor and Orderly-Sergeant Fuller
fired and the British commanding officer (sup-
posed to be Major Pitcairn) fell mortally
wounded. The British troops broke and re-
treated, formed and advanced again — which
probably occupied thirty minutes. When they
arrived at the fence againthey fired ; Lieutenant
Grosvenor was wounded in the hand and a bul-
let also passed through a rail and lodged in his
shirt, flatted and harmless ! Captain Knowl-
ton's musket barrel was broken off by a cannon
ball and a like ball struck a rail against Dana's
breast which knocked him down breathless.
He however recovered and remained until the
line was ordered off.
" When he arrived at his quarters he was
confined to his room and unable to dress or un-
dress himself for several days. The first counter-
sign given by General Washington after the
battle of Bunker Hill was 'Knowlton' and
the parole ' Dana.' In July after, an oration
was delivered by Dr. Leonard, Washington's
chaplain.
"After the oration and declaration had been
pronounced, an Aid of General Washington ad-
vanced from the headquarters bearing the Amer-
ican standard, with an order from the General,
directed to Captain Dana to receive it and carry
it three times around the front or interior circle
of the army ; furthermore, that in so doing he
must not let the colors fall, as it would be con-
sidered as ominous of the fall of America. The
Captain declined, fearful of his ability to per-
form this duty in a proper manner. The Aid
returned to headquarters with the apology, but
soon came back with General Putnam, who, in
his familiar way, clapped Captain Dana upon
the shoulder and said, 'God curse it, Dana, you
look like a white man ; take the colors and clear
away.' The army immediately opened a pas-
sage to the right and left for his excellency,
General Washington, and the other officers.
The next day the General in his orders ex-
pressed the most flattering approbation of the
manner in which Captain Dana had performed
the ceremony of displaying the flag. Captain
Dana was six feet and one inch in height, noble
and commanding in his appearance, but modest
and retiring in his manners. He was frequently
offered promotion in the army, but uniformly
declined. The celebrated General Eaton, after-
wards so distinguished in the war with Tripoli,
was, at the age of fifteen, his waiter and secre-
tary. He was put under Captain Dana at the
request of his father. After the close of the
Revolution Dana removed to Cobleskill, where
he occupied a small log house till his death.
" Notwithstanding his humble circumstances,
the Legislature of New York, in consequence of
his meritorious services in the Revolution, ap-
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
4'5
pointed him Brigadier-General, being the first
who held that office in the County of Scho-
harie."
General Dana's log cabin stood at the bend
in the road between Barney Oilman's and Abram
Shutts' residences, on the east side of the road,
where he died on the i6th of October, 1817, at
the age of eighty-five.
His children were : —
Joseph,
William,
Thomas,
Alvin,
Mrs. Anna Gairie.
Mrs. Nancy Brigham,
Mrs. Sophia Scripter,
Mrs. Elizabeth Butler,
Polly.
But few of the grand-children are living in the
vicinity.
John Redington. — Soon after Dana's settle-
ment, came John Redington, a private in the
Revolution, and settled where Jared Van Wag-
oner now resides. Redington was principally
in the service around Boston, and was taken
prisoner by the British near Horse Neck and
placed in the loathsome "Sugar House," in
New York, where he remained until the close of
the war, and was forced, as thousands of others
who were incarcerated there, to endure the
greatest amount of suffering ; but possessing an
iron constitution he lived through the whole,
and a few years after peace was proclaimed, set-
tled at this place. He was honored with a Cap-
tain's commission for his faithful services, suffer-
ings and patriotism through the war, by Gov-
ernor Lewis, and was an efficient officer.
The Captain, as he was familiarly called, was
a business man, and held several offices of trust
in the old town of Cobleskill, and in the year
1812 represented his district in the State Legis-
lature. He kept an inn for many years, but
becoming involved in a land speculation, he
was forced to part with his pioneer home, and
upon doing so built the house where Peter
Diefendorf now resides, in 181 1, and where he
died on the I2th of April, 1830, in his seventy-
fourth year. Upon the death of Washington in
1799, Dana and Redington held a funeral
service at the house of the latter, under the
order of Free Masonry, which was, perhaps, as
imposing a ceremony as was ever witnessed in
this part of the State. The two heroes were
the chief mourners, and the high appreciation
in which they held the sainted General and
President for his virtues and patriotism, dictated
a sincere observance of the country's irreparable
loss. The coffin was placed upon a bier, used
in those days to carry the dead, and a heavy
pall thrown over the whole, upon which were
strewn flowers and evergreens by the immense
throng of country-folk who assembled to assist
in the ceremonies.
While Dana and Redington undoubtedly
were the only ones that were immediately under
Washington's command that assembled here
upon the occasion, yet hundreds of the plain,
sturdy sons of the soil and workshops of old
Schoharie, whose daily lives had been vicis-
situdes of danger and privations in the cause of
Freedom, felt the loss, and united in mingling
their tears, and made the occasion solemn and
imposing.
Captain Redington was instrumental in the
building of the Reformed church at this place in
1800, and was an active and consistent mem-
ber. Whatever position he occupied, he proved
himself a practical, energetic and thorough
business man and useful citizen. His children
were as follows: —
John Redington, Jr.,
Mariam, (Mrs. James Blodgett,)
Joseph A.,
Cornelia, (Mrs. Abram Shutts,)
Elizabeth S., (Mrs. Simeon Edison,)
Julia M., (Mrs. John C. Furguson,)
Laura A.
Dana and Redington lie within a few feet of
each other, in the quiet cemetery here, and but
a trifle beyondthis, a neighbor and hero of 1812.
William Elmandorf, though a plain, awkward
type of a stout yeoman, was an unflinching pa-
triot, and was the first to step forth when the
bugle of war was heard, to defend our frontiers
from the invasion of our English foes in 1812.
The late Dr. Sylvanus Palmer, a son-in-law of
416
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Elmandorf, left a manuscript of the Major's
life which we will here insert, and which un-
doubtedly is the only true knowledge that can be
obtained of the veteran's military career.
"This veteran of the War of 1812 is under-
stood to have been born in Sharon, Connecti-
cut, on the 22d of February, 17 — . From a
blot on the last figure of the family record, the
year is unknown, but is supposed to have been
about 1769 or 1770. He worked at the car-
penter and joiner's trade with an elder brother
in New York, as early as his sixteenth year. With
that brother he immigrated to Lawyersville in
1795, when, excepting an early sojourn of a year
or two at Poor Town on the West Kill, and a
later one of a similar length at Huntersland, he
spent the remainder of a long life.
" Here he bought a few acres of land to which
he afterwards added a farm, being a gore left
out of, or overlooked in all previous surveys,
and therefore, still the property of the State.
After some years of delay his petition for a
grant of this gore, backed by his friend, the
late William C. Bouck, then in the Legislature,
was granted on paying incidental expenses only.
At Lawyersville he changed his occupation for
that of a wagon maker, in which he excelled all
others in workmanship. Between his trade,
farm and saw-mill his time was fully occupied
until June, 1812, when war was declared against
Great Britain, and the artillery in which he was
First Lieutenant, being ordered to drill in
Sharon, (Beekman's Corners.)
" Captain Josias Kellogg being in command,
Lieutenant Elmandorf proposed that the whole
company should enlist. As the Captain de-
clined, Lieutenant Elmandorf, with the music
(having first enrolled his own name) marched
around the grounds, at the head of those he had
persuaded to enlist. The number increased at
each circuit, till most, or all, including Captain
Kellogg had joined him and all soon after
marched to the lines and joined the regiment
under Colonel Forsyth.
"As little is said of Lieutenant Elmandorf "s
life in camp, we pass that over until we come
to the skirmish at Ogdensburgh on the 22d of
February, 1813.
" The British forces lay at Prescott, in Can-
ada, diagonally across the St. Lawrence river.
They moved upon Ogdensburgh early in the
morning.
"At this critical juncture Captain Kellogg was
invisible. There being no time for red tape,
Lieutenant Elmandorf mustered his men and
flew to their gun which they found disabled by
one of the trunions having been knocked off
during the previous night, whether by home
treachery or British powder was never known.
The gun was soon put in order and brought to
bear upon the enemy and the aim directed by
Lieutenant Elmandorf who mounted another
gun to witness the enemy's movements. He al-
ways spoke with great satisfaction of the execu-
tion of his piece and of the regular and frequent
occasions he gave the red-coats to fill up their
depleted ranks but still they came, nobody
else making any effectual resistance. Few
seemed in the sudden panic to realize for what
they were there placed. After a number of
spirited rounds, each scattering legs, arms and
owners over the bloody ice. they suddenly saw
a larger force had crossed directly in front of
the village and now coming around in the rear
and must in five minutes more have made pris-
oners of the only defenders of Ogdensburgh,
who were brought between two now rapidly
closing columns of the foe. Further resistance
being useless, they now retreated in good order
up the right bank of the river, pursued by the
enemy including Indians. Lieutenant Elman-
dorf ran back and spiked the guns and upon
finishing his task ran in front of the enemy
whose balls were whistling from every side past
him, but providentially escaped.
"Owing to privations and hardships, Lieu-
tenant Elmandorf was taken down with the
epidemic that raged to such an extent in the
army, and he was allowed to return to his home.
" When some years after the war, an organiza-
tion of the Veterans of 1812 was effected, with
the late Gen. John S. Van Rensselaer, as com-
mander-in-chief, Lieutenant Elmandorf was
raised to the rank of Major. He lived a long
and useful life, respected as an honest man, a
kind parent, and a marked patriot. He died
the 22d of February, 1869, aged ninety-six."
Jared Goodyear. — Near the resting places of
the veterans of the two wars that established and
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
417
vindicated the best government the world has
ever known, lies another Eastern man, a descend-
ant of the pilgrim band who, at an early day,
settled here, and added one more resident to
New Boston. Jared Goodyear was from Con-
necticut, and after traveling to the western part
of the State with an ox team, and not finding a
locality that suited his mind as well as this, here-
traced his steps and located near the residence
of his grandson, Jared VanWagenen. After
years of patient, unremitting labor, he procured
means enough to purchase in 1810, the farm of
John Redington, and here reared a large, intel-
ligent and useful family, whose lives were blessed
exceedingly, but who have nearly passed away.
The most prominent of them was Charles Good-
year, who was early fitted for the Bar, and who
settled at Schoharie village in 1827, and held
a lucrative position for many years.
He was elected to. the Assembly in 1840, and
Representative in Congress in 1845, 1847, 1865,
and 1867. In February, 1848, the Governor
and Senate appointed him First Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, which office he held
for five years. When the Schoharie County
Bank was organized (1852), he was chosen
president of the organization, and held the po-
sition to the year 1868, when he removed to
Charlotteville, Va. He was again appointed to
the Judicial bench in his new home, and was
tendered another term, but declined. He died,
lamented by a large circle of social and political
friends, on the gth of April, 1876, in the seventy-
second year of his age.
Isaac Hall Tiffany. — About the year 1798,
Isaac Hall Tiffany, after finishing his legal
studies in the office of Aaron Burr, of New
York City, and his brother, George Tiffany, of
Schoharie village, settled in Cobleskill village,
and made his home at the house of Lambert
Lawyer. Mr. Tiffany was from New Hamp-
shire, and a graduate of Dartmouth College,
and was unquestionably the best scholar to be
found in Schoharie County at that time. The
residents of New Boston being Yankees, and
those of Cobleskill village, German Dutch, it
was natural for congenial spirits to settle together,
consequently Mr. Tiffany removed to this settle-
ment in 1800. Here he gained a large practice,
and was highly appreciated by the people in
general, and remained until the year 1810, or
181 1, when he removed to Esperance, which was
fast becoming the most progressive place within
the County, it being upon the Great Western
turnpike, the thoroughfare of the day. While
there, he was appointed one of the Judges of the
Court of Common Pleas, which position he held
about twenty years, but owing to his retiring
disposition, officiated but few times upon the
bench. He became deeply interested in the
breeding of fine wool sheep, which proved dis-
astrous to him, financially, although fortunate
to the farmers throughout the country, in im-
proving the grade of sheep. Esperance failing
to continue in her progressive march, through
the building of the Erie Canal, which drew
away the products of the western counties from
the turnpike, Tiffany once more removed and
established an office at Fultonville, Montgom-
ery county, where he died at the good age of
eighty, on the 25th of February, 1859. Mr.
Tiffany was tall and slim, of dark complexion,
high carriage, ever looking straight ahead, but
scrutinizing in the extreme. A perfect man in
principle, and gentlemanly in manners. A
philosophic reasoner, eloquent speaker, and
ready debater. His principles of etiquette and
tidiness caused him to appear to many eccen-
tric. He was never married, and tradition says
that a strong love existed in his heart for Theo-
dosia, the daughter of Aaron Burr, in whose
office he studied. However that was, the
strange fate of that lady made a solemn im-
pression upon the heart of Tiffany. The sister
of Tiffany married Thomas Lawyer.
Dr. Jesse Shepherd. — We cannot leave this
pleasant time-honored ville, without noticing
another Yankee, who came here about the year
1800, from Plainfield, Connecticut, as he was
one of the first regular read physicians in the
town, and for many years a prominent business
man. Perhaps the County has not contained a
more skillful practitioner, until later years, than
Doctor Jesse Shepherd. His ability as a natural
scholar, was conceded, and gave him precedence
in society, while his ready flow of wit made him
a pleasing companion, and a host of friends.
Being somewhat versed in law, he was fre
4i8
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
quently engaged in Justice's Courts, and gave
to the people an immense amount of amuse-
ment in his arguments. He made himself
famous throughout a broad extent of territory,
as a wit, and his expressions are still referred to
and repeated as examples of the most cutting
sarcasm. The Doctor was a zealous politician,
and was placed upon the bench of the Court of
Common Pleas, in 1804, by Governor Morgan
Lews, but how long he held the office we are
unable to say, as the records are incomplete
during Governor Morgan's term of office. He
married a sister of Henry Hamilton, and the
fruits of the union, that are now living, are
Mrs. Thomas Smith, Thomas. Sidney, Clarence,
John, Edward and George. He passed away at
the age of fifty-eight, in the year 1832, and was
buried by the Masonic Order, in the Lawyers-
ville cemetery, where his ashes still lie with those
of his early friends and neighbors.
Hon. Thomas Smith. — Among the many well
educated and energetic men that settled at
Lawyersville in the early part of the present cent-
ury was Thomas Smith. He was of English
ancestry and was born in the town of Westerlo,
Albany county, on the isth of April, 1804.
After attending the district school of the neigh-
borhood and Greenville Academy, he wandered
off to Connecticut at the early age of sixteen
and engaged in teaching school, receiving his
certificate of qualification from the District
Court, attested by its seal. A few years after
we find he entered the Military Academy, at
West Point, as a Cadet. The most prominent
among the pupils at that time were Jefferson
Davis and Professor Church, the latter remaining
in the institution his life-time, as Professor of
Mathematics. Military life not being suited to
the taste of young Smith, he withdrew from the
school and removed with his parents to West-
ford, Otsego county, N. Y., from whence he
located at Lawyersville as a teacher, and em-
ployed his time not occupied by such duties, in
reading law in the office of Jedediah Miller.
After being "admitted" to all the Courts, he
married a daughter of Dr. Jesse Shepherd and
settled within the hamlet and began his active
life as a lawyer and politician, removing how-
ever, in the course of a few years to the village
of Cobleskill. The young lawyer soon entered
the political field as an ardent Whig, and be-
came the leader of the party in the County.
There being an overwhelming Democratic ma-
jority to overcome, in both town and County,
Mr. Smith could not expect success, much less
official honors. However, he applied himself to
the work, and the year 1839 found him in the
Board of Supervisors. Upon the election of
Governor Seward, the year following, he was
honored with the appointment of Surrogate,
which office he filled four years, with such credit
to himself as to gain many friends, who elicited
an anxiety for his further promotion. In 1846
he was elected to the Assembly in the interest
of the removal of the Court House site to
Cobleskill, and re-elected the year following.
He made a lively canvass in 1848 for Represent-
ative in Congress from Schoharie and Otsego, but
was defeated by a very small majority for the
district. He was also nominated by the Whigs
of Schoharie and Delaware for State Senator,
we think in 1849, but was again defeated by a
greatly reduced majority. It will be seen he
was highly honored by his party, and as a leader
was a hard worker and sagacious to gain the
positions and bring about such results in the
various canvasses in which he was engaged,
when such extreme odds were against him. " As
a lawyer," says a contemporary of Mr. Smith,
"starting with a finished education and man-
ners, well grounded in all the branches of ele-
mentary law, with a growing practice and stu-
dious application, he gained a standing at the
Schoharie County Bar second to none, and in the
argument of causes before a Court in Bane he
was equally strong among strong men."
He was a gentleman of fine appearance, un-
affected in manner, of medium height, erect and
well formed, a full developed head that early in
life was covered with snow-white hair, which
gave to him the appearance of a man much
older. He died in Albany on the 6th day of
December, 1861, and was interred in the family
plot in the Cobleskill cemetery.
Of Mr. Smith's family the most prominent is
Honorable Henry Smith.
Hon. Henry Smith was born at Lawyersville
on the 1 4th of March 1829. He early enjoyed
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
419
the fellowship of the legal gentlemen found at
the ville and the benefits arising from the cir-
culating library, long sustained by the neigh-
borhood. Beyond such facilities to improve his
mind, the village schools and the Esperance
academy alone furnished means to prepare him
for the prominent and active life he has passed.
When but a lad he was engaged in the city of
Detroit as clerk in a hardware house but that
not being congenial to his tastes, he returned
home and applied himself to the study of law
in his father's office.
Such was his rapid progress that he was
ready for an examination nearly two years be-
fore reaching the age the law required the ap-
plicant to attain, to receive a license — which
time was employed in the office and occasion-
ally trying causes in Justice courts where he
early proved himself adapted to the profession
agreeable to his genius. After Mr. Smith was
admitted he soon rose to the front rank in the
County as a pleader at the Bar, as his oratorical
powers are above the general and his ingenious
reasoning captivating. He removed to Albany
and formed a co-partnership with "Bancroft &
Moak" one of the leading legal firms of the city
and became prominent as a criminal lawyer and
has been engaged in many such cases, that have
enlisted the world's attention within the last fif-
teen years, beside other State and National
causes in which the best talent of the day was
retained.
In 1872 he was elected to the State Assembly
from Albany City and was chosen Speaker. The
session was marked as one in which partisan
spirit predominated and the cause of the people
was little heeded — making the position Mr. Smith
occupied anything but pleasant and unusually
onerous. Yet through his affability and preci-
sion, he passed through the ordeal with dignity
and received high encomiums as an able officer
from the honorable body over which he presided.
Hon. Joseph H. Ramsey was a student of
Miller's, whose indefatigable energy displayed in
the building of the Susquehann a Railroad gave
to him renown, as a legislator and persevering
worker.
Mr. Ramsey was very successful in his legal
business at this place and formed a co-partner-
ship with his tutor, Jedediah Miller, afterwards
with Joshua M. Donaldson and still later with his
student the late William H. Young. In 1855 he
represented the County in the Legislature, and
in 1856 and 1857, was State Senator from this
District. He removed to Albany and represented
the i-jth District in the Senate in 1860, 1861,
1862 and 1863, and occupied the position of
President of the Susquehanna Railroad Com-
pany for several years. Mr. Ramsey is still liv-
ing at Albany, and is deeply interested in the
proposed " West Shore Railroad" of which com-
pany he has been President. Also long and
closely connected with Mr. Ramsey at this
place was William H. Young.
William H. Young was a son of Jacob Young
now of Carlisle, and was born in Cobleskill.
Being unfortunate in the use of one of his limbs,
under great disadvantages he fitted himself for
the legal profession, which he entered in the
office of Mr. Ramsey, with whom as before
stated he formed a co-partnership.
" Billy" as he was familiarly called possessed
a quick, perceptive mind, and also a large heart,
that won for him a host of warm friends, and
added much to the firm's success. For several
years the court's calendar noticed but few cases
in which the firm was not employed. Mr.
Young was elected District Attorney in 1862,
and was re-elected in 1865, which was the only
office with which he was honored, as his sudden
and untimely death debarred his friends from
conferring upon him the election of Senator, as
anticipated. Soon after the removal of Mr.
Ramsey to Albany, Mr. Young removed to
Cobleskill village where he identified himself
with the progression of the village and its busi-
ness interest, in behalf of which his generous
labors and purse were not withheld. On the
25th of August, 1874, in the bloom of his man-
hood and legal success, he suddenly passed
away, at the age of forty five, deeply lamented
by the community and the legal fraternity. It
was said of him by the local press " in the pub-
lic walks of life, whether in an official or pro-
fessional transaction or character, his position
was openly, squarely and manfully taken and
maintained, for he cordially spurned every sem-
blance of unworthy compromise, and abhorred
a spirit of truckling policy in barter for princi-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
pies he deemed right, for the mere purposes of a
temporary advantage.
Shutts Family.— In 1805, Abram Shutts
moved from Columbia county, New York, and
settled upon the farm now occupied by his son,
Abram, and reared four sons— John C., Henry,
Abram, and William, each of whom followed
agricultural pursuits, with the exception of
Henry, who engaged in mercantile business at
Lawyersville with the late Charles Courier, as
before stated, and at Sharon Hill, with Abram
A. Kneiskern of Carlisle, in 1839. He was
endowed with a literary mind, and is one of the
leading miscellany writers of the day. The
productions of his pen have been voluminous,
and published by many of the leading periodi-
cals of high standing, instead of book form,
with the exception of a pamphlet of forty-two
pages — the first and second edition of which
appeared in 1857 and 1859, entitled "Tobac-
co, a satire by a Non-Sucker," excusing the
the latter assumed incognito thus : —
We call the subjects of the Realm of Rum
" Suckers " — are not those of Tobaccodom
As much so ? Does not each respective tribe
Alike in its peculiar way " imbibe ? "
The laconic preface exhibits the author's
generosity of ideas, as he says : —
" This work the author here inscribes in brief,
To all who love and all who loathe the Leaf."
Mr. Shutts' writings are marked, as fluently
written, precision, weight of thought and honest
aim and expression. He married Mary Ann
H. Dodd, of Hartford, Conn., in 1855, and the
union proved to be congenial to both, as she
was of rare literary taste and ability. Of her,
Caroline May, in her " Female Poets," says : —
" Mary Ann Hanmer Dodd was born at
Hartford, Conn., in 1813, and educated alter-
nately at Weathersfield, and in her native town.
Her productions first appeared in the Heme-
thenean, a magazine conducted by the students
of Washington College, Hartford. Since that
time she has been a frequent contributor to the
Ladies Repository and the Rose of Sharon, an
annual edited by the late Mrs. Mayo. She
possesses a poetical sensibility and the power
of deducing moral lessons from the changes of
life."
R. W. Griswold, in his "Female Poets of
America," makes mention of several of Mrs.
Shutts' productions " as of rare excellence," as
" The Mourner," " The Dreamer," and "Burns."
The writer's attention was particularly at-
tracted by " Charity," " Brighter Hours," and
" In Life's Young Morn," from her work pub-
lished in 1844, as efforts of literary excellence.
Mrs. Shutts was a lady of culture, modest and
unassuming, and drew around her a large circle
of friends, particularly those of literary taste.
She died near Albany City on the i8th of
January, 1878, at the age of sixty-four.
But few places of even greater size can pro-
duce a better record than this little ville. It
has seemed to be the scholar's home, where
logic has shed its classic rays on unpretending
worth, and produced men that were a host
within themselves. While we of another school
from them, under the light of brilliant literary
advantages, take pride in boasting of our supe-
riority in exigent times, yet when we calmly
look back upon such men as have graced the
legal profession from this place, we cannot but
acknowledge their superiority, and when we
look upon their legislative career we cannot but
admire their candor and integrity. Their op-
portunities to become corrupt were as good as
to-day, but they did not give way to the tempta-
tions ; they based their acts upon honor as men,
and when they were laid down in their narrow
homes, that honor remained, unstained, irre-
proachable.
We cannot leave this quiet cemetery, in all
its rusticity, without a thrill of veneration for
the illustrious that lie here so silently, and
have left such lasting and honorable impressions
of their " once having been." Here the war-
rior, statesman, philosopher, and peasant lie
side by side, noble by acts in life — generous by
example, in death. Wave after wave of earth's
changing scenes may obliterate much that man
has built and fostered, yet well spent and useful
lives like theirs, remain and shine with brighter
luster as the foaming spray of less honorable
ones, dash against their worthy records.
The house so long occupied by General Law-
yer, was built in 1810, bySeth B. Wakeman, the
father of the present owner and occupant.
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
421
Mr. Wakeman came from Connecticut about
the year 1796, as a carpenter and joiner. His
first work within the County, was in the build-
ing of Judge Beekman's palatial residence. In
1802, while at work upon that building, Lam-
bert Lawyer was burned out, and called upon
Mr. Wakeman to build the present Courier
mansion.
In 1808 he built that of Lawrence Lawyer,
and in 1810 and i8n,the General Lawyer and
John Redington houses. He was one of the
most methodical men found in the country, and
none was respected more. He kept a diary from
his boyhood, and to it we have been indebted
for many dates and transactions, that could not
have been obtained with accuracy without it.
His children, Horace, Alonzo and Horatio, were
tutored in conformity with his ideas of duty and
order, and are the brightest examples of manly
integrity and systematic business men.
A public library was sustained at this little
hamlet at a very early day, and we believe it was
the only one in the County. The school found
here was in a prosperous condition, with a well
educated teacher as early as 1800 ; and in look-
ing over the sketches of the lives of the settlers,
which we have not intended to overdraw, we
can imagine Lawyersville to have been a " green
spot," in a new country. To say that the set-
tlers were free from taint — that their characters
as Moralists and Pietists, were without blemish,
would be exaggeration. But in knowing " to
err is human," and that they were men of action
— brain action — and were useful in propagating
sound, intellectual, political and social princi-
ples, we can well afford to draw the folds of the
curtain of Charity over their faults, and look
with respect and pride upon the bright pages
their lives have written.
The Reformed Church standing here, was
founded in New Rhinebeck, in 1 788. Upon the
records we find in German : —
" In the year of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, 1788, was by the Grace of God here at
Durlach and Rhinebeck, founded a High Ger-
man Reformed Church by the Reverend F. C.
L. Droffel (BroefHe), of Schoharie. The fol-
lowing officers were ordained : —
Peter Young,
Philip Karker,
Abram Mereness,
Martinus Vrooman,
Conrad Kker,
William Heintz, (Hynds,)
Johannes Engle,
Hendrick Adams."
The settlers of Rhinebeck, belonging to this
society, worshipped in the present Rhinebeck
church, with the Lutherans, until an edifice was
built at this place in 1800, which stood a few
yards to the south. The Society intended to
build upon the present Winne farm, which was
given by Johannes Lawyer for that purpose, but
as the citizens of Dorlach built the present Re-
formed church in 1795, and quite a settlement
was anticipated here, the Rhinebeck branch de-
cided to build as they did, and formed a legal
organization in 1797, as required by law.
The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was first
administered to this branch on the 2ist of
August, 1796. The first settled minister of
the united congregation of Dorlach and Rhine-
beck was Rev. Christian Bork, of the city of
Berlin, and was ordained in Albany on the 2d
of March, 1796. Those that have followed are
as follows: —
M. Gasple,
Isaac Labagh, (1805,)
Nicholas Jones,
Isaac Labagh, (recalled in 1821,)
B. Bassler,
William Lockhead,
Cyriel Spaulding,
E. S. Hammond,
D. B. Hall,
H. A. Raymond,
J. H. Van Wort,
J. Markle,
G. A. Reis,
William P. Davis, present pastor.
Upon the record in the clerk's office, at Scho-
harie, we found the following : —
"Whereas by virtue of an act entitled 'An
Act making such alterations in the Act for In-
corporating Religious Societies' as to render
the same more Convenient to the Reformed
422
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Protestant Dutch Congregation passed 7th
March, 1788.
"We, the subscribers, Christian Bork, Minister,
Johannes Young, Joshua Cook, Salah Jackson,
John M. Brown, Elders, and William Brown, Jo-
hannes Kerger, Sylvanus Parkinson, Deacons, of
the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church or Con-
gregation, formed and established at Rhinebeck,
in the county of Schoharie, having assembled
together at Rhinebeck in th» county aforesaid
on this zoth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and nine-
ty-Seven, by virtue of said act, do by these pres-
ence Certify that the trustees of the said church
or Congregation, and their Successors in office,
forever as a body corporate, shall be called, dis-
tinguished, and known by the Name, Style and
Title of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of
the Dutch Reformed Church of Rhinebeck,
in the county of Schoharie. IN WITNESS where-
of we the said Minister, Elders and Deacons
have hereunto set our hands and seals this
day and year last above written.
Signed Sealed and Deliv-
ered in the presence of
NICHOLAS KERGER,
PETER BORK,
CHRISTIAN BORK,
Minister.
JOHANNES YOUNG,
JOSHUA COOK,
SALAH JACKSON,
J. M. BROWN,
Elders.
WILLIAM BROWN,
JOHANNES KERGER,
SYLVANUS PARKINSON,
Deacons.
Lutheran Church. — The Lutheran church at
this place, as well as the one at Gardnersville,
is a monument of the labors of Rev. Philip
Wieting. During his pastorate of many long
years in the old Rhinebeck church, many of his
flock lived in this neighborhood, and upon
abandoning the old church and building the one
at Gardnersville, the distance compelled the
charge to divide, and erect a house of worship
herein 1849. Both churches were supplied by
the same pastor during the life of Mr. Wieting,
but for the last eleven years the Rev. Marcus
Kling has officiated in connection with Little
York.
Mr. Kling is at present the veteran Lutheran
minister of this section, having preached for the
term of thirty-three years. He was born in the
town of Sharon, on the 6th day of January, 1820.
He entered theHartwick Seminary in 1842 and
received his license to preach the Gospel in July,
1848. His first charge was Argusville, Little
York and Centre Valley, and he held the same
without interruption for eighteen years and nine
months. These churches, upon the commence-
ment of Mr. Kling's pastoral duties, were strug-
gling weakly, but through his earnest labors
they became strong and active, and are firm
monuments of his work under the help of Prov-
idence. The Lutheran church of Johnstown,
Fulton county, gave him a call to which he re-
sponded in July, 1867, and remained two years
and eight months, when, there being a vacancy
at Lawyersville and Little York, he returned to
a portion of his early field of labor. Eleven
years he has successfully officiated in the latter
two churches, making as before mentioned thir-
ty-three years of ministry. But few pastors
draw around them more confiding flocks than
Mr. Kling. His earnest sermons, persevering
labor, and watchful care over the spiritual inter-
ests of his charge, awakened a confidence that
but few are fortunate to gain.
During the interval from Rev. Wieting's res-
ignation, (1868) to the commencement of Mr.
Kling's pastorate, this pulpit was supplied by
Rev. P. H. Turner, in 1869, Chauncey Diefen-
dorf and N. Daniels.
Early Merchants. — The first general store of
merchandise at Lawyersville was kept by George
W. Porter, a native of Vermont, and soon after
Sprague & Dana, of Esperance, followed. Peter
Osterhout, of Schoharie, Goodyear & Frisbee,
Courier & Shutts, Herrick & Redington, George
Goodyear, Abram Osterhout, Gilbert Kneiskern,
and J. Van Wagenen, successively followed.
At times there were two and three stores, each
doing a lively business, while the present Cobles-
kill village was dormant, or inactive.
Undoubtedly the first practical physician in
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
423
the town of Cobleskill was Jabez Kromer, of
Pennsylvania, who came in 1793, and estab-
lished a practice but did not obtain a license for
several years after. Others of a school of quacks,
from time to time had stopped for a while to
attend to the ills of the settlers, by "talking"
the disease away, the patient swallowing
charmed minerals or drinking gallons of syrups
made from the medicinal roots and herbs with
which the forests abounded — the latter being
the only practical method and undoubtedly one
they as little understood.
Dr. Shepherd, as we have already noticed
followed Dr. Kromer about the year 1798 or
'799-
Dr. Patrick Gannon removed from Columbia
county in 1815, in company with his father-in-
law William Huddleston who was assassinated
in 1818, while performing his official duties and
whose remains lie in the cemetery at Law-
yersville. Dr. Gannon settled upon the farm
now owned and occupied by ex-Judge William
C. Lament and practiced until the year 1830,
when he removed to Albany City where he died
in February, 1851, at the age of seventy-five.
Contemporary with Dr. Gannon's first years
of practice was Dr. Cornell who practiced till
the year 1830 when he settled in the Western
States. Dr. Cornell occupied a small yellow
house, still standing nearly opposite of Harder's
machine shops and commanded an extensive
practice.
Dr. Daniel H. Kibbe immediately after fin-
ishing his studies with Dr. Greene of Esper-
ance, settled at Lawyersville and enjoyed the
confidence of a large section of the country, but
his health became too much impaired by falling
from a horse, to allow him to endure the expos-
ures his profession required him to meet. The
Doctor married a daughter of General Thomas
Lawyer. He died after a lingering illness on
the 8th of January, 1850.
Dr. Rowley, of Warnerville, (at the same
time Kibbe practiced) also claimed a lucrative
patronage, as did Dr. Lorin Thompson who
was a resident of the village. Mr. Thompson
was a student of Dr. Delos White, of Cherry
Valley and removed from Carlisle in 1835, and
remained here until his death which occurred
in 1846. Dr. John H. Benham was a co-part-
ner with Dr. Thompson a short time. He re-
moved to the city of Hudson in 1847, where
he still resides. The vacancy made by the
death of Dr. Thompson was immediately filled
by Dr. John J. Flint, a student of White andgrad-
uate of the Albany Medical College. After a
practice of six years Dr. Flint removed to Fort
Edward leaving his fellow student at college,
David Frasier, alone in the field. Dr. Frasier,
at present practicing physician of the Allopathic
school, was born in the town of Richmondville
(then Cobleskill) November 23, 1819. He en-
tered the office of Dr. C. VanDyck in 1844, and
that of Swart & Crounse in 1845.
He graduated at Albany in 1847, and settled
at this place, where he still holds a lucrative
practice. Beside his professional duties he has
been called upon at various times to perform
official duties, to which his constituents have
given him encomiums of credit, such as only
careful and earnest offices receive. He repre-
sented the town ir. the Board of Supervisors in
the years 1867, 1868 and 1869.
Michael G. Delany, a nephew and student of
Dr. Gannon, settled at Lawyersville, but did
not practice medicine. He entered the United
States Navy in 1830, and remained in service
for many years. He removed to and died in
Geneva.
Augustus Lawyer, son of General Thomas
Lawyer, studied in the office of Dr. Henry
Greene, of Esperance, and entered the United
States Navy in 1838. He circumnavigated the
globe in the " Brandywine," under Commodore
Parker. During the Mexican war, under Com-
modores Conner and Perry, he acted as sur-
geon, and was in several engagements, and
received creditable commendations for his skill
in surgery.
Lemuel Cross, contemporary with Dr. David
Frasier, from 1861, was born in the town of
Sharon, and for several years was a successful
school teacher. He entered the office of Dr.
Leonard Hawkins, of Newport, and after that,
of Dr. Amenzo White, of Cherry Valley, for the
study of medicine, and graduated in 1856 from
the Albany Medical College. He practiced a
portion of the year following at Canajoharie,
424
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
and then became connected with Dr. Gleason
as an assistant in surgery, with whom he trav-
eled two years. In 1861, he located at Cobles-
kill village. In the beginning of the war he
was appointed by Governor Morgan examining
surgeon for the draft, and in 1879 to the same
position by the United States Commissioner of
Pensions, for the counties of Schoharie, Otsego
and Delaware.
Dr. Valentine Cornell removed from Rich-
mondville in 1874, and settled here as an Allo-
pathist, but being a victim to consumption, he
died in March, 1877.
Dr. Ezra Lawyer was born in Carlisle, in
August, 1826, and studied in the office of Dr.
Isaac Mayham, of that town. He graduated
in November, 1854, at the Castleton Medical
College, and settled in Broome county, N. Y.,
and removed to Cobleskill in 1874. In con-
nection with his practice, he engaged in drugs
and medicines in 1876, and discontinued the
same in 1880, to give more attention to
practice, in which he is successful.
Dr. Charles K. Frasier, son of Dr. David
Frasier, studied in the office of the late Dr. J.
H. Armsley, of Albany, and graduated at the
Albany Medical College in 1874. He immedi-
ately settled here, and is flattered by a lucrative
practice.
Dr. C. Durant Welsh, of the Homeopathic
school, settled in the village in 1880, and Dr.
Allen, of the Eclectic school, at Lawyersville,
and was followed by Dr. W. Tyler Miller, an
Allopathist, the same year.
As has already been stated, Isaac Hall Tiffany
was the first professional lawyer in the town, and
was followed by General Thomas Lawyer, Jede-
diah Miller, Thomas Smith, Demosthenes
Lawyer, Joshua M. Donaldson, Henry Smith,
Joseph H. Ramsey, Josiah L. Hawes, Jeremiah
Fox, and William H. Young, as principals, and
those that now reside here, a sketch of whom
may be found in Chapter VI. Of those we
have here particularly mentioned, all, with the
exception of Smith, Ramsey and Hawes, have
passed to the Bar of the Eternal court. While
the three stand as links to bind the past with
the present, and the old school with the new,
they well represent the qualities that their tutors
possessed, such as energy, studious application
to professional duties, and professional integrity.
The legal critic would be at a loss to find bet-
ter talent, in a country town, than those men
possessed that have passed away. They were a
host within themselves, upon whom the Bar of
to-day can look back and find worthy examples
to follow in the practice of their duties as ad-
vocates of honor and justice. Their struggles
under adverse circumstances in preparing them-
selves for the important duties they so success-
fully performed, are also worthy examples for
the youth of our country similarly situated, to
follow, in the intricate and discouraging labors
against poverty's pressing burdens.
The first regular manufactory of the town,
outside of flour and lumber by the numerous
small mills that were early built, of which we
have any knowledge, was a hattery by one
Miller, established about the year 1810.
Joseph Betts was a journeyman in the factory,
and upon his settling above Lawyersville, and
launching out in a business manner, Miller's
works at this place were abandoned. S. Tap-
ping revived the works a few years after, but did
not continue them long. Benjamin Barton set-
tled upon the farm now occupied by Martin and
Chester Berner, sometime previous to 1820, and
manufactured the well-known "Barton Grain
Cradle," an implement of his own invention,
and said to surpass all others. He manufac-
tured it up to the year 1825, when he removed.
The cradle is made at the present time, only
by Christian Bouck, of Mineral Springs, and is
still known as the " Barton."
Besides the grist-mills already mentioned,
one was built immediately after the Revolution,
by David Bouck, a short distance to the east of
South Grand street bridge, and was succeeded
in 1830, by the present mill owned by Milton
Borst. Alexander Boyd, of Middleburgh, built
the structure, and brought the present " flour run"
from his mill at that place. The property was
owned at one time by George Goodyear, and
was for a long time called the " Goodyear mill."
Mr. Borst, the present proprietor, was for many
years the owner of the " Scribner mill," of Mid-
dleburgh, previous to his removal here.
The first agricultural manufactory in the town
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
425
of which any knowledge can be gleaned, was
carried on by Jacob Shafer upon the farm
now occupied by " Boss" Hilts. He manufac-
tured a two-handled plow, which was considered
by most people a humbug. They have been des-
cribed to us as long, awkward implements, yet
they did good service for those who could be in-
duced to use them. Shafer spent quite a prop-
erty in the project, and persisting in the busi-
ness he was called " crazy Jake," by which name
he was known to the day of his death. Soon
after, a firm bearing the name of "Bouck &
Butler" made a specialty of straw cutters,
worked by a lever. An occasional one may be
found in the County at the present time after a
usage of over forty years.
Empire Agricultttral Works. — The next estab-
lishment of any note was the " Empire Agri-
cultural Works." Reuben and Minard Harder
purchased the foundry and small agricultural
works of David Anthony, erected by the latter
gentleman about the year 1850. Before we go
farther we cannot in justice to genius, pass by
Mr. Anthony, without giving notice of his supe-
rior qualities as a mechanic. He was a native
of Sharon, and before locating at this village was
engaged in a foundry at Moak's Hollow [1847]
where he struggled with his genius in a small
way and laid plans for an extensive business at
this place. At Cobleskill he manufactured, in
connection with the foundry, horse-powers and
other implements of his own invention, but was
in such circumstances as not to engage largely
therein. He was looked upon by prominent
mechanics throughout the country as a superior-
Messrs. Harder purchased Mr. Anthony's inter-
est in May, 1859, and at once enlarged the
buildings and increased the facilities to manu-
facture agricultural implements, making horse-
powers and threshers a specialty. In April,
1870, Reuben's interest was purchased by Mi-
nard, under whose management the establish-
ment has been and is still conducted. While
other firms in like business have and are manu-
facturing a greater variety of machines, this
firm have confined themselves largely to railway
horse-powers and threshers of their own, and
Mr. Anthony's inventions and patents, and none
other, claiming superiority over others in the
saving of power, ease of draught, durability and
saving of grain.
At the time these machines were first manu-
factured they were almost entirely unknown
outside of the County, cut now they are in use
throughout the United States and portions of
Europe. The " Fearless" as these machines are
called were awarded a medal and diploma of
merit at the " World's Fair" in 1876, as by re-
port, which says " For special features in the
tread-power, to secure light running and mini-
mum friction. Also for the ingenious form of
straw shakers, which ensure the proper agitation
to separate the grain from the straw." Two
gold medals were also awarded to the Harder's
by the New York State Agricultural Society,
and like emblems of merit received from other
sources too numerous to mention.
The establishment is an honor to the County
and we feel justly proud of the genius that in-
vented these machines, together with those that
have worked them up to world renown, in a sys-
tematic and energetic business way. They are
neither of foreign birth but germs that sprang
from the farm and the rude district schools of
our own County.
In 1872, John H. Overpaugh and Charles
Courier purchased the sash and blind factory of
Alexander and William H. McHensh & Co.,
who had been engaged in the business a few
years, being the first firm making a specialty of
those articles in the town. Improved machinery
was procured to facilitate manufacture, and
heavy purchases of lumber for building purposes
made, to which has been added from year to
year, as increased demand has required, all the
necessary machinery and stock for a first-class
factory and lumber yard. The firm received a
check in business affairs through a conflagra-
tion in 1877, that burnt the building and de-
stroyed the machinery, entailing a loss of sev-
eral thousand dollars. The buildings are com-
modious and the machinery first-class, consisting
of various saws, powerful planers and jointers
driven by a forty-horse power engine.
A co-partnership was formed between John
VanVoris and H. Harder, of Eminence, in No-
vember, 1880, for the production of nagging,
curb and mantle stones, from the quarries of
426
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Fulton, which bids fair to become an extensive
business.
Peter Peek, son of John Peek, of Gallupville,
commenced the manufacture of carriages exten-
sively in 1870, and was succeeded by James
Kennedy the year following. In 1872 John
Peek took possession of -the buildings near the
fair-grounds and manufactured alone until 1873,
when Thompson Perrine became connected,
who is now the sole proprietor. These firms
have made a specialty of light buggies, carriages
and cutters, and during their existence have
made them by the hundred. Beside supplying
the increasing home demand, large shipments
have been made yearly to distant parts, and
their superior workmanship and style of finish
make an increased demand, that can but require
an extension of facilities.
William H. and N. B. Davis, of Quaker Street,
N. Y., came to the village in April, 1880, and
engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes.
They employ from ten to fifteen workmen, and
make a specialty of kid and calf goods, that find
a ready market.
Cobleskill Lodge, No. 394, A. F. and A. M.,
was organized at Summit and removed to Rich-
mondville, and soon after it was wafted to
Cobleskill. It was chartered on the 24th of
June, 1856, and the name changed, as at present,
in June, 1862.
The first officers of the organization were: —
Isaac Mann, W. M.
Seymour Boughton, Sr., S. W.
Edward Kinnicutt, J. W.
It numbers at the present time about one
hundred and seventy-five members and is in a
flourishing condition.
The present officers are: —
S. J. Thatcher, W. M.
John M. Dean, S. W.
William Farqher, J. W.
Jeremiah Borst, Treas.
Clarence Fox, Sec.
Henry Bellenger, S. D.
Irving E. Ottman, J. D.
Rescue Lodge, No. 209, L O. G. T. oj Cobles-
kill WAS, organized on the 23d of March, 1880.
The charter officers of the society were :—
R. T. Lafevre, W. C. T.
Ida Fuller, W. V. T.
Reuben Harder, W. C.
L. L. Griggs, W. S.
Mrs. Wm. H. Weeks, W. A. S.
Elmer France, W. F. S.
Elnora J. Beare, W. T.
John Mack, Jr., W. M.
Mrs. W. C. Shafer, W. D. M.
Anna Hyser, W. E. G.
Charles France, W. O. G.
Maggie E. Kling, W. R. H. S.
Libbie Overpaugh, W. L. H. S.
Jerome Niles, P. W. C. T.
The order numbers one hundred and eight
members, and has one of the finest rooms of
any society in the County, which are also occu-
pied by the
Anchor Temple, No. 44, of Juvenile Templars.
The following are the chartered officers :—
Rev. J. S. Bridgford, C. T.
Mary Hurst, V. T.
• A. J. Niles, R. S.
Jay Cady, P. C. T.
Edward Borst, T. S.
Rose Hallenbeck, T.
Chartered January 13, 1881.
Post Snyder G. A. R. — This Post was formed
in 1868, and named in honor of Lieutenant
George W. Snyder, of Sumter memory. The
object of the order, as copied from the " order
card " is : —
1. To preserve and strengthen those kind and
fraternal feelings which bind together the sol-
diers, sailors and marines, who united to sup-
press the late Rebellion, and to perpetuate the
memory and history of the dead.
2. To assist such former comrades in arms as
need help and protection ; and to extend need-
ful aid to the widows and orphans of those who
have fallen.
3. To maintain true allegiance to the U. S.
pf America, based upon paramount respect for,
and fidelity to the National constitution and laws ;
discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty,
invites insurrection, treason, or rebellion, or in
any manner impairs the efficiency and perma-
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
427
nency of our free institutions ; and to encourage
the spread of universal liberty, equal rights and
justice to all men.
"The Grand Army of the Republic is an or-
ganization purely patriotic, social and charita-
ble."
The charter officers of this lodge were : —
C. K. Foote, Com.
Charles Hamilton, S. V.
M. D. Lewis. Jr., V. C.
Eugene Coffin, O. D.
J. M. Esmy, Q. M.
John S. Collett, Adj.
Peter E. Borst, O. G.
Walter Dingman, Chaplain.
The First National Bank of Coblcskill was
organized February 8, 1864, with a capital
of sixty thousand dollars, under the following
Board of Directors : —
C. Courier,
C. H. Shaver,
Alonzo Wakeman,
Jonathan R. Herrick,
Minard Harder,
Stanton Courier.
Charles Courier, President.
Stanton Courier, Cashier.
The capital has been increased to one hun-
dred ihousand dollars.
The present Board of Directors are : —
J. R. Herrick,
C. H. Shaver,
Alonzo Wakeman,
Abraham Sternbergh,
James Becker.
The officers of 1882 are: —
J. R. Herrick, President.
D. C. Dow, Cashier.
Archibald Kilmer, Teller.
The village of Cobleskill was incorporated by
Legislative act passed April 3, 1868, with the
following officers as Trustees: —
Charles Courter,
William B. Calkins,
David Frasier,
Charles H. Shaver,
William H. Young,
Henry Smith.
A meeting was held on the i?th of April, of
lhal year, when ihe following were elecled offi-
cers:—
Charles Courter, President.
S. J. Thalcher, Clerk.
J. S. Pinder. Police Justice.
William Shafer, Treasurer.
David Lawyer, Collector.
James F. Blodgelt, Street Commissioner.
John A. Segar, Police.
Anson R. Bell, Police.
Alonzo Douglass, Police.
The town of Cobleskill was formed at the
same time as the County, but the limits were
not denned until 1801. The first town meeting
was held in May, 1 795, when the ballots were
deposited in a hat for ihe following officers : —
Supervisor : —
John Shaver.
Clerk :—
Jacob I. Cuyler.
Assessors : —
David Zea, David Schuyler, John Reding-
ton, Mathew Young, Henry Shafer.
Commissioners of Highways : —
George Wrighl, George Warner, Ephraim
Young.
Overseers of the Poor : —
Chrislian Brown, Peter Shafer.
Collectors : —
William Brown, Jacob Bouck.
Commissioners of Schools : —
John Punk, Sylvester Nash, David Schuy-
ler.
SUPERVISORS.
The following is a list of the supervisors, with
the date of their elections : —
'797 — Jonn H. Shaver.
1798 — John H. Shaver.
'799 — J°hn H. Shaver.
1800 — William Ferris.
1801 — William Ferris.
1802 — Henry Shafer.
1803 — Henry Shafer.
1804— Henry Shafer.
1805— Henry Shafer.
1806— Henry Shafer.
1807 — Henry Shafer.
428
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
1808— Henry Shafer.
1809— Henry Shafer.
1810 — Henry Shafer.
1811 — Henry Shafer.
1812 — George Mann.
1813 — George Mann.
1814 — Henry Shafer.
1815 — Peter W. Snyder.
r8i6 — Philip Van Sternbergh.
jSi; — Philip Van Sternbergh.
,818 — Philip Van Sternbergh.
1819 — Philip Van Sternbergh.
1820 — Henry Shafer.
1821 — Jonas Westover, Jr.
1822 — Jonas Westover, Jr.
1823 — Abram L. Lawyer.
1824 — Abram L. Lawyer.
1825 — Abram L. Lawyer.
1826— John P. Bellinger.
1827 — John P. Bellinger.
1828— John P. Bellinger.
1829 — Abram L. Lawyer.
1830 — Henry Shafer.
1831 — Henry Shafer.
1832 — John P. Bellinger.
1833— John P. Bellinger.
1834— Thomas Lawyer.
1835— Peter W. Snyder.
1836— Peter W. Snyder.
1837 — John H. Mumford.
1838— John H. Mumford.
1839 — Thomas Smith.
1840 — Thomas Smith.
1841 — Charles Courier.
1842 — Charles Courier.
1843 — Jacob Russell.
1844 — John Westover.
1845 — John Westover.
1846 — David W. Lawyer.
1847 — Philip Mann.
1848 — Philip Mann.
1849 — John Brown.
1850 — John Brown.
1851 — Daniel Kilmer.
1852 — Abram A. Oslerhout.
1853 — Abram A. Oslerhoul.
1854 — Daniel Shafer.
1855 — Daniel Shafer.
1856— H. L. Russell.
1857— Charles H. Shaver.
1858 — Marcus Sternbergh.
1859 — Tennis Slingerland.
1860 — Asaph Roberls.
1 86 1 — Harmon Becker.
1862 — Harmon Becker.
1863 — John Brown.
1864 — John Herron.
1865— Daniel Shafer.
1866— Daniel Shafer.
1867 — David Frasier.
1868 — David Frasier.
1869— David Frasier.
1870 — Theodore Owen.
1871— Charles Ryder.
1872— Charles Ryder.
1873 — David B. Lawyer.
1874 — John J. Dickinson.
1875 — John J. Dickinson.
1876 — Peter Lawyer.
1877 — Peler Lawyer.*
1878— David B. Lawyer. f
1879 — Peler Tingue.
1880— William Shafer.
1 88 1 — William Shafer.
1882— William Shafer.
In 1846 when the County Court House was
burned, the inhabitants of Cobleskill took active
measures to remove the sile lo the village of Cob-
leskill, and elected Hon. Thomas Smith to the
Legislature to engineer a bill through the House
to lhal effect He was unsuccessful and the
new building was placed on the old site. Upon
the burning of the building in 1870, renewed
efforts were made to accomplish ihe removal.
The grounds upon which the Hotel Augustan
stands, were then strewn with the debris of Ihe
conflagralion of that year and the citizens of
ihe village agreed lo donate that as a site and
also erect a court house at their own expense,
without incurring any upon the County. The
provisions of the statutes were such as to make
a removal, yet the citizens of Schoharie village
to ensure the buildings being placed there made
a like offer of building wilhoul cost lo the
Counly and Ihe Board of Supervisors voted to
accept their proposals. Being thus foiled two
times in an attempt to make Cobleskill the
* Deceased.
f Elected at special election.
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
429
county-seat, differences arose in the Board of
Supervisors and the citizens of the several towns
in the year 1881, on the equalization of towns,
in which Schoharie and Rsperance were the
aggrieved parties. Another effort was made in
that year to remove the site to Cobleskill and
Middltburgh. A preamble and resolution was
read before the board by William Shafer, the
Supervisor of Cobleskill, which was as follows : —
WHEREAS, In the opinion and judgment of
the Supervisors of the several towns composing
the County of Schoharie, hereby expressed at
the annual meeting and session of the " Board of
Supervisors of Schoharie County," for the year
1881, that the public convenience, and best in-
terests of a large majority of the citizens, and
particularly of taxpayers of said County, and of
the various towns of said County, will be best
promoted and secured by a change of the pres-
ent site and location of the County Court
House, County Judge and Surrogate's Office,
County Clerk's Office, and of the Common Jail
of said County, from the village and town of
Schoharie, elsewhere, therefore,
Resolved, That under the provisions, and in
the proper exercise of the power conferred and
vested in Boards of Supervisors by the provis-
ions of Sections one, two and five, of Chapter
482, of the Laws of 1875, entitled "An act to
confer on Boards of Supervisors further power
of local legislation and administration, and to
regulate the compensation of Supervisors, passed
June 5th, 1875, the present site and location of
the County buildings of the County of Scho-
harie, being the County Court House, County
Judge and Surrogate's Office, County Clerk's
Office, and the Common Jail of Schoharie
County is hereby removed from the village and
town of Schoharie, in the County of Schoharie.
Resolved, That the village of Middleburgh,
in the town of Middleburgh, and the village of
Cobleskill, in the town of Cobleskill, in said
County of Schoharie, be, and the same are here-
by fixed, designated, and established as half-
shire towns in said County of Schoharie, for the
location and site of the County buildings of the
County of Schoharie, being a County Court
House, a County Judge and Surrogate's Office,
County Clerk's Office, and a Common Jail for
the use of the County of Schoharie.
Resolved., That the present County buildings,
known as the County Court House, in which is
located and fixed the office of County Judge
and Surrogate, and the office of the County
Clerk, together with the Common Jail of Scho-
harie County, with all the material composing
the same, and all the fixtures, furniture and
property therein belonging to said County, may
be taken and removed from the village and
town of Schoharie, into the village and town of
Middleburgh, there to be re-erected and re-
constructed into such buildings, and used there-
in for the use of the County of Schoharie, but
without charge, cost or expense to said County
of Schoharie, or any of the towns of said
County, or of the tax-payers therein, except
such sums as shall be voluntarily contributed
therefor.
Resolved, That the citizens of the village and
town of Cobleskill, Schoharie County, are here-
by authorized and empowered to erect and con-
struct suitable and proper buildings to be used
and appropriated to the free use of the County
of Schoharie as a County Court House, a County
Judge and Surrogate's Office, a County Clerk's
Office, and a Common Jail for the County of
Schoharie, upon the express condition that the
same shall be without cost, charge or expense
to said County, or of any of the towns of said
County, or of the tax-payers of said town or
county, except such sums as shall be volun-
tarily contributed by them therefor.
Resolved, That for the purpose of carrying
into effect the object and intention of the fore-
going resolution, William Shafer, of Cobleskill,
Hadley Snyder, of Middleburgh, Henry C. Lyker,
of Sharon, Marcus Zeh, of Fulton, and Moses
S. Wilcox, of Jefferson, be and they are hereby
authorized, appointed and empowered a com-
mittee to serve without expense to the County
of Schoharie for such purpose.
Resolved, That Hon. Addison P. Jones, as
Senator elect, and Hon. Edwin D. Hager, as
Member of Assembly elect in the Legislature of
1882, be, and they each are hereby earnestly,
yet respectfully requested and solicited, by all
43°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
proper methods and means of legislation, to
favor and procure the passage of all needed and
appropriate laws, if any are required, for the
purpose of giving full force and effect to the
provisions, object and intent of the foregoing
preamble and resolutions.
Resolved, That the Clerk of this Board be.
and he is hereby directed to prepare and furnish
to our Senator and Member of the Assembly
elect, a certified copy of the foregoing preamble
and resolutions.
The resolution was passed by twelve voting for
and three against, the latter being the repre-
sentatives of Schoharie, Esperance and Wright.
The matter was to be left to the people, at
the ensuing town meetings, but Middleburgh
through a town meeting of her citizens, refused
to raise the required amount to remove the
building and the matter dropped entirely, and
was chaffed by electors in general as being fool-
ish and illegal.
In 1813 the Legislature described
boundaries of the town as follows: —
the
"And all that part of said county of Schoharie
bounded by a line beginning at the north-west
corner of the town of Jefferson, and running
thence northerly along the bounds of the
county until it intersects a line described in
the following manner, viz: — Running from
the westerly corner of the dwelling house of
John Reddington in a direct line to the west-
erly corner of the dwelling house now or late
of Peter Bogardus, thence in a straight line to
the northerly corner of the dwelling house now
or late of Joseph Webb, thence in a direct line
to the westerly corner of the dwelling house now
or late of Nicholas Smith, thence southwesterly
to the nearest point in the division line between
the counties of Schoharie and Otsego, thence
northeasterly along the line so intersected to
the southwest corner of the town of Carlisle,
thence along the south bounds of Carlisle to the
west line of the town of Schoharie, thence along
the west line of the town of Schoharie and Mid-
dleburgh to the north bounds of the town of
Jefferson, and thence along the said north
bounds to the place of beginning, shall be and
continue a town by the name of Cobelskill.
B!
•ject of this Lrief
t6, 1826,
.
the termination of •• mai
Mercy Hunt,
r iSoi t!.
.
in, and " :
')ia coun
arly sett'.
Hill '' n?;: .
h hi.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JUDGE CHARLES HOLMES.
The subject of this brief sketch was born in
the town of Fulton, Schoharie County, N. Y.,
March 26, 1826, then being the third, but
only surviving child of the late Hannah and
James Holmes, Jr. His paternal grandfather,
James Holmes, was a native of New Jersey, and
a soldier in the War of the Revolution,
after the termination of which, he married
Miss Mercy Hunt, also a native of that State.
About the year 1801 they settled near the loca-
tion of the Union church, on what is still known
as " Sapbush Hill," in the immediate neighbor-
hood of which Judge Holmes was born and
passed his childhood years. His maternal an-
cestors, John Spickerman, and Mary, his wife,
(whose maiden name was Decker,) were natives
of Columbia county, in this State, and among
the early settlers of that part of Fulton known
as " Rossman Hill," near which many of their
descendants still reside.
His grandfather Spickerman was also a sol-
dier in the Revolutionary war, and his father a
soldier in the War of 1812-1815, which may in
some degree account for the martial spirit and
passion for military excitement and display,
which was a prominent characteristic of his
younger clays. At the early age of nineteen
years he was elected and duly commissioned as
Captain of a militia company by Governor Silas
Wright, and continued to serve as such until the
re-organization of the military system of the
State. He was afterwards selected, commis-
sioned, and for several years served as Quarter-
Master of the io8th Regiment of the " National
Guard of the State of New York," on the staff of
Colonels Wakefield and Ferguson, and until the
Regiment was mustered out of service, by a re-
duction of the National Guard.
His father died in 1837, leaving him as the
eldest of six surviving children, under the super-
vision of his excellent widowed mother, to assist
in caring for and looking after their welfare, and
the management of a small farm, left to them
for support.
In early life he evinced an earnest desire and
ambition for the acquisition of general knowl-
edge, and more especially for the profession in
which he afterwards became an active member,
until his promotion to the Bench, in his native
County. Being left an orphan at the early age
of eleven years without patrimony or the means
or facilities for obtaining a better, or more lib-
eral education, he was compelled to content
himself with self-improvement and the poor ad-
vantages afforded by the common school of the
neighborhood in which his early life was passed.
432
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
This was his Alma Mater, except for one term
in the "Jefferson Academy," and another in
a " Select School " at Richmondville, in his na-
tive County, where he sought to improve and
add to the little store of coveted knowledge,
acquired by him under so many adverse and
discouraging circumstances.
In 1846, he married Miss Sarah Baird, of
Richmondville, daughter of Jacob, and Lydia
Baird, nee Phillips. Of the fruit of such union,
five children still survive, the youngest, Welling-
ton J., having died when a little more than two
years of age. Of the remaining children, the
eldest, Demosthenes L. Holmes now resides in
the city of New York, being married, and an
Assistant Deputy of the County Clerk, which
position he has satisfactorily filled, for more than
five years. The maiden name of his wife was
Carluta E. Coy, of New York City. The second,
Lewis C. Holmes, an attorney and counselor
at law, is present clerk in the Surrogate Court
of Schoharie County, and resides in Cobleskill
village, where he married his wife, Miss Helen
Courier. The next, was their only daughter,
Mary Adelaide, who married Dr. James E. Allen,
of Schenectady, (now deceased) the issue of
such marriage being the only surviving grand-
child, Addie Emerson Allen, a sprightly, favor-
ite pet of all who know her, now being in the
fifth year of her age, and residing with her
mother, at the parental home in Cobleskill vil-
lage. The next is their son Charles H. Holmes,
who is also an attorney and counselor at law,
residing and practicing his profession in Cobles-
kill, where he married Miss Hattie Ottman-
The remaining, and youngest surviving child,
Lyman S. Holmes, has also chosen the profes-
sion of his father, is unmarried, and a member of
the law firm of " Thome & Holmes" at Mid-
dleburgh, Schoharie County, as successors of
"Sanford & Thome."
Judge Holmes began the study of his pro-
fession, subsequent to his marriage, at Cobles-
kill village. He entered the law office of the
late Demosthenes Lawyer, then County Judge,
and ex-officio Surrogate of Schoharie County, in
January, 1849, a"d was admitted as an attorney
and counselor at law, in September, 1852.
It was during the period of his clerkship in
the office of his preceptor, Judge Lawyer, while a
student, enjoying the advantages derived from
his varied experience in the formal proceedings
and practical administration of the laws as ap-
plicable to Surrogate Courts, that he became so
eminently fitted for the correct and careful dis-
charge of the difficult and responsible duties in-
volved in this most important branch of our ju-
dicial system.
In November, 1855, he was elected Member
of Assembly from Schoharie County, and al-
though less than thirty years of age, when he
took his seat, he soon became an active and
efficient member of that branch of the Legisla-
ture. He was exceedingly popular among his
associates, and acquitted himself with great
credit, in the successful management, and in
procuring the passage through the Assembly of
the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad town bond-
ing bill. Although with a single exception, he
was the youngest member of the House, he was
appointed a member of the Judiciary Committee,
served on several special committees, and near
the close of the session, without his previous
knowledge or solicitation, was appointed a
member of the "Select Committee," to perfect
and forward all bills and measures, meriting
and deserving special legislative action.
After the close of his legislative term, he
resumed the practice of his profession at Cobles-
kill village, in the various courts of this State,
and upon his subsequent admission to practice
as attorney and as counselor in the Circuit
and District Courts of the United States, formed
a special partnership with the late William H.
Young, of Cobleskill, in bankruptcy cases.
In the fall of 1871, he was unanimously
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
433
nominated by the Democrats of Schoharie
County, for the office of County Judge, who in
this County is also ex-officio the Surrogate of
the County, to which office he was elected by
his full party majority. In the fall of 1877, he
was unanimously renominated to the same
position, and at the Republican County Con-
vention held a few days subsequent to his re-
nomination, a commendatory resolution of
approval of his official course was adopted,
accompanied by a resolution not to make any
nomination for that position — which resulted in
his unanimous re-election, by a vote largely in
excess of the vote polled by his party at that
election.
Politically, Judge Holmes has always been
recognized at home and abroad, as one of the
most firm and reliable members of the class of
politicians who enjoy and rejoice in the proud
appellation of "Schoharie Democrats."
Prior to his election to his present judicial
position, he was an earnest, active, local poli-
tician, was frequently a delegate to County and
State Conventions; was for over ten years
chairman of the County committee, and in
1 88 1, was without his desire, elected a member
of the Democratic State Committee, and by
that body made a member of its executive
committee.
Personally, he is known as frank and out-
spoken in respect to all issues in which he feels
and takes an interest, or becomes interested,
either for himself or his friends, apparently
being more zealous in serving others, than in
doing for himself. He is bold and fearless in
waging his contests, is never influenced by
motives of policy alone, to court or receive
public approval from superior numbers, against
his sense of justice and right, in a war against
injustice and wrong. He is apparently most
happy in serving the indigent, oppressed, and
defenceless, against the cupidity and rapacity of
the covetous and avaricious, whose greed is for
gold. In short, he abhors and detests every
one whose sycophantic servility makes them
time-servers for personal preferment, or advan-
tage, and turns with disgust and disdain from
the hypocritical pretenders, who would sacrifice
principle and betray friends, to accomplish per-
sonal ends, and gain a temporary local popu-
larity.
Socially, he is among the number who delight
in contributing to the happiness and pleasure
of all, instead of striving to monopolize all the
homage and attentions that by the self-conceited
are exacted as their exclusive privileges and
prerogatives. To his friends, he is ever faithful
and sincerely devoted, as well in adversity as in
prosperity, and never fails to face his foes. He
never displays a flag of truce while the contest
is waged against him, or the friends, or cause
for which he has enlisted. And finally, he has
never yet been known to forsake a friend, or
forget an enemy.
JEDEDIAH MILLER.
Jedediah Miller was born in the town of Mid-
dleborough, Plymouth county, Mass., on the
i6th day of June, 1782, and was a descendant
in the line of his mother, (who was a Rowland,)
of the Pilgrims who landed from the May-
flower.
Mr. Miller was a classmate of Daniel Web-
ster in Dartmouth college, from which he gradu-
ated in August, 1805. With the intention of
beginning an active life, he started in May, 1806,
for Geneva, N. Y., then considered a far off
Western town. Reaching Schoharie village,
and desiring to visit an old college associate,
Isaac Hall Tiffany, he set out for Lawyersville.
Arriving at the river west of the village, he was
rowed across the stream by a negress and found
434
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
the road leading to Cobleskill obstructed by
gates and bars, which undoubtedly gave to him
a poor impression of the liberality of the
people and of the freedom vouchsafed to
travelers, and which led him in after years to
procure a reprimand from the Grand Jury. He
arrived at Lawyersville in the month of May,
and intended to spend but a few days with Judge
Tiffany, and then continue his journey. Tiffany
and Miller were in college together, the former
being a senior and the latter a freshman, and
a strong attachment had arisen up between
them that did not lessen as long as they lived.
Mr. Miller was induced to forego his journey
and take charge of the school and commenced
the study of law with Judge Tiffany. He was
admitted to practice in 1809, and at once rose
to the front rank in his profession, particularly
as an advocate. He possessed talents of a high
order, and during his long residence in the
County, although a Yankee, he had a strong
hold in the confidence of the Germans as well
as the entire community. In 1819 and 1820,
he was elected to the Assembly as a Clintonian
Democrat, at that time called 'Republican,'
and earnestly advocated internal improvements
by taxation, under strict rules of economy, and
gave an exhibition of his broad ideas of govern-
ment and its destined resources, in several
speeches before those bodies. He was elected
again in 1832 by the Whig party, and in 1838,
when the formation of the town of Seward was
in controversy, he became a candidate for this
same position and was successful in his elec-
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TOWN OF COBI.ESK.ILL.
435
tion, but was unable to get his " Seward bill "
passed, as his home opponents crowded numer-
ous petitions before the body to defeat him, yet
having set out to carry his point, he did so in
the course of time, and gave to the territory its
present name in honor of the then acting Gov-
ernor.
Mr. Miller avoided political preferment and
enjoyed himself most in the tranquility of
his home. Of him, Mr. J. H. Ramsey says: —
" Mr. Miller in his social habits was in some
respects eccentric, but he possessed a peculiar
charm in conversation and his varied and
extensive knowledge, made him a very instruc-
tive and agreeable companion. He was a warm-
hearted and enduring friend and always tem-
perate and economical in his habits. In public
affairs he exhibited a lively interest to the last.
Although weak and feeble he made frequent
enquiries as to public matters, and when told a
short time before his death, the prospect was
that the Southern Rebellion would be put down
and the Union preserved, he exclaimed with deep
emotion, ' God be praised I can die in peace.'
" He had his eccentricities, which to some
may have appeared to be faults, while on the
other hand, he possessed many virtues and ex-
traordinary powers of mind. Take him all in
all as was said of him by an intimate friend writ-
ing his obituary
' We ne'er shall look upon hi* like again.' "
Upon the tombstone is inscribed " The old
man eloquent." At the time of this writing it is
not known that he has a living descendant or
relative by the ties of consanguinity.
HON. JOSEPH H. RAMSEY.
Of the many students of Jedediah Miller, the
most prominent is the Hon. Joseph H. Ramsey,
of Albany. Mr. Ramsey being so closely iden-
tified with the building of the Susquehanna Rail-
road, in which he exhibited the business tact
and indomitable perseverance of one reared in
the manipulations of public enterprises, we can-
not give a concise account of his career without
referring at some length to, and giving a minute
history of the Railroad, or rather, the strug-
gles of the friends of the road in building the
same.
In doing so the writer would have preferred
to have entered the same in Chapter IV, of
this work, but at the time of compiling that
portion, it was thought that space could not be
given to the details of the enterprise, and there-
fore the simple outlines of it were recorded.
Joseph Henry Ramsey was born on the zgth of
January, 1816, in the town of Sharon, of German
and English descent. He studied law with
Jedediah Miller and was admitted to practice
in all the courts of the State in 1 840. He com-
menced practice and continued in the office of
Mr. Miller for several years and succeeded to
his practice. After that Mr. Ramsey established
an office of his own at Lawyersville and con-
tinued the practice of law and in business con-
nected with the building of the Albany & Sus-
quehanna railroad until he removed to Albany
City in 1863. In the fall of 1854, he was elect-
ed from the -Northern, and Wilkinson Wilsey
from the Southern Assembly District of the
county, as Whigs and served during the session
of 1855, the last year Schoharie was represented
in the Assembly by two members.
He was a delegate from Schoharie to the
Whig State convention in the fall of 1855, ar>d
a member also of the joint convention com-
posed of the members of the Whig convention
and a State convention of free-soil Democrats
which formed the Republican party in this State.
This was followed by his election to the State
Senate the same year as a Republican from the
1 7th Senatorial District comprising the counties
of Schoharie and Delaware.
436
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The election of Mr. Ramsey by a constitu-
ency, a majority of whom were politically op-
posed to him, was to quite an extent owing to
the strong feeling of a portion of his constituents
in the success of the railroad, of which he was
an ardent advocate and they expected he would
succeed in obtaining necessary Legislation to
promote its success. It was not strange that
such a feeling should exist, as the region to be
penetrated by the road was known as the " Se-
questered region " — having no outlet — either by
water navigation or rail, nothing but the old
wagon roads. In this connection we will state
that the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad com-
pany was first organized in 1852, and individual
stock subscribed along the line and at Albany
to more than a million dollars. An act was
also passed the same year authorizing the city
of Albany to loan the company, on certain con-
ditions another million dollars of its bonds. In
the summer of 1853, a contract was made by
the company with Morris, Miller, Baker & Co.
then supposed to be the strong parties — finan-
cially, to build the entire road, the railroad
company agreeing to turn over to the contrac-
tors the avails of the individual subscriptions
and the city bonds, as the work progressed and
the balance to complete the road in the bonds
of the company.
The work was commenced in the spring of
1853, at different points in Albany, Schoharie,
Otsego and Broome counties and progressed
for a few months, when an unexpected revul-
sion occurred in railroad affairs, rendering it
difficult, if not impossible to negotiate railroad
bonds to the extent required to complete the
road. This caused the contractors to suspend
the work, and it then became evident, unless
some way could be devised to increase the stock
basis of the company, the project must fail, as
it was not possible to compel contractors to
perform a work of such magnitude in such
times. It was at this crisis, that Mr. Ramsey
was called in to consult with the directors as to
what course to pursue — take measures to wind
up the affairs of the company and abandon the
project as a failure, or devise some means of
increasing the stock basis or capital of the
company and keep the project alive until there
was a change of times. Although Mr. Ramsey
had before taken part in meetings held to ob-
tain individual subscriptions and was one of the
original subscribers to the articles of associa-
tion, he had not been identified with the com-
pany as an officer or director. It was suggested
that town subscriptions had been used with suc-
cess in several cases, and as it was believed im-
possible at that time to obtain further individual
subscriptions to the extent required, Mr.
Ramsey was urged to examine the matter and
ascertain the prospect of raising means by the
use of town bonds. He consented and after
examination ascertained that other roads had
built with the aid of such bonds and made a
success ; while on the other hand in many
other cases, attempts had been made to use
them which had resulted in failure. This ren-
dered the expedient doubtful, and several of
the directors thought the risk too great to make
the experiment. After some conflict and con-
siderable deliberation, the directors rather than
have the project fail and as a last resort, resolved
to apply to the Legislature for a law authorizing
the towns to subscribe to the stock and issue
their bonds in payment, and in that way ascer-
tain whether the people of the towns were dis-
posed to aid or not. Mr. Ramsey was then
made a candidate for the Assembly and after-
wards for the Senate and elected as stated.
He prepared- and introduced a bill in the
Assembly for that purpose, when it was discov-
ered there was strong and active opposition to
it in Albany. Many of those who had sub-
scribed to the stock had lost confidence in the
enterprise, owing more than anything else to
the failure of the Northern road, mostly built
TOWN OF COBLESKII.L.
437
by Albany capital, and to save paying their
subscriptions and the city from the issue of
its bonds, wanted the project defeated.
The bill however passed the Assembly that
year, but was defeated in the Senate by the
determined opposition of the citizens of Albany,
except that portion of the act extending the time
to complete the road. The next year, Mr. Ram-
sey having in the meantime been elected to the
Senate, introduced the bill in that body, and
after encountering a vigorous opposition from
the same source, it finally passed both branches
of the House and became a law, although the
opponents followed the bill into Governor King's
chamber, who after hearing them without hearing
the other side, signed the bill in their presence.
The law was not, however, in form to make it
entirely practical, as the original bill had been
amended to require the consent in writing,
before a subscription could be made, of two-
thirds of the tax-payers, representing two-thirds
of the taxable property of the town, which in
several towns was difficult to obtain. The next
session, 1857, the act was amended as originally
drafted, which required the consent of only a
majority. Several of the towns in the mean-
time had subscribed under the two-thirds act,
and with the subscriptions obtained under
the act as amended, another million of dollars
was added to the stock basis of the company.
The consent of the taxpayers in the several
towns was not obtained without considerable
effort on the part of the friends of the road.
Many honestly opposed the subscriptions as
wrong in principle, and believed the project
would be a failure with them.
After spending considerable time in holding
meetings along the line, and of personal
exertions in the several towns in obtain-
ing subscriptions, Mr. Ramsey was elected
a director, and made Vice-President of the
company in 1858. In consequence of the
opposition, several of the towns in Schoharie,
and one in Otsego, commenced legal proceed-
ings and obtained temporary injunctions to pre-
vent the towns from issuing their bonds on the
ground, among others, that the law was uncon-
stitutional. These, with other actions com-
menced by the company to collect individual
subscriptions, continued litigation for several
years, and several of the cases were taken to
the Court of Appeals. The company finally
succeeded in all the litigations. It became
apparent that if a portion of the line could be
put in operation it would materially strengthen
the company, and in the end ensure the com-
pletion of the road. With that view, the work
of grading between Albany and Schoharie was
let, and the individual subscriptions as far as
they could be collected, were used for that pur-
pose. The stockholders of Otsego and further
west, objected to paying until the work was
resumed in that vicinity — which, with the
Albany opposition and other obstacles, delayed
the work until the validity of the town subscrip-
tions were settled, when an arrangement was
made by which ten per cent, of the town sub-
scriptions in Otsego, and all of the Schoharie
towns, were to be applied to the opening of
the road from Albany to Schoharie creek.
While the struggle was going on, the people
along the line became impressed with the idea,
that they were then and had been for a long
time, taxed for the State Canals and for aid to
the Erie and other roads in different parts of the
State, and that it would be just and right for the
State to aid the "sequestered region" in return.
This sentiment became so strong that petitions
were numerously signed and presented to the
Legislature of 1859, for State aid. The justice
and equity of the case appealed with such force
to that body, that upon the first application, a
bill passed both branches appropriating two
hundred thousand dollars to complete that
portion of the road between Albany and Scho-
harie. That bill was vetoed by Governor Mor-
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
gan, and failed to become a law. That led
again to the nomination of Mr. Ramsey in the
fall of 1859, for Senator, in the then I4th Sena-
torial District, comprising the counties of his
old district, with Schenectady added. He was
elected by a decided majority, and at the next
session of 1860, presented another bill appro-
priating one million of dollars, to be paid in
installments of two hundred and fifty thousand
dollars each, as the work progressed, until the
road was completed to Binghamton. This bill
also passed the Legislature, and failed to be-
come a law by another veto of Governor
Morgan. At the next session of 1861, Mr.
Ramsey presented another bill cutting down
the amount to half a million of dollars, for that
portion of the road between Albany and On-
eonta, supposing that would make it more
acceptable to the Governor. This also passed
the Legislature, and was again vetoed by Gov-
ernor Morgan. Mr. Ramsey was again nomi-
nated and elected for the third time to the
Senate in the fall of 1861, and at the session of
1862 presented another bill and the Legislature
passed it, appropriating the same amount of
the year previous, but it received the fourth
and last veto of Governor Morgan. In each
year the bills were passed over the veto and
defeated in the Assembly by executive influence,
In the fall of that year Gov. Seymour was
elected, and at the next session, in 1863, Mr.
Ramsey presented a bill appropriating the same
amount, and for the same portion of the road
that Gov. Morgan, the two years previous,
vetoed. The bill was again promptly passed
and as promptly signed by Gov. Seymour, and
became a law, and thus in part was the "seques-
tered region" remunerated for taxes paid for
improvements before that time in other parts
of the State.
That appropriation imparted new life and
vigor to the enterprise, so that the road was
opened for business to Schoharie Creek in Sep-
tember of the same year. In the meantime Mr.
E. P. Prentice, an elderly gentleman of Albany,
held the office of President of the company,
while most of the labor of the position de-
volved upon Mr. Ramsey. That or some other
cause induced Mr. Prentice to resign early in the
spring of 1864, the Presidency, against the earn-
est protest of Mr. Ramsey and others. The
place remained vacant several months, the
duties being performed by the Vice-President,
when Mr. Ramsey finally consented, and he was
unanimously elected President of the Company.
About this time an important negotiation was
concluded with the late Daniel Drew, of New
York, by which he agreed to take one million
dollars of the first bonds of the company. The
work beyond Schoharie was continued as fast as
practicable, the war having occasioned an infla-
tion of the currency, and prices of labor and mate-
rial had largely advanced. Common labor, which
had been from eighty cents to a dollar, in the
construction of the road to Schoharie, had in-
creased from one dollar and a half to two dollars
per day, and iron with other material about
double the former cost. This made it neces-
sary to proceed with great caution and economy,
notwithstanding the promise of State aid and the
negotiation of the one million dollars, company
bonds. The heavy and expensive work through
Schoharie created delay, so that the road was
not put in operation to Oneonta until the sum-
mer of 1865. The balance of the road to Bing-
hamton, about sixty miles, included a tunnel
of 2260 feet in length, and other heavy work
in Broome county. With the increase in cost
of labor and materials there remained much less
means to complete the road than the Company
had calculated upon.
An application was therefore made to the
Legislature of 1866 for the remaining half mill-
ion of dollars, included in the second bill, to aid
in completing the road. The Legislature again
admitted the justice of the bill and promptly
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
439
passed it, appropriating the amount for that
purpose.
Another veto was interposed, however, by
Governor Fenton, and the bill failed. The next
year, at the session of 1867, the application was
renewed for an appropriation of two hundred
and fifty thousand dollars for that portion of
the road between Oneonta and Harpersville,
with the understanding that at the next session,
(1868) another application would be made for
the balance, two hundred and fifty thousand.
This bill was signed by Gov. Fenton, and it
was understood that he would sign another bill
for a like amount to complete the road, the next
session, if passed by the Legislature.
The bill for the last installment promptly
passed, but to the surprise of its friends, was
vetoed, again, by Gov. Fenton.
This was a great disappointment, the Company
believing there was no doubt the remaining
appropriation would be made by the next ses-
sion, the balance of the work was let to complete
the road to Binghamton. This made it neces-
sary to raise the money in some other way, and
they were obliged to submit to a large sacrifice
on their own bonds for that purpose. The price
of common labor still increased from two dollars
to two and one half per day, and made the work
very expensive, and the company was compelled
to increase the pay of the contractors. After
encountering many obstacles and with great
exertion, the company opened the road to Bing-
hamton in January 1869.
It was ascertained a short time after that event
that the Erie road managers desired to make it
an appendage to that road, and that efforts
were being made by Jay Gould, James Fisk, Jr.,
and their associates to purchase a majority of
the stock. In this attempt they failed, but
claimed they had a majority and without wait-
ing for an election, commenced an action and
obtained an order from the late Judge Barnard,
of New York, suspending Mr. Ramsey from
acting as President, with a view of obtaining
the possession of the road before the time of the
election of directors. The effect of the order
was a virtual transfer of the road and property
of the Company to Gould and Fisk, without
giving the Company or Mr. Ramsey an oppor-
tunity to defend. The late Judge Peckham. of
Albany, made another order modifying the order
of Barnard, so as to give the defendants an op-
portunity of being heard. Judge Peckham's
order was disregarded, and an attempt was
made by Gould and Fisk to take possession of
the road by force, and for that purpose Fisk ap-
peared at Albany with men and attempted to
enter and take possession of the office of the
President and other offices of the Company, but
was resisted and obliged to retreat. The plan of
operation was then changed, and the Erie forces,
comprising from 1,500 to 2,000 employe's,
from different parts of the Erie road, were
ordered to take forcible possession of the road,
commencing at the Binghamton end. This
move on their part created intense excitement
at Albany and along the line, and even extended
throughout the State. Car loads of excited men
volunteered to prevent the outrage, and a civil
war was threatened. The forces met near the
tunnel, seventeen miles from Binghamton, and
Gould attempted to run an Erie locomotive to
Albany with employe's of the Erie to take pos-
session of the depots along the road. He was
prevented by Mr. Robert C. Blackall, master
mechanic of the A. & S., and his men, and the
Erie engine captured. The engine was sent to
Albany and the Erie employe's in charge were
parolled by Mr. Blackall.
The forces on each side having congregated
at and near the tunnel, were in a threatening
attitude and liable to come in collision at any
moment. At this time an arrangement was
made to place the road and the property of the
company in the hands of a receiver, and an ac-
tion was commenced in the name of the people
440
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
of the State by the Attorney-General to settle
the question, by an election of directors by the
stock-holders, and thus determine the rights of
the parties to the possession of the road.
An election was held at the time of the an-
nual meeting for that purpose, at the Company's
office, in Albany, on the first Tuesday in Sep-
tember, 1870. Near the time for organizing
the meeting and opening the polls, Mr. Ramsey,
as President, and Mr. Phelps, as Treasurer and
Secretary, were enjoined by another order of
Judge Barnard from laking any part in the elec-
tion. The Gould and Fisk party had in attend-
ance a crowd of workmen and other persons,
with a proxy of one share each to fill up the
room and prevent the regular election from be-
ing held. In this they failed, the regular elec-
tion was held, and the regular inspectors de-
clared the Ramsey electors, as they were called,
duly elected by those holding a decided majority
of the stock. The Gould party also held an
election, and claimed to have elected their
ticket, headed by Walter Church, of Albany.
The place of trial in the action commenced
by the Attorney-General, was in the Seventh
Judicial District, the main issue being, which
set of directors had been duly elected and en-
titled to the possession of the road. The case
came on to be tried before Hon. E. Darwin
Smith, one of the Supreme Court Judges, in the
city of Rochester, in November of the same
year. The trial continued over two weeks and
the latter part of December following, Judge
Smith decided in favor of the Ramsey directors,
that their election was legal and valid, and that
of the Church directors was illegal, fraudulent
and void.
That decision restored the possession of the
Ramsey directors and the Receiver, Robert
Lenox Banks, was discharged, and they went
into possession of the road again the first of
January, 1871.
The difficulty created an uneasy state of
feeling among the stockholders, and a fear of
farther troubles, which led to a proposition on
the part of the Delaware & Hudson Canal
Company, to lease the road. The proposal was
accepted and the lease was executed in March
following by the Albany & Susquehanna Com-
pany, by which the stockholders of that Company
were to receive seven per cent, in semi-annual
dividends on their stock, and the Canal Com-
pany assume the payment of the principal and
interest of the bonded debt of the leased road ;
the case being in effect, a sale of the road and
its franchises to the Canal Company. Mr.
Ramsey and others of the directors, would have
preferred not to lease the road, but to have
kept it, independent of any coal or other Com-
pany, dealing liberally with all of them, with a
view of concentrating upon the line the largest
amount of business, and having the people along
the line reap the benefit of the competition
among the different coal companies, instead of
being controlled by one Company. The stock-
holders were nearly, or quite unanimous in
favor of the lease, and the road went into the
control and possession of the Delaware & Hud-
son Canal Company, and has been operated by
it since. After the lease, Mr. Coe F. Young,
the general manager of the Canal Company,
was elected President of the road, in place of
Mr. Ramsey.
As a financial success up to the time of this
writing, there are but few roads in the State that
have been more fortunate. The stockholders
have never been sold out. The towns that have
sold their stock, realized a par value for it, and
the stock is now quoted in New York, as high
as thirty-five per cent, premium.
In the mean time, Mr. Ramsey was elected
Vice-President of the Albany Iron Manufactur-
ing Company, and after the death of Hon.
Erastus Corning, was elected President in his
stead, and remained in that position during the
building of the furnaces belonging to the Com-
•
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OMAS H.
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TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
441
pany in Albany City, and after that resigned.
He was also President of and assisted in the
organization of the New York & Albany Rail-
road Company, and is President of the Howe's
Cave Association, in the manufacture of cement,
lime and brick. In public life, Mr. Ramsey was
also nominated as a candidate for Congress in
1866, in the then Albany and Schoharie dis-
trict. He received a majority of about eight
hundred in Albany, and was defeated by a large
majority against him in Schoharie.
He was a delegate from Albany to the Re-
publican State Convention, in the years 1871,
1872 and 1873, and also a member of the Re-
publican State Committee, and was most active
in the proceedings to impeach Judge Barnard,
who made the order in favor of Gould and Fisk,
in the controversy referred to previously. For
the orders in that case, and others of similar
character, Judge Barnard was tried by the
Senate and impeached, and prohibited from
holding any office under the civil Government.
He has since died.
Mr. Ramsey removed to Albany, in 1863,
which was rendered necessary in consequence
of his railroad duties, but usually spends the
summer months at Howe's Cave, in Schoharie,
and in several respects prefers to consider that
his residence, as well as the County of his birth.
THOMAS LAWYER.
Thomas Lawyer was a grandson of Jacob
Frederick Lawyer, of the " Seller place" near
Schoharie village, son of Johannes Lawyer, (the
third large land-holder.) Of General Lawyer
we will copy an article written by one of the
younger members of the County bar, after his
death which occurred at Lawyersville on the
2ist of May, 1868: —
" The deceased, during the course of the long
and honorable life just closed, had occupied so
many places of public trust and responsibility,
had gained such a hold upon the affections and
memories of the present generation, that it is
deemed fit and appropriate that something more
than a simple mention of his death, is due to
his memory.
" It is only regretted, that to one of his pro-
fessional and official contemporaries, or to some
person more familiar with the public life and
services of the deceased and more competent
to express in an appropriate manner his many
virtues and noble characteristics, has not been
confided this delicate, yet pleasant duty. A
plain, simple presentation of some of the many
good things that could truthfully be said of him,
is all that will be attempted, or can be given in
this article.
"The subject of this memoir was born in the
town of Schoharie, in the County of Schoharie,
N. Y., on the »4th day of October, 1785,
on the farm now occupied by John G. Geb-
hard. His ancestors emigrated to this country
from Germany, and were among the early set-
tlers of the Schoharie valley. After receiving
a liberal education for the period in which his
early life was spent, he commenced the study
of law in the office of George Tiffany, at
Schoharie, who subsequently removed to Canada.
At the age of twenty-one years, he was duly
licensed to practice as an Attorney, and located
at Lawyersville, which bears his name, succeed-
ing the late Isaac Hall Tiffany, then a promi-
nent lawyer. He was subsequently licensed as
Counselor of the Supreme Court, as Counselor
and Solicitor in Chancery, and in the U. S. Court
for the Northern District of New York.
He loved the profession he had chosen, was
an honorable, accomplished and successful prac-
titioner, established and continued a successful
and lucrative practice in his profession until the
adoption of the "Code" in this State. He then
442
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
retired to private life, and the quiet enjoyment of
the ample fortune he had accumulated, beloved,
respected and revered by all who knew him, as
"'an honest man. the noblest work of God."
" He held the office of Loan Commissioner
in this County for several years, and a commis-
sion as Brigadier-General in the militia of this
State, by which title he was ever after so famil-
iarly known. He was twice elected a Member
of the Assembly from this County, serving his
first term under the First Constitution of this
State, in the 39th session of the Legislature in
1816, during ttie administration of Governor
Daniel D. Tompkins. The late lamented ex-
Governor William C. Bouck, his kinsman and
intimate personal and political friend then serv-
ing his third term, and Peter A. Hilton then
serving his second term in the Assembly, were
his colleagues. It has been often remarked of
General Lawyer, that he was emphatically "a
business member of the House" — that he never
seemed anxious to establish a reputation by a
simple display of powers of oratory, thus often
vexing the ear of his associates with ill-timed,
tedious and unnecessary debate. He preferred,
without ostentation, in his usually quiet and un-
obtrusive manner, to so discharge .the responsi-
ble duties of his position, as to merit the appro-
bation of his associates and constituents, as an
active, practical, useful legislator. Instead of
seeking to fill the public eye by greater display,
thus gaining an ephemeral distinction, by win-
ning the applause of his listening auditors, or
from the editors and readers of the journals of
the day, he seemed only ambitious by the exer-
cise of a manly firmness, patriotic courage, and
integrity of purpose, to serve his country and
his party in the enactment of wise and salutary
laws. How well he succeeded, and how wisely
he acted in choosing the proper and direct path
to higher honors, future personal distinction and
political preferment, is evidenced by his further
triumphant march in his political career.
"At the next general election he was elected a
member of the isth Congress, from the 131)1
District of this State as organized under the
Act of June 10, 1812, composed of the coun-
ties of Schenectady and Schoharie. He served
from March 4, 1817, to March 3, 1819, dur-
ing the first two years of the term of James
Monroe as President, and Daniel D. Tompkins
as Vice-President of the United States.
"As a Member of Congress he maintained and
enhanced the previous enviable reputation he
had gained as a Member of the Legislature of
his State, always promptly performing his duties
with fidelity to his country, and party, thus
meriting and receiving the approval, confidence
and gratitude of his constituents. Here, as in
the lower walks of his legislative life, he mani-
fested those qualities that enabled him to ren-
der to his country a service if not of the most
brilliant kind, at least of no secondary im-
portance.
"Under the second Constitution of this State,
he was appointed District Attorney of this
County, February 4, 1822, holding the office
until October n, 1831, when the late Jacob
Houck, Jr., succeeded him.
"During this period occurred the exciting
political contest for President of the United
States for the tenth Presidential term, in which
Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, William
H. Crawford and Henry Clay were the can-
didates. General Lawyer was appointed by
the Legislature of this State, November n,
1824, the Presidential Elector for the t2th
Congressional District of this State, as organized
under the Act of April 17, 1822, composed of
the counties of Schenectady and Schoharie ; (it
will be remembered that no choice was effected
by the people, and Mr. Adams was subse-
quently chosen by the House of Representa-
tives at its next session.) He was again elected
as Member of Assembly from this County in the
fall of 1845, under the second Constitution, and
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
443
served during the 7oth Session in 1846. with
the late Hon. Thomas Smith, as his colleague.
At the close of this his last official term, full
of honors and years of official distinction, so
cheerfully awarded him by his neighbors and
those who knew, and appreciated him so well,
he retired to private life.
" How fitting and appropriate, that his official
career should seem to terminate in point of rank
and distinction where it first began. General
Lawyer never became giddy and vain in the
possession of places of high honor and distinc-
tion, of great public trust and responsibility.
He seemed by nature just fitted and equal to
the duties and various positions to which he
attained, but never felt himself above them. It
can in truth be said of him, that during his
entire official life, by his strict adherence to a
resolute purpose to pursue the right, the self-
imposed restraints of a high regard for personal
honor, at the close of each of the several official
terms he so well and ably filled, he laid aside
his robes unsoiled by a single act that tended to
destroy either his own self-respect or the respect
of others for him. He seemed to possess a
soul that would have sickened under a sense of
personal, professional or official dishonor, and
to have acted upon the important principle that
' duty and fidelity in a public servant make up
an important portion of a nation's wealth.' In
public life, in his official intercourse, in his
business and social relations, he was firm with-
out obstinacy, prompt without undue haste,
self-confident without arrogance, influencing
others because he had learned to govern him-
self, and neither doing nor countenancing an
intentional wrong. Of him it may well be
said : —
1 His life was gentle — and the elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up
And say to all the world — this was a man.'
"But it was not in his official and professional
life alone that his virtues were seen and appre-
ciated. In his social and business intercourse
with those around him, in the home circle,
everywhere, those eminent qualities, that uni-
form urbanity, that dignity of manner and
gentlemanly bearing that ever characterizes the
true gentleman at heart, were pre-eminently his
own. In brief he was truly possessed
' With all good grace to grace a gentleman.'
" His funeral obsequies were attended at the
church at Lawyersville, on Sunday, the 24th
inst., by a large circle of mourning friends,
members of the Bar, and citizens generally from
his own, and adjoining towns. The solemn and
impressive services were conducted by Reverend
H. A. Raymond, of Cohoes, and Reverend J.
VanWoert, of Lawyersville, both of whom bore
willing testimony to the Christian virtues, and
bright hopes expressed by our deceased friend,
in reference to his future state. This clearly
shows that in reviewing a long well spent and
active life, he has not forgotten that
1 The path of glory leads but to the grave,
That there all human efforts end.'
"Thus has passed away a good man, one who
has witnessed the varied scenes of tranquility
and excitement in our history as a nation from
its earliest date to the present hour.
"It seems by his death, the last connecting
link that bound us to our past history and past
generations, has been broken. He had lived to
follow to the tomb his wife, and several of his
children, who died in the prime of life. He had
survived by many years, most of his political
and professional contemporaries. He had lived
beyond man's common lot, had enjoyed much
more than ordinary honors, still the poignant
grief caused by his death, will only give place
to silent sorrow, as the mind recalls the virtues
of General Thomas Lawyer. His memory will
live in the grateful recollection of all who knew
him, though his noble spirit has passed to the
land of shadows.
444
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
1 He sat, as sets the morning star, which goes
Not down, In-hind the darkened west, nor hides
( Ibscure amidst the tempest of the sky,
But melts away into the light of Heaven.' "
General Lawyer's pastor, Reverend J. Van-
Woert, said of him :—
"He was a diligent student of the Bible;
his scrap-books he filled with religious extracts,
and many passages are marked by him in his
favored religious books.
"In his public and professional duties, and in
his private life, he seems to have imbibed the
truth of a verse he had written in the fly-leaf of
his Bible dictionary : —
" Our lives are rivers gliding free
To that unfathomed, boundless sea,
The silent grave.
Thither all earthly pomp and boast,
Roll to be swallowed up and lost
In one dark wave."
Since the year 1839, the old Lawyer place has
been the property of Charles Courier, who for
many years was the leading business man of
the town.
CHARLES COURTER.
Charles Courier was born in the town of
Schoharie of poor, yet respeclable parents, on
the 4th of June, 1808. His educational advan-
tages were only such as the village school pre-
sented, but possessing a quick perception he
soon filled himself for general business and en-
lered the slore of Freeman Stanlon of Middle-
burgh, in 1823. No beller tutor could young
Courier have been placed under than Freeman
Slanton, as he was a very sagacious business
man — yet mosl honorable in his dealings. Mr.
Slanton's Irade was very large and consequenlly
brought Mr. Courier in conlacl with a large
circle of ihe besl cilizens of the Counly — among
whom were many of the firsl business men. Be-
ing ihus brought before the people, the youlh
would nalurally assume Ihe prerogatives of a
business man, and sludy the general principles
of Irade. Such was ihe case, and in afler years
Peter Oslerhout placed him in a slore al Law-
yersville over which he presided as manager, and
gave proof of that business lacl lhal in after
years made him so useful and successful. In
the course of a few years he formed a co-part-
nership with Henry Shutls in Ihe mercanlile
business al Lawyersville and conlinued Ihe same
lo Ihe year 1837 when he removed to Cobles-
kill village and engaged in business in Ihe
Lambert Lawyer brick house.
In the inlerim he married Helen Lawyer
daughter of General Lawyer, and thus became
connecled with one of the leading families of
Ihe County. The business relations of Mr.
Courier and Mr. Shutts were the most pleasing
and instituted a friendship thai was highly
prized by those gentlemen, and guarded wilh
jealous care. In 1839, Mr. Courier purchased
ihe Lawyer mansion and buill a slore-house
upon Ihe ground formerly occupied by Ihe barn
and horse sheds connecled with Ihe hotel, and
continued Ihe business wholly or in part up to
Ihe year 1864. He was one of Ihe leading
spirils in the conceplion and construction of Ihe
Albany & Susquehanna railroad, as in il he saw
the future prosperity of his adopted town and
village. He was for many years one of Ihe di-
reclors of the road and was the mosl aclive in
ils completion. Gaining thai object he lurned
his altention to the village and aroused an en-
thusiasm among the business men for the im-
provement of Ihe place and in a few years
changed il from a quiel hamlet to an ener-
getic marl and business center. The large
West brick block, Nalional bank and cosily Luth-
eran church— beside many substanlial residences,
are monumenls of his energy and pride, and
bespeak the liberalily of Ihe man in his manner
wac
Wht
ny was
•
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
445
of doing business. While Mr. Courier was a
staunch Democrat in politics, and possessed the
ability to grace any position, yet he held but few
places of official trust, from the fact he did not
court position, and was too closely attached to
business to enter the political field. However,
he represented the town upon the Board of Su-
pervisors in 1841 and was re-elected the year
following, after repeated declinations to run. In
1868, he was placed upon the Democratic Elect-
oral ticket which received the largest majority
the County ever gave in a Presidential contest.
Mr. Courier became extensively engaged in
the manufacture of lumber in the State of
Florida and connected wilh other heavy enter-
prises elsewhere, which required such active
mental and physical labor as but few can ac-
complish— but in him, was found those qualities
that enabled him to meet every requirement with
the greatest promptness.
Upon one of his business journeys he became
exposed and in reaching home, he was confined
by an attack of pneumonia which closed his
active life on the ist day of January, 1879.
JAMES TANNER.
James Tanner was born at Richmondville,
S< hoharie County, N. Y., April 4, 1844.
His early life was spenl on a farm, where he
received Ihe usual privileges of educalion fur-
nished counlry boys in Ihe dislrict school.
When the war broke out he was engaged in
leaching, and though but a lad, he resigned his
position and enlisted in the 871)1 New York
Volunteers, Company C, as a private soldier,
being at the time but seventeen years and six
months of age. Shortly after his enlislment, he
was promoted lo the rank of Corporal, which
was but Ihe assurance of further promotion had
not his soldier's career been brought suddenly to
an end, by the terrible disaster which befell him.
The 87lh New York was hurried to the frcut,
and was soon engaged in the conflicls of the
ever memorable Peninsular campaign.
Being allached to Kearney's I )i\ ision, Cor-
poral Tanner participated in most of the battles
which marked the advance of the Army of the
Potomac, including Williamsburgh, Fair Oaks,
the siege of Yorktown, Ihe Seven days battle in
front of Richmond and Malvern Hill. After leav-
ing the Peninsula, the Regiment fought at War-
renlown, Bristow Station, and Manassas Junc-
tion, in all of which battles Tanner took part.
The next battle was his last with the regiment,
for there followed his lerrible fighl for life.
When his regimen I marched to the second
battle of Bull Run, he was in his place, ready,
as he had ever been, to do the work assigned
him. It was in this batlle that he received the
terrible injuries that resulted in the loss of both
his legs. His regiment occupied a position on
the exlreme right of the line, with Stonewall
Jackson's corps lying in front.
While undergoing a terriffic shelling from the
enemy, by order of General John C. Robinson,
the men were lying down. While in this posi-
tion, a piece of a shell struck his limbs, com-
pletely severing the right limb at the ankle, and
so shattering the left limb as to make amputa-
tion necessary.
He was picked up by some of his comrades,
and carried to a piece of timber near by, where
the surgeons were at work. There, he said he
lost consciousness, but when he recovered it,
found that both of his limbs were off, having
been amputated four inches below the knee.
Meantime the Union lines had been broken,
and the army was retreating.
Hurriedly picking him up, Tanner's comrades
sought to make good their escape, but were com-
pelled to leave him at a farm-house, in order to
prevent their own capture.
There he fell into the Rebels hands, and for
446
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ten days, lay in the door-yard with six others,
who had lost either a leg or an arm.
At the end of the ten days, he was paroled,
and taken in an ambulance to Fairfax Seminary
Hospital, near Alexandria, Virginia.
After remaining here four weeks, his brother
found him, and took him back to his old home
in Schoharie County. By the next spring he
was able to get about on a pair of artificial legs,
and soon after was appointed to the position of
Deputy Doorkeeper in the Assembly.
He was subsequently appointed to various
positions under the Legislature, and then went
to Washington, as a clerk in the War Depart-
ment, under Secretary Stanton.
On the night of President Lincoln's assassin-
ation, he was employed to take notes of the first
official evidence of the assassination, and at-
tempt upon the life of Secretary Seward. He
was among the number who stood at the bed-
side of Mr. Lincoln when he died.
Resigning the position he held under Secre-
tary Stanton, he returned to Richmondville,
Schoharie County N. Y. and entered the law
office of Judge William C. Lament in the spring
of 1866. He remained in the office of Judge
Lamont until admitted to the bar.
In 1866, he married Miss M. L. White, daugh-
ter of Alfred C. White, of Jefferson, Schoharie
County, N. Y. To them there have been born
four beautiful children — two daughters and two
sons.
In the spring of 1869, soon after he was ad-
mitted to the bar, Mr. Tanner was appointed to
a position in the New York Custom House,
and immediately took up his residence in the
city of Brooklyn.
In the Custom House, he rose on competi-
tive examination until he became Deputy Col-
lector, in which office he served four years un-
der General Chester A. Arthur.
In 1871, he was the Republican nominee for
the Assembly in the 4th district of Kings
county, and though it was conceded that he
ran far ahead of his ticket, and was really
elected, he was deprived of his seat by the
enormous frauds of that year, which have be-
come part of political history of the city of
Brooklyn — frauds which were only possible be-
cause of the fact that there was no registry law
that year. In 1876, Mr. Tanner was the Repub-
lican candidate for Register of Kings county and
was defeated by less than 2,000 votes though
the Democratic majority that year in the County
was 19,000.
In November, 1877, Mr. Tanner was nomi-
nated by Mayor Schroeder, and confirmed by
the Board of Aldermen, to the responsible
position of Collector of Taxes for the city of
Brooklyn. Upon the expiration of his first
term, although the mayoralty had in the mean-
time passed into the hands of the Democracy,
he was nominated and confirmed by the entire
vote of the Board of Aldermen with one excep-
tion. He instituted many reforms in the ad-
ministration of the office, extending greater
facilities to the tax-payers, and at the same
time reduced the expenses of the office one-
half. Under his regime the first day's collec-
tions on a new levy has grown from $300,000
to $2,000,000. On the induction into office,
January i, 1882, of Hon. Seth Low as Mayor
of Brooklyn, he appointed Mr. Tanner as col-
lector for the third term, and his action met
with the hearty approval of all classes.
While in the office of collector he has not for-
gotten the claims of the soldier, for the records
of the office show that during his term as col-
lector there have been in his office twenty-two
veteran soldiers whose aggregate salaries have
amounted to $80,000. Thus he is always when
opportunities offer, reaching out in a substan-
tial manner to the aid of the ex-soldier. This
spirit ever manifesting itself has given him
great popularity among the soldiers of the State.
For years Corporal Tanner has been a mem-
TOWN OF COBLESKILL.
447
ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, seeking
in every way possible to advance its interest.
Repeatedly his comrades had felt how great
was the value of the advice which he gave, and
for long had looked upon him as a leader whose
judgment was sound and whose heart was true.
Consequently in 1876, he was elected to the
position of Commander of the Grand Army of
the Republic, Department of New York. He
came in command at a time when the members
of the Grand Army were discouraged because
of the failure of the attempt to make provisions
for the poor and homeless ex-soldiers in the
State. It had long been felt that New York
had neglected to provide for the wants of many
of her maimed and helpless soldiers. Some
futile attempts had been made to secure relief
but nothing substantial had as yet been done.
When he assumed command of the Grand
Army of the Republic, Department of New York,
there was as yet no home provided for the
maimed and homeless soldiers of the State.
While other States had provided for their home-
less soldiers, New York had failed, as yet, to
make any provisions.
Several attempts had been made to erect a
home, but each attempt had failed. The out-
look was discouraging, it was an herculean task
to attempt a work which had repeatedly failed,
and around which, because of previous failures
there had gathered much of prejudice.
But realizing the fact that the alms-houses of
the State were filled with crippled soldiers, and
believing that by persistent and untiring effort,
and a proper putting of the facts before the people
especially the soldier element, a better result
could be secured, he resolved to undertake the
work. He traversed the State from one end
to the other. He made public and private
appeals in the interest of the soldiers' home.
He fired the hearts of many truly patriotic and
benevolent men; and at last poured an ava-
lanch of petitions upon the Legislature of the
State. As the result of his never yielding efforts
there was erected at Bath, Steuben county, N.
Y. at a cost of $80,000 a magnificent building
known as " The Soldiers' Home " where the
crippled defenders of the country most truly
find the comforts and luxuries of a home.
The building is capable of accommodating
six hundred men, and throughout the State the
soldiers speak of it not only as a soldiers' home,
but as Tanner's monument. It was truly a
grand and noble work, and it was grandly done.
And while through the struggle to accomplish it,
many noble-hearted men gathered about the en-
terprise, still the buildings in their strength and
patriotic philanthropy stand as a testimony to the
burning zeal and untiring effort of the crippled
soldier, Tanner.
At the present time Mr. Tanner is Collector
of taxes of the city of Brooklyn, to which office
he has been appointed for the third term, thus
voicing the confidence in him of the great city
where he lives.
He is a man of marked ability, being a public
speaker of unusual eloquence and power ; his
voice not only being heard upon the political
stump, but often upon the lecture platform.
He enjoys the confidence of a large circle of
friends, and without doubt has a bright and
promising future before him.
REV. PHILIP WIETING.
Mr. Wieting was born in Minden, Montgom-
ery county, N. Y., September 23, 1800, and
entered the ministry in 1825, at Le Roy, Jeffer-
son county, N. Y., from whence he removed
to New Rhinebeck in 1828, to officiate over
that church and Dorlach, which position he
held for forty years, and brought them from a
" fading " shadow to their present high standard
by his untiring labors and fervent godliness.
Upon the division of the Synod, Mr. Wie-
ting and his followers claimed the Rhinebeck
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
church property, while the Dorlach charge, which
held to the old Synod, commenced litigatu n to
retain it. After many years of legal dispute the
courts decided against the new school's (Franck-
ean Evangelic Lutheran Synod) right to the prop-
erty and Mr. Wieting and flock found them-
selves destitute of a house of worship. Meas-
ures were immediately taken, and in 1849 the
church of Gardnersville was dedicated but the
building was burned soon after — supposed to
have been the work of an incendiary. Not daunt-
ed the present one soon took its place in which
the greatest efforts, in the cause of the Master, of
Mr. Wieting's life were witnessed. The con-
gregation was large — covering a wide extent of
territory, and it became necessary to build a
branch at Lawyersville, which was done in
the latter part of 1849, and dedicated in Febru-
ary, 1850.
Mr. Wieting preached his valedictory sermon
on the ist day of October, 1868 — the fortieth
anniversary of his pastorate over his charge, in
which he said " The aggregate of money raised
by these two churches during my ministry is
$35>°°°. or an average of $800 a year." His
last sermon was preached in the new brick
Lutheran church at Cobleskill on the i8th
day of July, 1869. The fruits of his ministry in
the sparsely settled section in which he was
placed was, "received to membership, 1,250;
baptized, 1,300 ; marriages solemnized, 800, and
1,700 funerals attended." " Fifteen of his spir-
itual children," says his memoir, "entered or are
about to enter the ministerial calling."
On the yth of September, 1869, Mr. Wieting
died in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and was
buried in the " Slate Hill Cemetery " by a large
concourse of friends, by whom he was dearly
loved. His biographer says, which is true, also
of his whole life in all relations — " the secret
of his successful ministry was, Earnestness,
Fidelity and Perseverance."
APPENDIX
By repeated solicitations from many of those
who have given assistance and encouragement
•
in the publication of this work, the author was
induced for the purpose of gratifying many
friends' desires, to condense material elsewhere
and give place to the centennial ceremonies
that occurred within the County.
By so doing may they be preserved until
another century rolls round. May then a re-
currence of the spirit of honor and patriotism
which led to such observances, be aroused in
the breasts of our children's children, to again
animate " Love of Country," through her early
struggles, fora further lease of Liberty and In-
dependence, and thus transmit from one cent-
ury to another, our national pride and honor,
through the silent workings of reverential hearts
and not by martial power.
45°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
' ' rpHE purpose of this publication* is to per-
petuate the formal part of the ceremonies
which occurred at Schoharie on the ninety-sixth
anniversary of the capture of Major Andre, and
also to record in an enduring form a brief state-
ment of the manner in which the people of Scho-
harie county and the surrounding country re-
sponded to the suggestion, that the grave of
DAVID WILLIAMS, one of Andre's captors, should
be permanently honored by a monument wor-
thy of the historic act with which his name is
associated.
" The following extract is taken from a de-
scription, in the local press, of the celebration
which occurred at Schoharie on the zjd day of
September, 1876 :
" Saturday dawned cloudy and cool, but not
threatening. The streets were dry but not dusty,
and the committee-men in purple ribbons and
white ribbons were busily performing the vari-
ous duties assigned to them before eight o'clock
in the morning. People were coming in from
every quarter at that early hour, and no one
seemed to think that Old Probabilities, who an-
nounced rain, knew any thing about the weather.
The cars from either direction were crowded in-
side, and even on their roofs.
" At 10 A. M. the steady stream of incoming
people was augmented by the arrival of the ex-
cursion trains from Albany and Troy, and the
day was fairly begun. The Committee of Re-
ception was on hand at the depot with carriages
for the orator and notables, and mounted mar-
shals were also in attendance. As soon as the
train stopped, our visitors from Albany and
Troy disembarked. First came the Albany
Zouave Cadets, Co. A, loth Regiment, in com-
mand of Captain John H. Reynolds, and headed
by Austin's Band ; then came the carriages with
Hon. Charles Holmes, president of the day ; the
the orator of the day, Grenville Tremain, Esq.,
of Albany ; the poet of the day, Alfred B. Street,
of Albany; Daniel Knower, Ralph Brewster,
* The following pages are taken from the published
proceedings of the Ceremonies at the Laying of the
Corner-Stone of David Williams Monument, at Scho-
harie, September 23, 1876.
commissioners; several descendants of David
Williams ; Senator W. C. Lamont ; J. R. Simms,
historian, of Schoharie County ; Hon. S. L. May-
ham, N. La F. Bachman, Esq., Hon. S. H.
Sweet, of Albany, Colonel C. C. Kromer, Prof.
S. Sias, Charles Courier, Esq., A. A. Hunt,
Esq., Hon. John Westover, and Dr. W. T. La-
mont and many others.
" The line of march was up Knower avenue
to Bridge street, down Bridge street to Main
street, down Main street to the Old Stone Fort,
where the exercises of laying the corner-stone
were to take place. When the head of the line
reached the Stone Fort, the road was full of
carriages the entire mile between it and the vil-
lage, and others were still coming, and the side-
walks were crowded the entire distance with
people on their way to the Fort. Only about
one-half of the people could get inside the
grounds and in the street which passes by the
grounds surrounding the Stone Fort, and these
were estimated by competent judges to number
five thousand. We do not doubt that there were
ten thousand people in the village that day. As
soon as possible order was restored, and Hon.
Charles Holmes, president of the day, announced
the following programme : —
Singing of Whittier's Hymn by the Schoharie
Musical Association.
Prayer by Rev. WILLIAM H. HANDY.
Singing of the " STAR SPANGLED BANNER " by
the Schoharie Musical Association.
Oration by GRENVILLE TREMAIN, of Albany.
Music by Doring's Band.
Poem, written by ALFRED B. STREET, of Albany,
and read by N. LA F. BACHMAN, Esq., of
Schoharie.
Singing of "AMERICA" by the Schoharie Musi-
cal Association.
Historical Address by Dr. K.NOWER,of Schoharie.
Music by Austin's Band.
ORATION
BY
GRENYILLE TREMAIN.
MR. PRESIDENT AND FELLOW-CITIZENS — In
that temple of silence and reconciliation where
the enmities of twenty generations lie buried, in
the tender and solemn gloom of that venerable
abbey wherein is gathered the honored dust of
England's bravest and best, surrounded by
" royal sarcophagus and carved shrine, and by
fading banners which tell of the knights of
former time ; where the Chathams and Mans-
fields repose, and where orators and poets lie,"
is a conspicuous monument, bearing this inscrip-
tion : —
"SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MAJOR JOHN
ANDRE, WHO, RAISED BY HIS MERIT AT AN EARLY
PERIOD OF HIS LIFE TO THE RANK OF ADJUTANT-
GENERAL OF THE BRITISH FORCES IN AMERICA,
AND EMPLOYED IN AN IMPORTANT BUT HAZARD-
OUS ENTERPRISE, FELL A SACRIFICE TO HIS ZEAL
FOR HIS KING AND COUNTRY."
By command of England's king, George
the Third, was this monument raised in West-
minster Abbey. The sculptor, true to the
historical fact, has pictured and perpetuated the
singular sense of pain and grief entertained by
those who were the foes of him whose name is
thus prominently carved in this temple of fame.
Contemplating, as it were, with bowed head this
rare homage of a great nation to her dead, the
spectator is moved to inquire more minutely in-
to the events of this life so grandly immortalized.
What has won so much in a career of only
twenty nine years ? In this sacred mausoleum
of England's mighty dead, where,
Through long-drawn aisle and fretted vault.
sweep memories of those who have enriched the
language, ennobled the human intellect, elevated
humanity, or perpetuated in immortal verse the
emotions and passions of men, on every side are
names, the very utterance of which is an era, an
army, an anthem, an empire. To associate with
these mighty dead, how incalculable the honor !
How indelible the record here engraven ! How
immortal the fame here perpetuated!
And yet this man thus wept by his foes and
immortalized by his country, was an enemy to
American liberty, a foe to republicanism, whose
death was ignoble, and whose ashes reposed for
forty years under the free soil of our own land,
marked only by a tree whose fruit never blos-
somed. That monument to the memory of
John Andre would never have been raised, no
such inscription would ever have been written,
and that grim irony would not have marred the
greatness of Westminster Abbey, but for the
critical act, the crucial conduct and the incor-
ruptible honor of him whose name is upon every
lip and in every heart here to-day.
The minute details of the story and the life
that are brought to mind by the ceremonies of
this day will be wrought out by another and
452
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
more competent hand. The expression of the
thoughts and emotions suggested by the ac-
cepted facts connected with the memorable
event of September 23, 1780, and a mere out-
line of the occurrence, are more appropriately
within the province of the duty assigned to me.
In the contemplation of the performance of that
duty I am sustained, buoyed and strengthened
by a belief in the leniency of judgment and the
charitable consideration of those whom I ad-
dress.
To us, living when the nation's life has
spanned a century, when her greatness and her
power are recognized in every clime and upon
every sea, when the rich blessings of civil and
religious liberty accompany every heart-throb
and every breath — to us the page that records
the fidelity and the transcendent honor of David
Williams, John Paulding and Isaac Van Wart,
is serried with lines of the deepest interest, and
glorious with letters that can never fade.
We open to-day the book that perpetuates
the history of Revolutionary times, that tells
how our country was baptized with fire and
blood ; how, through toils, and labors, and
sacrifices, and sorrows, and prayers, this last
hope of Republicanism arose; and we know
that the "red rain of her slaughtered siies has
but watered the earth for the harvest of their
gallant sons." We turn to the chapter black-
ened by the only traitor that disgraced the
Revolutionary period, to find that his treachery
was defeated and the infant nation saved by
the providential presence and the memorable
act of him to whom we this day erect with
pageant and with pride, this monumental tribute.
That Andre's was an important but hazardous
enterprise is now more fully appreciated than
even when the stirring events of that period
were being enacted — nay, than during the first
half century of the nation's life. The true
nature of that enterprise as well, thanks to the
unerring adjustment of time, has become fixed
and certain wherever intelligence and judicial
fairness prevail over passion or sentimentality.
I would not if I could, and certainly I could not
if I would, mar the charm of that picture which
the character and personality of Major Andre
presents. Dissociated from the terrible con-
sequences which would have resulted from a
successful termination of that enterprise, and
independent of the attempt made in certain
quarters in England to cast a shade upon the
spotless character of Washington, we cannot
contemplate the fate of Andre, without emotions
of the profoundest pity. Wherever loyalty and
valor are respected, wherever steadfastness and
manly devotion are admired, wherever youth,
ambition, intelligence and beauty combined,
command interest and win affection, there will
the character of Major Andre be cordially and
truly appreciated. But these very qualities of
heart and mind were the underlying causes of
his connection with the enterprise. Considered
with all the surrounding circumstances, how-
ever, I have no hesitation in saying that, in
comparison with the high noon glory that sur-
rounds the distinguished service, lofty firmness
and untarnished honor of our own Nathan
Hale, the conduct of Andre pales into a glim-
mering twilight. He who by corruption and
bribery seeks profit and renown, has no place
beside him who for love of liberty, considers his
own single life but an insignificant offering upon
the altar of his country.
The method of Andre's death was an insep-
arable accompaniment of the act and of the
offense. The laws of war and of nations have
inexorably imposed the penalty, and its infamy
cannot be lessened in the world's estimation by
the fact that his brother was invested with the
honors of knighthood. Vattel, the great ex-
positor of the laws of nations and of war, while
he recognizes such enterprises as not contrary
to the external law of nations, denies that they
are just and compatible with the laws of a pure
APPENDIX.
•153
conscience, and says: "Seducing a subject to
betray his country ; suborning a traitor to set
fire to a magazine ; practicing on the fidelity of
a Governor — enticing him, persuading him to
deliver up a place, is prompting such persons to
commit detestable crimes. Is it honest to in-
cite our most inveterate enemy to be guilty of
a crime ? * * * It is a different thing
merely to accept the offers of a traitor, but when
we know ourselves able to succeed without the
assistance of traitors, it is noble to reject their
offers with detestation."
At this distance of time, then, we view the
act of Andre with that calmness and repose of
judgment that does not err, and which is not
warped by
" Titles blown from adulation."
This is the darker side of the picture essential
to its completeness; but there are lighter
shades to attract the eye and warm the heart.
Let us examine them.
Stand with me upon the historic spot, hard
by Tarrytown, in the county of Westchester,
where the dark blow that was aimed at the life
of the young Nation was arrested. There
the zealous Andre sees visions of future
glory and honor, kingliest rewards, within
his very grasp. There, as he rides along
his solitary path beyond the American lines and
on the very verge of safety, he knows that his
heel is upon the throat of American freedom
and independence. Within sight the great
artery of trade and commerce flows majestic to
the sea, unconscious that on this hapless morn-
ing of September 21, 1780, its bosom is vexed
by the Vulture ladened with the fate of nations
and of centuries. The giant mountains, senti-
nels of the centuries, stand and see the begin-
ning and the tragic ending of the hellish plot
which includes the destinies of the Nation, and
the sacrifice of the precious life upon which
those destinies hang. Standing at this point of
observation, the magnitude of the service of
David Williams is more fully seen, is more fully
comprehended. In the rusty garb of a reduced
gentleman, the solitary horseman, as he ap-
proaches, is now the central figure of our view.
And who is he ? Major John Andre, Adjutant-
General of the British forces in America. He
has left the " Mercuries reclining upon bales of
goods, and the Genii playing with pens, ink and
paper." Mercantile glories crowd no longer up-
on his fancy. An "impertinent consciousness"
has whispered in his ear that he is not of the
right stuff for a merchant, and the picture of his
beautiful and beloved Honora has lost the talis-
manic power to enlighten toil and inspire in-
dustry. Accomplished in the lighter graces of
music, poetry and painting, graceful and cultured
in literary expression, fired with a zeal for
glory,
" Yearning for the large excitement that the coming
years would yield,
Eager-hearted as a boy, when first he leaves his father's
field,"
he has turned his glowing nature toward the pro-
fession of his heart. In the words of his biog-
rapher, few men were more capable than he of
winning a soldier's reward. A prisoner at the
surrender of St. Johns, we see him clinging to
the picture his own hand had painted of the
loved Honora ; promoted for merit and fidelity
to a position far above his years and experience,
winning the confidence and affection of his
chief, Sir Henry Clinton, he is now commis
sioned for a service of which the King of Eng-
land did not hesitate to say that " the public
never can be compensated for the vast advan-
tages which must have followed from the success
of his plan."
Up to that critical moment, nine o'clock on
the morning of the 23d of September, there had
been no special lack of discretion on Andre's
part. He had been borne along by fates that
were propitious, so far as human ken could see,
though in fact perils were approaching from
454
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
sources called accidental, perils which to him
were entirely unforseen. For more than a year
he had, without exposure or suspicion, conduct-
ed a clandestine correspondent with the traitor
Arnold. The treason had been hidden under the
phrases of the mercantile profession. Arnold,
under the feigned name of " Gustavus," had
communicated much valuable, and often highly
important information to Andre, whom he ad-
dressed as John Anderson. Sir Henry Clinton,
the commander of the British forces, had soon
suspected the true rank and person of Gustavus.
Several attempts at a personal interview had mis-
carried, but the infidelity of Arnold had never
been suspected. He had by importunity at last
succeeded in obtaining from Washington com-
mand of West Point, without causing the slight-
est shade of suspicion to cross the sagacious
mind of that watchful commander. There his
plottings were renewed. Even the overture
which had come in response to his communi-
cations, and borne by the ominous Vulture up
the Hudson to within fourteen miles of Arnold's
quarters, near West Point, had been shown to
Washington in the presence of LaFayette, with
a brazen boldness that extinguished all doubts
of Arnold's honor. " I had no more suspicion
of Arnold than 1 had of myself," said the chief
in relating this. On the aoth, Andre had board-
ed the Vulture in the highest spirits, confident
of success. The details of that midnight voy-
age of twelve miles, from King's Ferry to Teller's
Point, and back from the Vulture to Long Clove,
are known to all. With oars carefully muffled
in sheep-skins, the flag-boat, so called, beneath
a serene and clear sky, approached in silence the
place of meeting, where the arch-traitor was hid
among the firs.
From this point occur a series of trivial cir-
cumstances, insignificant in themselves, but yet
big with fate. The refusal of the boatman to
return to the Vulture that night, necessitated
the journey to the Smith house, some three or
four miles distant, the consequent disguise as-
sumed by Andre to escape detection during the
return by land, and as well the possession of the
papers found under Andre's stockings, which led
his captors to the knowledge of his true char-
acter. Without that disguise and without those
papers, while the conspiracy might not have
been defeated, the life of Andre would have
been saved. But the memorable act of Colonel
Livingston is still more remarkable. At day-
break, on the morning of the 22d, the Vulture
still lingered with impudent audacity in the
vicinity of the American fortifications. Her
presence had so outraged the spirit of Livings-
ton and the troops that he had applied, but
without success, to Arnold for two heavy guns.
Nothing daunted by the treasonable refusal of
Arnold, he had carried a four-pounder to Gal-
lows Point, a lesser promontory of Teller's, and
with but a scant supply of powder, he com-
menced so active a cannonading upon her that
she was obliged to drop down the river beyond
range. In this manner all means of access to
her by water was cut off from Andre. But for
the American grit and perseverance of Livings-
ton, Andre would doubtless have found some
means of again boarding the Vulture, carrying
with him the instruments for the destruction of
West Point and her dependencies. Upon such
apparently trivial and accidental incidents does
the fate of nations frequently depend.
From the window of Smith's house, Andre saw
with impatience the Vulture withdraw, but he
knew not that she carried with her all his hopes
of future glory and renown. All that morning
after Arnold's departure, which occurred at ten
o'clock, he chafed with impatience to depart.
But the jealous, prying, gossip-loving guide, in
whose care Andre had been left, proved too
timid, weak and procrastinating for the part as-
signed him. Toward the last of that ill-omened
Friday, the return was begun, with Andre's
spirits sunk deep in gloom and sadness. And
APPENDIX.
4SS
well might they be. The bargain had been
made by which, for gold, an officer, high in the
esteem of Washington, had sold his birth-right
and his honor. During that long night he had
been breathing the foul atmosphere where trea-
son was hatched, had been looking into a face
wrinkled with perfidy, into the blood-shot eyes
of a debauched and worthless traitor. And he,
the soul of honor, "the pet of the British army,"
had been bartering with devilish coolness for
the soul of a fellow-man. Involved in that mid-
night conference were the lives of men who had
never done him injury, and the happiness of in-
nocent women and children who had never
crossed his path. He, the hero, who had been
fired by a desire to win renown by heroic bravery
and distinguished service for his country, was
skulking inside the enemy's lines like a common
thief in disguise, the companion of a petty tool
and his negro, and with his stockings stuffed
with an ill-gotten booty, bought with the price
of another's dishonor. Is it any wonder that
his mind settled into gloomy forebodings ?
He crossed King's Ferry at the northern ex-
tremity of Haverstraw bay and took his way,
under the dictation of his over-cautious com-
panion, northward, to disarm suspicion. Here
another trivial circumstance interposed itself
with unerring fatality. Smith, the willing tool
of Arnold, insisted upon remaining over night
on the way. Fatal error ! In the darkness and
silence of that night, there were hidden forces
at work, which would block the morrow's path
with a wall more impregnable than Fort Put-
nam. The honor and incorruptibility of David
Williams was a part of its masonry.
All night the restless Andre tossed upon an
uneasy bed, side by side with the miserable
creature whose easy virtue had yielded to the
persuasions of Arnold. Is it wonderful that both
should have been robbed of sleep? Is it
strange that at daylight and without breakfast
they should hasten on in the path that was to
lead Andre to the feet of his sovereign, to receive
a grateful country's homage and reward ?
And now we approach the place and the act
in commemoration of which, by the tardy favor
and justice of our State, we are assembled here
to-day.
The three captors of Major Andre, whose
names have become renowned, would in all
likelihood have remained unknown to future gen-
erations, had Smith, as he agreed, accompanied
Andre to White Plains, below Tarrytown. But
yielding to his pusillanimous fears, he refused to
go further than Pines Bridge.
From this point, then, our solitary horseman
approaches the place where we stand. To the
west of the road was the river; to the east, the
Greenburgh Hills, in whose bosom lies the
world-renowned vale of Sleepy Hollow, with its
old church founded by the Philipse family, and
the ancient bell with its legend, Deus pro nobis,
quis contra nos. In front of him as he passes, a few
rough logs laid side by side, furnish a passage
over a rivulet, which rises in the neighboring
swamp and finds its way westward into those
broad waters of the Hudson known as the Tap-
pan Zee.
Here on the south and west side of the path,
concealed among the bushes, are David Wil-
liams, the eldest of the party (he being about
twenty-two years old), John Paulding and
Isaac Van Wart, yeomen. Not freeholders un-
der the rank of gentlemen, but American citi-
zens of humble birth, two of whom had already
risked their lives in the service of their country
and in the cause of the colonies, against whom
the breath of slander from sentimental or com-
passionate lips, had not yet breathed a shade of
suspicion; representatives of that "Peasant
patriotism of America — the conquering power
of the revolution — the essential element then,
as now, and evermore, of American greatness
and American freedom ! "
Springing to their feet, with presented mus-
45*
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
kets, they bid the stranger stand and announce
his destination. Surely the darling of the Brit-
ish army, who, by sagacity, prudence and brav-
ery, has been elevated to the rank of Adjutant-
General of the British forces in America, is pos-
sessed of sufficient caution to disarm this bris-
tling trio ! Not so. Although armed with
Arnold's pass to guard him against the only real
enemies he has cause to fear, and which has
already put to sleep the awakened suspicions
of the wary Captain Boyd, some over-ruling
Providence leads him to make that fatal answer,
" My lads, I hope you belong to our party."
The reply comes quick, " What party is that ? "
"The lower party," he answered. "We do,"
is the reply. " Thank God, I am once more
among friends," he cried, deceived by the rude
simplicity of the men, and recognizing a British
militia coat upon Paulding"s back, a coat in
which (in lieu of his own, of which he had been
despoiled,) Paulding had escaped from the
enemy, in whose hands he had fallen some five
or six days before the capture of Andre. " I
am glad to see you, I am a British officer ; I
have been up in the country on particular busi-
ness, and I hope you wont detain me a minute,"
confidently continued Andre.
The long agony was over ! That mine which
had been set for the overthrow of the citadel
of American freedom and independence, whose
train it had taken months to lay, was now ex-
posed and harmless, unless
" The jingling of the guinea
That helps the hurt that honor feels,"
can successfully assail the virtue of Williams,
Van Wart and Paulding. This vast assemblage,
these ceremonies, the projected monument over
the remains of David Williams, but above all
that waving symbol of the power and greatness
of this nation, tell with unmistakable and an
answerable emphasis of the incorruptible in-
tegrity of these simple rustic men.
The State of New York has honored herself
by making the appropriation necessary to com-
mence this monument over the remains of the
only one of that immortal three, whose grave
remains to this day unhonored. In 1827, the
city of New York erected a monument over the
remains of Paulding near Peekskill, bearing
this significant inscription : —
" On the morning of the 23d of September,
1780, accompanied by two young farmers of
the county of Westchester (whose names will
one day be recorded on their own deserved
monuments) he intercepted the British spy,
Andre. Poor himself, he disdained to acquire
wealth by the sacrifice of his country. Reject-
ing the temptation of great rewards, he con-
veyed his prisoner to the American camp ; and
by this act of noble self-denial the treason of
Arnold was detected, the designs of the enemy
baffled, West Point and the American army
saved, and these United States, now, by the
grace of God, free and independent, rescued
from most imminent peril."
At Greenburgh, near Tarrytown, on the spot
where the remains of Isaac Van Wart lie
buried, the citizens of the vicinity erected, in
1829, a suitable monument, with the following
inscription engraven thereon : —
" Fidelity. On the 23d of September, 1780,
Isaac Van Wart, accompanied by John Pauld-
ing and David Williams, all farmers of the
county of Westchester, intercepted Major
Andre on his return from the American lines in
the character of a spy ; and, notwithstanding
the large bribes offered them for his release,
nobly disdained to sacrifice their country for
gold, secured and carried him to the command-
ing officer of the district, whereby the dangerous
and traitorous conspiracy of Arnold was brought
to light, the insidious designs of the enemy
baffled, the American army saved, and our
beloved country free."
On the memorable site where the capture
occurred, the young men of Westchester county,
APPENDIX.
457
in 1853, built a cenotaph in honor of the cap-
tors. How appropriate, then, that in this
beautiful valley and in this County, where the
survivor of the three lived for twenty-six years,
and where he died and was buried, there should
rise an enduring' mark of the gratitude and
appreciation of this people!
It does not become the time nor the occasion
to enter upon any extended discussion of the
mooted questions surrounding the purposes and
motives of Andre's captors. It is too late a day
to reverse the judgment of George Washington
and Alexander Hamilton, of Congress and the
Legislature of this State, all pronounced at the
time. Besides the united testimony of a host
of their neighbors and acquaintances, the sworn
statement of Paulding and Van Wart, and the
solemn asseverations of Williams, seven months
before his death in 1831, all unite in bearing
down, with an unanswerable weight of testi-
mony, the eleventh-hour statement of Colonel
Tallmadge thirty-seven years after the capture.
To all this we may add the critical analysis, by
Henry J. Raymond, of the whole testimony bear-
ing on the subject. That acute publicist dis-
missed the slander to the reprobation it de-
serves, and the almost universal judgment of
the American people confirms the verdict. For
myself, I may be permitted to add, that in my
judgment, when examined with fairness, and
attested by the rules of common sense and com-
mon justice, every candid mind must inevitably
conclude that the overwhelming balance of
proof is upon the side of the incorruptible hon-
esty and purity of their motives. Nothing more
reliable than rumor and suspicion arising from
statements made solely by Andre, stand upon
the other side, statements, it must never be for-
gotten, which sprang from a heart sorely de-
jected, chagrined and mortified by his own lack
of common prudence; made, too, at a time
when his mind, sunk beneath a weight of woe
almost incalculable, was seeking for relief in the
contemplation of what might have been. It is
our duty to guard the reputation of these hum
ble patriots against this misty testimony rising
out of such a cauldron of self-interest. It must
always be borne in mind that the British would
not concede that true virtue was a feature of
character belonging to Americans ; and Andre,
fresh from a field where he had witnessed the
debased character of a high officer, was in no
condition of mind to stem the tide of opinion
that flowed within the English lines. The virtue
of these men, under such circumstances, could
not be, and evidently was not comprehended.
In the words of Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury,
written from Newport, on the 5th of October,
1780 : — " How great, compared to Arnold, are
those peasants who refused the bribe of Andre.
Let this be remembered in favor of the poor."
I may be permitted to express the hope, that
somewhere upon this projected monument to
David Williams will appear these notable words
of Washington in his letter to the President of
Congress: "The party that took Major Andre
* * acted in such a manner as does them the
highest honor, and proves them to be men of
great virtue,
their conduct gives them
a just claim to the thanks of their country."
Perhaps the true nature of this conduct is
more eloquently and luminously told in the
words of Alexander Hamilton, in the Laurens
letter, where he says : " Arnold's conduct and
that of the captors of Andre, form a striking
contrast. He tempted them with the offer of
his watch, his horse and any sum of money that
they should name. They rejected his offer with
indignation, and the gold that could seduce a
man, high in the esteem and confidence of his
country, who had the remembrance of past ex-
ploits, the motives of present reputation and
future glory to prop his integrity, had no charms
for these simple peasants leaning on their vir-
tue and an honest sense of their duty. While
Arnold is handed down with execration, poster-
458
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
ity will repeat with reverence the names of Van
Wart, Paulding and Williams ! "
I owe it to the occasion, to you and to myself,
to present some considerations in support of the
constantly recurring thought, throughout this
discourse, of the grave importance of Arnold's
plot. I have already alluded to the estimate of
its advantages to the British government pro-
nounced by King George the Third. From the
abundant materials furnished by those in the
English service at the time, I will only add the
following from the memoirs of Sir Henry Clin-
ton, commander of the British forces in New
York. In speaking of the arrest of Andre, he
says : " I was exceedingly shocked, as may be
supposed, by this very unexpected accident,
which not only ruined a most important project
which had all the appearance of being in a
happy train of success, but involved in danger
and distress a confidential friend for whom I
had deservedly the warmest esteem."
Creasy, in his " Decisive Battles of the World,"
has succinctly described the great and pivotal
victory of the Americans at Saratoga, on the
7th of October, 1777. He has conclusively
shown the plan of operations which the English
attempted in that year, and which the battle of
Saratoga defeated. The English had a consider-
able force in Canada, which had been re-enforced
for the purpose of striking a vigorous and crush-
ing blow against the Colonies. It was intended
that the force thus collected should march south-
ward by the line of the lakes and thence along
the banks of the Hudson river. The British
army in New York was to make a simultaneous
movement northward up the line of the Hudson,
and the two expeditions were to meet at Albany.
In this manner all communications between the
Colonial army in New England, and the princi-
pal army under Washington, which was watch-
ing over Pennsylvania and the South, would be
cut off. The army from Canada was under
command of Burgoyne, and that in New York
under Sir Henry Clinton. The plan was ably
formed, and was defeated only by the consum-
mate skill of General Gates, and the unprece-
dented bravery of his men at Saratoga, aided by
the delay caused by the fortifications on the
lower Hudson, the key of which was West
Point, which fortification hindered the prompt
co-operation of Sir Henry Clinton with Bur-
goyne. Clinton, in fact, reached Kingston,
where, hearing of Burgoyne's surrender, he
burned the place and returned to New York.
What the capture of West Point would have
been to the British, will be more fully appreciated
by an illustration familiar to all. It will be re-
membered how the country was stirred to its
very center, on the 4th of July, 1-863, by the
glorious tidings that Vicksburg had fallen, and
that " the great Mississippi swept unvexed to
the sea." What that meant was soon known.
Surrounded, like West Point, with fortifications,
redoubts and bastioned forts, it held within its
iron grasp the control of the great Mississippi.
When it fell, that great artery through which
ran the life-blood of the Southern Confederacy,
was absolutely within the power of the Federal
army. The Rebellion had been cut in twain. In
the language of Sherman, " the reduction of
Vicksburg made the destruction of the Re-
bellion certain." What Vicksburg and her de-
pendencies were to the Mississippi in 1863,
West Point and her dependencies were to the
Hudson in 1780.
What had been lost at Saratoga by open
force, would have been regained, had West
Point and its dependencies fallen by means of
the secret plottings of Arnold. " This was the
great object of British and American solicitude,"
says Irving, in speaking of West Point, " on the
possession of which was supposed by many to
hinge the fortunes of the war." And again he
says, " the immediate result of this surrender,
it was anticipated, would be the defeat of the
combined attempt upon New York, and its ulti-
AITKNDIX.
459
mate effect might be the dismemberment of the
Union and the dislocation of the whole Ameri-
can scheme of warfare." From the mass of
Americ.-in testimony at hand, the following ad-
ditional proofs are selected : LaFayette wrote
to his wife, October 8th : "A frightful conspiracy
has been planned by the celebrated Arnold; he
sold to the English the fort of West Point which
was under his command, and consequently the
whole navigation of the North river."
General Greene issued a general order on
the 26th of October, from which the following
is taken : —
" Treason, of the blackest dye, was yesterday
discovered. General Arnold, who commanded
at West Point — lost to every sentiment of honor,
of private and public obligation — was about to
deliver up that important post into the hands of
the enemy. Such an event must have given the
American cause a deadly wound, if not a fatal
stab. Happily this treason has been timely dis-
covered to prevent the fatal misfortune. The
providential train of circumstances which led to
it affords the most convincing proof that the
liberties of America are the object of divine
protection. At the same time, though the trea-
son is to be regretted, the General cannot help
congratulating the army on the happy discovery.
Our enemies, despairing of carrying their point
by force, are practicing every base art to effect
by bribery and corruption, what they cannot ac-
complish in a manly way. Great honor is due
to the American army that this is the first in-
stance of the kind, where many were to be ex-
pected from the nature of the dispute; and
nothing is so bright an ornament in the charac-
ter of the American soldiers, as their having
been proof against all the arts and seductions of
an insidious enemy. * * * His Excellency
the commander in-chief has arrived at West
Point from Hartford, and is no doubt taking
proper measures to unravel fully so hellish a
plot."
It must be borne in mind, that had the " hell-
ish plot" succeeded, it would have involved the
captivity of Washington himself. The following
remarkable letter of Governor William Living-
ston to General Washington so entirely ex-
presses the emotions of the hour.that it is inserted
in full.
"TRENTON, ;th October, 1780.
DEAR SIR — I most heartily congratulate your
Excellency on the timely discovery of General
Arnold's treasonable plot to captivate your
person and deliver up West Point to the enemy,
of which the loss of the former, had his infernal
machinations succeeded, would have been more
regretted by America than of the latter. The
remarkable disposition of Providence to frus-
trate the diabolical conspiracy, will inspire every
virtuous American with sincere gratitude to the
Great Arbiter of all events ; and I hope that
no true Whig among us will ever forget the
memorable era when we were, by the peculiar
guardianship of Heaven, rescued from the very
brink of destruction.
" I have the honor to be
your very obedient servant,
" WILLIAM LIVINGSTON."
Is it any wonder, then, that with pomp and
circumstance, and with grateful hearts, we as-
semble to perpetuate with enduring granite,
here under the broad sky, and upon the
free acres of our beloved country, that tran-
scendent act and that renowned virtue of these
captors of Andre !
Though neglected, he whose ashes lie buried
here, was not absolutely forgotten by his coun-
try, and it is proper that allusion should be
made to the rewards which a grateful country
has bestowed upon him.
By authority of Congress, in 1780, a silver
medal bearing the inscription of " Fidelity,"
and the legend " Vincit Amor Patrice" was
presented to each of the captors, and at the
460
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
same time an annuity was authorized to be
paid to each, of $200 in specie. In addition,
Congress granted to each the privilege of locat-
ing any confiscated lands in the county of West-
chester to the amount of $1,250, or of receiving
that sum in cash. The Legislature of the State
of New York granted to each a farm, reciting in
the act as a consideration "their virtue in
refusing a large sum offered to them by Major
Andre as a bribe to permit him to escape." In
the fall of 1830, the corporation of the city of
New York invited David Williams (the survivor
of the three), by special messenger to be present
in that city at the celebration of the French
Revolution. He was drawn, with other heroes
of 1776, in, a carriage at the head of the pro-
cession and attracted much attention. He
was presented with a silver cup at one of the
schools, and at another with a silver headed
cane, the stem of which was made out of a
chevaux-de-frise used near West Point during
the Revolution. H is widow obtained a con-
tinuation of his pension, which ceased at the
time of his death. Forty-five years ago, amid
a concourse of honoring friends and country-
men, he was buried at Livingstonville, in this
County. His remains have been removed by
the consent of his descendants to this place.
Here in this locality, made memorable by the
ruinous invasion of Johnson about the time
when the events we have described were trans-
piring near Tarrytown — here near the place
where the " peeled log " of the enemy left its
mark upon the old Dutch church — here where
brave men and braver women stood with un-
daunted courage in the midst of conflagration,
ruin and death — where the red men showed no
mercy, and where patriots never flinched — let
his ashes lie. Not in the midst of royal sar-
cophagi or carved shrines, but surrounded by
the veneration of untold generations of freeborn
Americans ; not wholly unhonored, as hereto-
fore, but graced and adorned with a permanent
token of our remembrance and esteem. For
at last, thanks to the interest and sense of jus-
tice of many good men and true, the Legislature
of the State, by making an appropriation for
the monument, has removed the stain which
the neglect of forty-five years had fastened
upon us.
Standing where we do to-day, as it were upon
the apex of a pyramid, we look back over the
way the nation has so grandly trod. In the be-
ginning we perceive the toiling multitudes, who>
regardless of personal sacrifice, conscious of their
own rectitude and relying upon the favor of
God, wrought out the greatest empire of free-
dom the world has ever seen. In that great
work, so full of the richest blessings for us and
for our children, let it be remembered, that the
part performed by the humblest, was often as
important as that of the greatest. The cause
of the colonies was near to the hearts of the
people. That was the security of the nation
then, and it cannot endure without it now.
Oh ! if the young men of our time would
glow with a healthy pride of race ; if they would
kindle with the inspiration of patriotism; if they
would find annals wealthier in enduring lesson,
and bright with the radiance of a holier virtue
than ever Rome embraced or Sparta knew, let
them read their own land's history. Then may
we be hopeful for the future. Then may the
story we rehearse here to-day be borne to future
ages along with the growing grandeur of this
mighty nation which was built upon the devo-
tion, and will be sustained by the bright ex-
ample of the Revolutionary patriots.
APPENDIX.
POE M,
BY ALFRKD B. STREET.
What fires the human heart with noblest flame,
And fills, with grandest swell, the trump of
fame —
Strengthens the sinews, war's dread arms to
wield —
Scorns the red horrors of the battlefield —
Tunes to triumphant song the failing breath,
And sheds live brilliance on the brow of death ?
'Tis love of country ! mystic fire from Heaven !
To light our race up stateliest heights 'tis given ;
To guard man's home — make that his holiest
shrine
Where his soul's love grows purest, most divine ;
Where dear domestic virtues safely bloom,
And joy's rich rainbows deck griefs transient
gloom ;
At whose bright hearth is changeless summer
found
Heightening to pleasure daily duty's round ;
Where humble wishes sweet enjoyments shed
Like violets fragrant in their lowly bed.
Not this alone ! beyond the narrow span
Of single souls, it rivets man to man ;
Links in one circling chain the stretched out
hand,
And makes one fireside of the whole broad land.
Thus home meets home though mountains rise
between,
And winter storms beat backward summer
sheen ;
O'er the wide river, through the forest, all
That most repels, on runs the living wall,
Against which, should its faithful strength re-
main,
The world shall hurl its angriest waves in vain.
It turns the rocks to roses, stormiest skies
To loveliest calm ; where cloudy crags arise
The anointed eye views plains knee-deep in
flowers ;
The ear in dumb wastes, hears melodious bowers.
Deem we the .Esquimaux, though brutish, sees
Heavens that but frown and waters that but
freeze !
Think we the Arab, though untaught, surveys
Sands that but burn and sunbeams that but
blaze!
No ! In that frown the cold dwarfed shape per-
ceives
Summer's soft gold poured out on emerald
leaves ;
His wooden streak, wild plunging, ripples smooth
O'er glassy seas that undulate to soothe ;
And the fierce roamer of the ocean gray
Treads velvet grass, feels sweet the pleasant ray,
Till one oasis smiles along his songful way.
Grand love of Country ! from the earliest time
Our race has deemed its glory most sublime.
To its proud praise the lyre has loftiest rung,
Eloquence woke the music of its tongue ;
A Hector's deed filled Homer's breast with fire,
And when shall patriot Scipio's fame expire ?
Though Rome's dread Eagle darkened earth at
will,
Thy name, Caractacus, shines brightly still !
Planting his foot upon his native sod
He fought ; though made a slave to Caesar's rod.
His big heart burst its chains, and up he towered,
a god !
And thus with willing minds we meet to lay
Our gifts on a loved patriot's shrine to-day.
462
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Not fortune's favorite he — his humble sail
Felt but the shock of penury's ceaseless gale ;
Never he knew the rose, but felt the thorn ;
His pathway led through chill neglect and
scorn;
Yet, though man glanced on him disdainful eyes,
God had built up his nature for the skies ;
His heart was mighty, though his path was
low —
Man made the cloud — God tinged it with his
bow.
And thus it is ; the humble lifted up ;
The pearl oft decks the lowest of the cup.
Fame doffs aside the Sovereign of a day
To make a Shakespeare King with endless
sway;
Genius, from wealth and titled grandeur, turns
To touch as with live flame the tongue of Burns.
And thus though Williams' eye but saw the rim
Of the low valley, where alone for him
Life's pathway upward led, his mental sight
Flashed with the Eagle's from the mountain
height ;
And when the bribe1 was proffered, off he turned,
And with a scornful wrath the base temptation
spurned.
Well, well for us, worth, honor were not sold
By this high patriot heart for British gold !
Treason had woven his most cunning coil
Around our land, its liberty the spoil;
The British Lion stood with hungry gloat
To flesh his fangs within the victim's throat ;
And had the glittering bribe its errand wrought,
Treason had found the victory he sought,
And the fierce Lion fastened in his spring
Our Eagle's glazing eye, and drooping, dying
wing.
Oh, Treason, foulest demon earth has seen,
Darkening ev'n darkness with his midnight
mien !
How oft his spell has fettered Freedom's brand !
And, for a smiling, left a blighted land !
In vain has Liberty uprisen; — unbound
Her glorious folds to call her sons around !
In vain the crag has burst out into hordes,
Trees into lances, thickets into swords !
In vain the cataract's white has turned to red,
And the wind's murmuring to the war-cry dread !
The dingle's sylvan stillness, where the bird
Sprang to its wing if but a leaflet stirred,
Changed to the tramp of steeds, the clang of
arms,
The grassy music to War's wild alarms !
In vain, in vain, the blood in vain that ran
While the soul soaring lifted up the man !
In vain has Liberty with reverent head
Heaped to one altar all her sainted dead,
And kneeling there fought sword in hand, till
down
Her foes have fallen, and she but grasped her
crown !
Like a fell serpent Treason low has crept
In patriot garb, till oft disguise he swept
Striking his blow with such sure aim, his cry
Of triumph drowned his victim's dying sigh.
Oh mountain peaks, where clouds were cannon-
smoke !
Oh glens, whose green light battle-banners
broke !
Oh waves, whose tossings broadside-thunders
crushed !
Oh skies, whose tempests strife's wild tumults
hushed !
All spots where man for native land has fought,
Have ye not seen how Treason's curse has
wrought ?
How the broad front that Freedom reared to foe,
Has felt base Treason creeping from below,
Close twining round herself and sons till she
A grand Laocoon has died to Treachery?
APPENDIX.
463
But preans to brave Williams, and the two,
Van Wart and Paulding ! no such fate we rue.
Song to the Three ! our whole broad land
should raise
One sounding anthem to their patriot praise !
For had base Arnold's treason won, we now
Perchance, instead of jewels on our brow,
Jewels of freedom, with our doom content,
Under some kingly bondage might have bent,
Native or foreign ; or like those wild seas
Of tropic States, have surged to every breeze,
Dashing in endless strife — for freedom here,
And here, for kings, until some ruthless spear
The war had ended, and a waste of graves
Upheld a Despot's throne, and ours a land of
slaves.
Now — hail the sight ! — a realm of glorious pride
Touching earth's mightiest oceans either side !
Pine meeting Palm in garlands round her head,
Starred States, striped climates o'er her banner
spread,
Great Washington diffused ; his spirit grand
Incarnate in the person of our land !
In this green valley where war wildest reigned,
Where life's red current every harvest stained,
Where peace contrasting, now the brightest
glows,
And place of battle's thistle, smiles the ro»e,
Where builds the bird within the shattered
shell,
Plumped with soft moss, that slew where'er it
fell,
Where the blue violet yields the skull it-
Instead of strife's close ranks, uplands the rye,
Where waves the wheat whence savage plumage
flashed,
And oft avenging Murphy's rifle crashed
By this Stone Fort that once threw back the
tide
Of conflict as its surges smote its side,
This day our patriot's ashes we consign
To his loved earth henceforth a sacred shrine,
Round which to latest years our grateful hearts
shall twine.
Now on this flowering of our Century Tree,
Apotheosis of our history,
This famed Centennial, it is passing well
Of patriot hearts and patriot deeds to tell,
That they in memory's grasp should firmly
cling
As gold in quartz, or pearls in shells, and fling
Like stars, a lustre o'er our Nation's way,
Till Time's grand sun shall set, and dawns Kter-
nal Day.
464
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS,
BY DR. DANIEL KNOWER.
This large concourse of people, this fine
military display, the presence of these dis-
tinguished persons, and the attendance of so
many ladies to grace the occasion, show that
the recollection of patriotic deeds does not die
out in the hearts of a free people. David
Williams, one of the captors of Major Andre,
in honor of whose memory we are assembled
here to-day, was born in Tarrytown, West-
chester county, in this State, October 21, 1754.
He entered the Revolutionary army in 1775, at
the age of nineteen ; fought under Montgomery
at the battle of St. Johns and Quebec; and
continued in the regular patriot services until
1779. The capture of Major Andre occurred
on the 23d of September, 1780, ninety-six years
ago to-day.
David Williams was the eldest of the three
captors — he being twenty-five years of age,
and John Paulding and Isaac Van Wart, his
compatriots, being about twenty years old. The
following is Williams' account of the capture,
as related to Judge Tiffany, at his home in this
County, February 13, 1817: —
" The three [militiamen] were seated beside
the road in the bushes, amusing themselves at
cards, when their attention was arrested by the
galloping of a horse. On approaching the road
they saw a gentleman riding toward them,
seated on a large brown horse, which was after-
ward observed to have marked on the near
shoulder the initials U. C. A. The rider was a
light, trim-built man, about five feet seven
inches in height, with a bold military counte-
nance and dark eyes, and was dressed in a tall
beaver hat, surtout, crimson coat, with panta-
loons and vest of nankeen. As he neared
them, the three cocked their muskets and
aimed at the rider, who immediately checked
his horse." *»***»
[Here Mr. Knower narrated the conversation
held between the captors and Andre, as pub-
lished on pages 136 and 137 of this work, and
thus concluded : — ]
The circumstances of the capture as narrated
in the testimony of Paulding and Williams,
given at the trial of Smith eleven days after the
capture, and written down by the Judge Advocate
at the time, is substantially the same. Williams
in his testimony there says: " He said he would
give us any quantity of dry goods, or any sum
of money, and bring it to any place that we
might pitch upon, so that we might get it. Mr.
Paulding answered, No, if you should give us
10,000 guineas you should not stir one step."
The importance of the capture of Andre can
never be too highly estimated. The plan for
cutting the Colonies in two on the line of the
Hudson and Lake Champlain had been foiled
by the capture of Burgoyne. The possession
of West Point would have given a successful
opportunity for prosecuting the same design.
No wonder that Washington burst into tears
when he learned of the treason of Arnold. He
AI'l'KNDIX.
465
very well knew what had been our danger, and
how narrow had been our escape. Washington
wrote to Congress, September 28, 1780 — three
days after the capture — saying: "I do not
know the [tarty that took Major Andre, but it is
said that it consisted of only a few militia, who
acted in such a manner upon the occasion as
docs them the highest honor, and proves them
of great virtue. As soon as I know their names
I shall take pleasure in transmitting them to
Congress.," Again, October 7, 1780, he writes
Congress, transmitting the findings of the Court,
which had tried Andre, and in his letter he says :
" I have now the pleasure to communicate the
names of those persons who captured Major
Andre, and who refused to release him, not-
withst Hiding the most earnest importunities and
assurances of a liberal reward on his part. Their
names are John Paulding, David Williams and
Isaac Van Wart." Alexander Hamilton, writing
in 1780, of the affair, says: "Andre tempted
their integrity with the offer of his watch, his
horse, and any sum of money they should name.
They rejected his offer with disdain."
Congress gave each of them $1.250, or the
same value in confiscated lands in Westchester
county, a pension of $200, and a silver medal.
The medals were presented to the captors by
General Washington, at a dinner to which he
invited them while the army was encamped near
Ver Planck's Point ; the one presented to David
Williams being now in possession of his oldest
grandson, William C. Williams, of this County.*
David Williams was married to Miss Benedict,
of Westchester county, by whom he had one
son named David, who has seven children liv-
ing, four in this County, two in Iowa, and one
in Virginia, who are worthy descendants in honor
and integrity of the Revolutionary patriot. He
moved to this County in 1806, and died August
•It has since been placed in the State Library at
Albany.
a, 1831, aged seventy-seven, and was buried at
in^stnnville, with nulitan honors, where
remains reposed for forty-live years, and until
the .}th of March, 1876, when i:
moved to tlu ry at Rcnsselacrvillc.
On the i<;th of July, they were removed to the
Stone Fort in S< hoharie. to which destination
they were escorted by a lar^e procession, headed
by the American flag, and amid martial music.
All places of business were closed ; the bells
tolled, and the cannon at the Kurt find a salute
as his coffin, wrapped in the American flag, was
deposited near his present resting place.
On the ist of May, 1876, the Governor
signed the following bill introduced by Senator
I>amont, it having passed both Houses :
•• Kor erecting a suitable monument in the
cemetery grounds of the revolutionary Stone Fort
at Schoharie Court House, to commemorate
the virtues and memory of David Williams, one
of the captors of Major Andre, the sum of two
thousand dollars, to be expended under the
supervision of Daniel Knower, Ralph Brewster.
supervisor of the town of Schoharie, and Charles
Holmes, county judge of Schoharie county, who
are hereby appointed a commission for that
purpose, and who are hereby authorized to
remove the remains of the said David Will-
iams from their present burial in the cemetery
at Rensselaerville, to such cemetery at Schoharie
Court House, upon first obtaining the con-
sent thereto, in writing, of a majority of the
descendants of said Williams, and upon furnish-
ing proof thereof to the comptroller ; but in
case such consent in writing for said removal
shall not be obtained, and proof thereof fur-
nished the comptroller within two months from
the passage of this act, then the above appro
priation shall be expended by a commission,
consisting of the comptroller of the State,
Erastus D. Palmer, and the President of the
Rensselaerville Cemetery Association, for the
466
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
erection of the monument in the Rensselaer-
ville cemetery."
Paulding is buried near Peekskill, and a
monument was erected over his remains by the
corporation of the city of New York in 1827.
Near Tarrytown the remains of Isaac Van Wart
are honored by a monument erected by the
county of Westchester. And now in this cen-
tennial year has the State of New York recog-
nized by its Legislature and Governor, this most
important event in our Revolutionary history;
an event which occurred within its borders, and
in which three of her sons had the honor, by
their disinterested patriotism and love of coun-
try, to save our country in that important crisis
of our Revolutionary history. General Wash-
ington wrote to the President of Congress, Octo-
ber 7, 1780, two weeks after the capture: —
" Their conduct merits our warmest esteem ;
and I beg leave to add that I think the public
would do well to allow them a handsome gra-
tuity. They have prevented in all probability
our suffering one of the severest strokes that
could have been meditated against us." Yet
this one of the most disinterested acts of patri-
otism and love of country recorded in history,
strange to say, has been attacked and the mo-
tives of the actors impugned.
A bill passed Congress some years since ap-
propriating $20,000 for erecting a monument to
them, but did not reach, or was defeated in the
Senate. The patriotism of these men has been
impugned by members of Congress. This bill
was likewise opposed in the State Senate by a
senator from New York City on the same
grounds, In the language of the poet,
' ' He who ascends to mountain tops must find
The loftiest hills clad in snow ;
He who surpasses and excels mankind
Must see and feel their hate below."
Williams lived to be seventy-seven years old
and died fifty-two years after the event occurred.
Isaac Van Wart lived to the age of sixty-nine
and died forty-nine years after the event, and
John Paulding reached the age of sixty, dying
forty years after the capture. All three during
these long years bore unimpeachable charac-
ters for honor and integrity, which would not
have been possible if they had been marauders
and freebooters as represented by those who
impugned their motives.
Williams, previous to this event, had served
four years in the Revolutionary army, and
Paulding, only three days previous to the cap-
ture, had made his escape from the Sugar
House British prison in New York. These
facts indicate beyond all doubt on which side
their feelings were.
Andre has a monument erected in Westmin-
ster Abbey, which is the highest honor that can
be conferred on the remains of any person in
England. His remains were removed from this
country in a coffin mounted with gold. His
brother was created a Knight, in honor of his
services in this affair, by the King of England.
What were the services Andre rendered to
England, compared with the services these three
disinterested patriots rendered to this country ?
Let it not always be said that Republics are un-
grateful. Even the motives of the men who
commenced the Revolution by throwing the
tea overboard in Boston harbor, and the motives
of those who fought the battles of Bunker Hill
and Lexington were attacked. It has been
said that their grievances from Great Britain
did not justify a resort to such measures. These
men knew that if they yielded one point
guaranteed to them in the liberal charters that
had been granted to the Colonies, as an induce-
ment for them to emigrate to this country when
a wilderness, that America would become a
second Ireland, and all the rights guaranteed to
them in their charters would be crushed out.
If I have any pride of ancestry, it is in being
descended from the men who took part in the
APPENDIX
4''7
glorious events where the cannon first thundered
in the War of the Revolution.
Your commissioners propose to make an
appeal to any county, city, association, literary-
club or individual, who may subscribe not less
than $200 or more than $1,800, in addition to
the $2,000 appropriated by the State, and to
have the names of the subscribers inscribed on
one of the faces of the monument or on a
marble tablet to be erected in the Fort, as the
artists who may design the monument may
think most appropriate. It is proposed to appoint
one or more of the most distinguished artists and
sculptors in the State to design the monument
and make it a work of art appropriate to the
event.
We are now one hundred years old as a nation.
Our material prosperity and growth is unparal-
leled in history. For the sake of the future
and the perpetuity of our free institutions, we
should cultivate sentiments that will inspire in
the youth a strong love of country. What
more appropriate occasion than the present to
erect here- a work of art, which will call
for all time to the disinterest^ . tiese
three men who saved our , om.try in the Revo-
lution > It was siuh n ,,„,„
soldiers that enabled the count,
a Washington. The people, the source and
fountain of political po« |)C k,.,,, pure
and patriotic if we wish to perpetuate
republican form of government. The mor
learn from the men of the Revolution, and the
more strictly we adhere to the great principles
inaugurated in our government by its founders,
the better for the future of our country. Al-
though the disinterested patriotism of these
three men has conferred its benefits on a great
nation of 44,000,000 of people, yet the Kmpire
State of New York enjoys the honor of having
had the event occur within its own borders. I
feel that her sons and daughters will respond to
an appeal for the erection of a work of art, in
this beautiful valley of Schoharie, beside this
Revolutionary Fort, that will do justice to this
important event, and in which we all may take
a just pride.
T A 7" HEN it became known that General Wash-
W ington was firm, not interceding in behalf of
Andre and releasing him in exchange for prom-
inent officers and citizens held by the British,
nor suspending the usual custom of hanging a
spy and adopting some other mode that was
considered more honorable to his rank and sta-
tion,— the British and Tory element at once be-
gan a series of vituperations against Washing-
ton through the Tory press and both private
and public written missives. Their greatest ac-
cusation against the patriot was his being a
hard-hearted and obstinate tyrant whom the
patriots were cautioned to trust no longer, as he
would be as unmerciful to their liberties, if the
patriots' cause should succeed, as he was in an-
swering the last request of a dying soldier and
gentleman. Soon after the execution, the same
press and other sources began to speculate upon
the motives of the faithful three in delivering
Andre to the Continental powers. When it was
ascertained that the three were but common
yeomen and thus faithfully performed a duty
that transcended in politic as well as manly
principle any that their scion of royalty had
performed — although long pampered by oppor-
tunities and superior discipline — the allied
enemies of our cause at once began to stigma-
tize the lives and conduct of the captors. They
accused them of being low in morals, recreant
468
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
in duty, and above all, made the charge that
Andre could have purchased his freedom if he
had had enough money with him. From that
day to the present, the same charges have been
re-iterated, it seems periodically through the
press of our country — by this and that one, here
and there, and as often received its share of
conversational notice and died away. The facts
of the whole transaction were given before the
scrutinizing military court before the execution
of Andre and he failed to contradict a single
assertion. The fact of his offering the three
10,000 guineas to release him was there brought
out. If they did not desire to release him and
still willingly accepted the promised money, they
could have held him until the amount was de-
livered or any other sum they might have
named, as gold was secondary to the British
when West Point was in the scales. The mili-
tary court investigated the whole and trans-
mitted it to Congress who weighed the matter
well and pronounced the three— such as they
were, "true patriots" and voted them a sum
for their fidelity. Before that careful and able
body was another epistle, from one who knew
well the whole transaction. It was Washing-
ton's letter speaking in the highest praise of
the three.
It is pleasing to all who are sensitive to such
base charges against those whose acts have made
American history so full of examples of heroic
principle, that all the charges have emanated
from untrustworthy sources as sensational
newspaper correspondents, who for lack
of matter willingly rake over the embers of
hatred and suspicion to find material for a
shadow of a theme, and from those in whose
bosoms, as then, still rankles the dislike to re-
publican institutions and the bold spirits that
dare maintain, by life and fortunes, the " inalien-
able rights" of man, which the grand old Decla-
ration of Independence vouchsafed, and the
blood, treasures, and untold privations of true
patriots purchased. But a few years since, in
October, 1880, a writer, claiming unjustly the
name of Williams, also to be a grandson of
David Williams, wrote a letter to the Detroit
Free Press impugning the motives of the patriot
in the capture of Andre, which caused several
communications between historical scholars and
revived the old charges. The comments of the
Press letter were as follows:- — •
L. K. Williams of Syracuse, N. Y.. a grand-
son of David Williams one of the captors of
Major Andre, writes to the Free Press an ex-
ceedingly interesting letter about Andre's cap-
ture that corroborates a charge once made, that
his captors were not the very purest sort of
patriots. The following is Mr. Williams' let-
ter:—
" I have cut from yesterday's issue of the Syr-
acuse Evening Herald the following paragraph :
The Detroit Free Press says: 'The three men
who captured Andre were playing cards in the
bushes as he rode up. Had they not come
there to play cards he would have escaped and
our country been lost. Let us take the right
bower of hearts for our national ensign.'
" Being familiar with the fact that those three
men were playing cards I will say a few words
more about it. My grandmother, the wife of
David Williams, died in C'ayuga county, this
State, about thirty years ago. I have listened
to her stories many a night about the old Rev-
olutionary war and among others she would tell
all about Andre and his captors.
"She seemed to know Paulding and Van
Wart personally. She said that the three were
playing cards, and that their business in the
bush was a sort of guerrilla expedition, watching
whom they might devour, and according to her
belief, they cared but little whether their cap-
tives were friends or foes. It was plunder that
they were after, and if Andre had had a little
money he could have passed on.
"Williams and Van Wart would have let
APPENDIX.
469
him pass, on his promise to send any amount
of money. After he got the two willing, he
became a little saucy with PauUiing, and here
is where he missed his figure. It seemed
that Pauldin^ was the leader, and he got mad
and was ready to fight the whole three, and
even told Andre to come out and fight him,
and if he proved the best man he could then
pass along. Andre had only a few dollars and
a nice watch with him, which could not well be
divided with the party, and they concluded to
take him to the American camp, as he told
them if he could see Arnold he would satisfy
them well, but when they got to the American
camp they found different men from cow-boys
to deal with. They found Arnold, but he im-
mediately left for the Vulture, in the river.
" These are facts which history does not give
in this light. It is forty or fifty years ago that
old Granny told us about this transaction and
about laying in the scrubwood, in the Mohawk
river, when Schenectady was burning."
" L. K. WILLIAMS."
Such base libel upon integrity and fidelity has
often appeared, with no better foundation.
The writer assumes to be a grandson of David
Williams, whose name and character stand in
history as the brightest. This assumed grand-
son, unasked, stoops to belittle the family name,
the bright character and fame of his grand-
father, by throwing mud upon it ! If the
charges were true, and L. K. Williams was a
grandson, he has truly inherited the low prin-
ciples he wishes to be understood, David Will-
iams possessed, and those principles actuated
the foregoing letter. But let us see how far
facts prove L. K. Williams to be what he
assumes. The letter was brought to the notice
of the New York State Librarian, who drew the
attention of Dr. D. Knower of Schoharie, chair-
man of the " Williams Monument Commission-
ers." Dr. Knower immediately indited the fol-
lowing to the I-'tff />,„, but did not receive
notice by publication : —
30,1880
' I'^K Sik. Our Slate Librarian. I) II A
Honn-N,at Albany, < all.-.! mv .itu-ntion loan
cle from your paper. „( ( >< t,,l>er 23, 1880, in rr
lation to the captors of Major Andre. He wa»
desirous I should reply to it. The article was . !
at Syracuse, and signed L. K. Will,
claimed to be a grandson of the captor ; that
he had listened to the stories of his grandmother
about the Revolution, and this event ; that she
was personally acquainted with Paulding and
Van Wart, and corroborated the charge that
those captors were not actuated by patriotic
motives; » • • that she died about
thirty years ago, and was buried in Cayuga
county.
"I am personally acquainted with all the grand-
children of David Williams, and with his only
son's widow, their mother.
" David Williams was married to Miss Bene-
dict, of Westchester county, N. Y. They moved
to this County in 1806, and had but one child,
a son, named David. This son married a Miss
Hess, who is now, at the age of eighty, living in
this County. They had seven children, three
sons and four daughters. The sons are William
C, Daniel, (who resides in this County), and
Myron, of Marion county, Iowa, who are the
only grandchildren of the captor. So it is not
true that L. K. Williams is a grandson nor is it
true that the wife of David Williams, whom he
falsely claims to be his grandmother, is buried
in Cayuga county. They were both buried at
Livingstonville, in this County, and as a Com-
missioner of the State, under authority of the
Comptroller, I had their remains exhumed and
removed to the grounds of the Stone Fort at
this place, where they now repose under a monu
ment erected by the State of New York. There
unfortunately have been among our historians,
47°
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
controversies for nearly one hundred years, in
relation to the purity of the motives of those
captors. From a thorough investigation of the
subject, I have no doubt of the disinterested
patriotism of those three men, and the inestim-
able benefit they conferred on our country, no
one can question. They may be said to have
saved it in the very crisis of the Revolution, and
I am satisfied that those attacks on the purity of
their motives have no more foundation than the
untruthful statements of your correspondent
signed L. K. Williams. While the State of New
York may take a just pride in having had that
event occur within her borders, it has conferred
its benefit on this great nation of 50,000,000 of
people. Our Republican form of Government
cannot be perpetuated alone by politicians. It
must have for its foundation the love of country,
the inspiration derived from the patriotic senti-
ments of the people, which the honoring and
cherishing of those Revolutionary events are
well calculated to cultivate."
"DANIEL KNOWER."
The writer has been assured by aged people
who were well acquainted with Mrs Uavid
Williams that she always lived within the County
after the family removed here, and therefore
was never a resident of Cayuga county. It will
thus be seen that L. K. Williams' statement is
untrue and that if his grandmother ever related
such statements to him as the wife of David
Williams she was an imposter and in weighing
the assertion that she witnessed the burning of
Schenectady (1690) and died about thirty years
ago (1850) we are led to believe such was her
standing, and that she was a remarkable woman
to retain her memory so "vividly " at the age
of one hundred and sixty years ! Still, such
charges by such people often receive credence
as " facts untold by history ! "
NAMES OF CITIZENS
WHO ASSISTED AND COSTRIBOTED i,.\v.vi:i. THE ITMI.lCAIKiN 8F TIB HBTOir 01
WITH I'EKSOXAI. ST1TB1
BROOM K.
Almy Arnold T., p o Franklinton, farmer, born in Albany
county. December X), isap, settled in county In
rife Lucy Brazee of county, born in l«W
married in IM,'; children six— ErastusC., William'
Aaa, Arnold, Kllsworth, and Alonzo. Parents John
and Anna Almy.
Ai-mlin John S.. |i o Franklinton. farmer. 800 acred, born In
county in INK! ; wife ,M,,iv A Prater, born in isn;
married in February. lW,r. died February rt. 1-71-
second wife Jennie FulliuKton, of county, married
in ISM; children one-Leonard. Parents Henry
and Margaret (Wainright) Armlin of county.
Grandfather John Arralin was on* of the first sett-
lers in tlic town of Broome.
Borthwick Robert, p o LivinEstonville, born In county In
17118; wife Aniui Bushnell, of county, born in 1803
marrieil in is-.'-.', died in ISHII, children four, three'
daughters and one son— Arthur B , who was horn
In IK*, married Libbie Hummell, of Delaware
county, in l-Hi, children one-Carrie. Parents
George and Nancy Borthwick.
Borthwick William, p >. Hunter's Land, farmer, born in
county, in is-,'.'), has been collector and justice at
peace; wife Maria, daughter of Jonathan and Sally
I, married in isiti. children three-James
M.. born in lsi!>. Her. M. W.. in IfC'O, and Alice In
arenta James and Delinda Borthwiok, the
formerwas the first white child born on "Scott's
," born July is. KIM. died February 19,
18811, and the lattvr died in 1878, aged HO years
Grandfather George Borthwick born in Scotland,
settled in county in K~J, died in 1851.
Borthwick Aleiander, p o I. ivjnEstonville. farmer, 127 acres,
born in county in lsr,>; wife Ann M.. daughter of
Aleiander and Villette Borthwick. born ID 1809
married in 18.',.'). Father George Borthwick. burn
in Scotland, Grandfather James B. Borthwick
lived in Jlidilleburgh during the Revolution, died
in !•- voar.«.
Brnyman William H., p u Livingstonville. farmer, l.'ti acres,
born in county in isn. lins been justice of peace:
wife Alzinia. daughter of Kev. Loren and Charlotte
Cole, married in October. iv;i,>; children five—
Irvin I, .Agnes. Otis, Charlotte, and Fred Parents
niiniii and Nancy rlraymnn.
Brayman Benjamin, p o Uvlngstonville, born In county in
1H07, has held several town offices; wife Na'ucy
Borthwick, of county, born in December, 1816, mar-
ried In 1834, children nine. Father William Bray-
man, born in Duchess county, came to county In
ITii-l, died August 17. 18.V1. aged SKI years; wife Re-
becca Uelimater. born in Columbia county, died
in February, 1K17, aged W years.
Brayman Dr. Edgar F, . p o Livlngstouville, physician, born
in county in iMii. iras graduated from New York
Medical College In 1880; wife Alice I), liivenburgh,
of county, married in li-?5. children three.
Brayman A., p o Livingstonville, born In county In 1880,
manufacturer and dealer in furniture and under-
taking, firm of Benjamin & Brayman, com-
menced business in 1880; wife Emma C. Campbell,
of county, married in 1ST'.'.
Brexee Abraham, p o Franklinton. i • steam saw
olll, born In county In ;sS4; wife H.-i.-n M Horn-
borger, of county, married In it«. children two-
Cora and Henry. Planing mill wa* built ID 1M7
run by *team. l.'i horae power. Alio baa naMaal
.
room, and cider mil. Parenla John and Llrln
Bresee.
Coucbman David, p o Llvlngiitonvllle. farmer born ID Al
• Lydla llukln. of coun-
ty, married In 1M». children one— Harriet K,
: -arerta Havl.l and
'<• 'll.fll.h
and 1 Elizabeth <B.. Iy' p.r,nt. of
Lydla, thi former »D,i the latter In
ISM. mariied in
Kill* George W.,n o Livlngitonvllle, farmer, bom In coun-
ty, In 1)89, haa been auperTlaor; wife Harriet C.
Drake, of Albany county, burn In IS», married
December. 1. ]H,vi; children aeren— Elbert, JOM-
phene, Irving, lienrglana, Gnwrenor, Umar and
Lillian. Parents, Ras»ela« and Margaret M Kills.
the former of county and the latter of Albaay
county.
Gifford Luther H.. p o Middleburgh. farmer, born In Albany
county, in IKH. nettle,! in viiiinty. In IS59. wife
Mary, daughter of Nlcholae and PriMllla Miller.
born in l«i:i. married in |Hfia: children u;
son* and tnree daughters. Kather David Gifford
was born in Albany county. In leu', canie t.
ty In l.s.v.1; wife Permelia Eeliey. born In Unelda
county In IN-.ii. married In l-il.
Hagailorn Stephen, p ,, Llvlnitstouvllle. farmer, born In
county in l"i:.; wife Hannah Baldwin, of Green*
county, born In 1W. marri-d in l-»i:, ,-hlldren
two— lietsey and KUworth. Kather Charles ll»jra-
dorn born In Columbia conntr in 17si came to
county In IHIO; wire Mary Taylor, of Oreene
county, married In IK20, children twelve. Mrluj
six.
Haaklu W. Titun. p o Potter's Hollow. Albany county, far-
mer, 1X10 acrei. unty In IBM, baa been
aaseasor: wife Phebe E. HaKadorn. married ID
1862, children six— four sons, and two daughter*
Pamir- obediiih and Klizal.etb llaskln. Grand-
parent* Moaes and Hannah Ilasklu were born In
Duchesa county, f
Haskiu Joseph, p o Potter's Hollow, farmer, 130 acres,
born In county in I- >•. mfe lluldah S Palmer.
born in county 18 «, married In !•»;.'. c. 'ill. Iren on*.
an adopted son— Charles, born In 1*;;'. Parents
Orpheus and Phehe iTibbettsi Haskln. the former
of Duchess and the latter of Schobarle county.
Houftailling David, po Franklinton, farmer, M acrta, born
In county in 1-j.-: wif* Clarinda I'tirter. born In
cc.uniy in l-!'i married In Isn,. children six—
Chan'noey, John W.. Harmon. William I. . Cathar-
ine K. and Koaette. Cbauiu-i-y llouftalinc bora
in ISM. wife Irena Armlin, married in IKi, chil-
dren one.
Eniffen Alfred, no Franklinton, farmer. 100 ai-rrs. born
May 4. J8H; wife Elizabeth Moore, born In county
In 183S, married In 1840; children three. Parent*
Schubel and Margaret Kmffrn.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIK COUNTY.
Lament Peter, p o Middleburgh. farmer, born in county in
wife K-thcr, daughter of O&trandeaud Klina-
beth Simpson, of I Istcr county, married iu Octo-
ber, is:.'*, et ildrcn two. I'arents Major and Maria
Malice I.-' it of county.
Losee Myron A., po Llvlngst»nville, general merchant, born
in Ureeim county, iu ]8|(l, settled in county in
IMIII, has been postmaster and supervUor; wife
Mary. I. .Mac.-, born in county, married in ISM.
children two— Eva, and Mary Mace. Father
Samuel I. <i ••.. nt i, recne county, commenced the
mercantile business in 1870, and erected present
store at tbat time.
Mace Hiram L., p o Livingstonville. farmer and retired car-
penter and hulliler, born in county in l*'il: wife
Mur"aret A. AiiKlili. of Greene - in in
rled in l.-H. chili rather Ili-
Maee bum in Dachess county in K'NJ. came
to county in l'.!'l. died in I*;.', wile Clarissa Wor-
dcn. ol DUOheiW COUnty, burn in 1V.U. inai-ri-
]M-;: children ten, living six Grandfather .loseph
•Mace, bom m DuoneM county, s tiled in county
in j, . I'lto, of Connecticut.
Miller Jacob B., p a Fraukllnton, farmer, 180 acres born in
Albany oounty, In 18B9, settled in county In ISH.;
wife Emily J, daughter "f Pain anor
Lord, horn in . I "'in. married in ls">5.
;ncesl.,and Mayham L.
Palmer Cornell. p o llunlcr.,' Land, tanner and proprietor
of stone quarry, furnishing curbing and nagging
for market, born in S. hoi
Pausley, of county, married in 18411. died in
children four— Ophelia. Asa, Kosa, and Aii
second wife .Mary Hager, married in Isi.i. 1
Moses Palnn r, horn in Duchess county, served in
war of 1812; wife Marah Palmer, born in Rhode
Island. Grandfather Samuel Palmer, eerved in the
utionary war five years.
Porter Daniel, p o Breakabeen, 120 acres, boiu in county
March 14, 1818; wife Julia A. Griswold, of Kensse-
laer county, born iu 1820, married in IMII. chil-
dren seven— Orreu, Orson, Richard II.. dinar,
Helen M., Mary, and Lucinda. Omar married
Biaucy Campbell, of county, in 1880. Parents
William and Hannah (Wllcox) Porter of county.
Phelps Newton, p o Potter's Hollow, Albany county, farmer,
l*7Ji acres, born in county, in 182:>, h»s been jus-
tice of peace; wife June Goodfellow, of county,
married in 1858. died iu 1878. Parents Cyrus and
Olive Smith Phelpn, of Connecticut.
Russell Reuben, p o Potter's Hollow, larmer, 112 acres;
born iu Albany county in 1820, settled in county
In 1850; wife Julia Ann llulbert, born in county in
1816, married in 1855, children one— an adopted
son— Omar. Parents, Allen and Mary Russell, of
Albany county, formerly of Connecticut.
Rugg George S., p o Franklinton. born in Albany county In
1843, settled In county iu 18H8, haB been assessor;
wife Diana G. Brezee, born in Vermont, married
in 1864, chil. iren two- Homer and Priscilla. Pa-
rents, Daniel and Caroline Rugg, of Greene county.
Smith Hiram L., p o Potter's Hollow, farmer, born in Al-
bany county ID 183i; settled in county in 185IJ, has
been overseer of poor; wife Althina, daughter of
David and RoenaNickerson, of county.
Turner Harry C., p o-Hunters' Land, farmer, i:i."> acres, born
In connty in 184!, has been ifc Zilpba,
daughter of William and Minna Porter, of county.
born in 1850. married In 1871. Father Caleb Turner
was born In Connecticut; wife Olive Taylor, of
Schoharie county.
Wilsey Wilkeson. merchant and farmer, born in county in
1812, died April li, 1875, was member of assembly,
and supervisor; wife Mary E. Prior, of Greene,
born In \<. married January 15, 1868, children
seven by first wife. Jabez Prior, father of Mury
E., born in Greenfield, Hartford county, Con-
necticut, came to county in 1824; died January 17,
1880; wife Betsey Prior died May 14, 1874.
Wilsie George W., p o Potter's Hollow, farmer, born in
county in 1844, has been assesaor; wife Ann Pal-
mer, born in county in 1H43; married in 1865; chil-
dren two-Hattle P., and Verge E. Father An-
drew Wilsie born in Duchess county in 17!)!), died
IH 1871 ; wife Eleanor Hay born in county in 1805,
married In 1825, children nine.
BLENHEIM.
Badgley John, born in Coeymans, Albany county. October
9, 1787, settled In county in 1811; wife E. Bellar, of
Albany county; one child— Stephen G., who mar-
ried M. F. Perry, of Gilboa, and lives In North
Blenheim.
Badgley S. W.. p o Blenheim.
Baldwin J. R., p o North Blenheim, farmer, 208 acres, born
in Sonrh Worcester, Otsego county, December 31
182:). settled in county, October 20, 1835, has been
justice of peace and overseer of poor; wife Uacbel
Barnum. of Delaware connty. married December
•!•!. IN 12; children three-James W.. Ira I!., and A.
D. V. Fredius. father of J. R. died August I".
1H50, in Delaware county.
Champlin Giles S.. p o North Blenheim, farmer. 120 acres,
born in r.lenhrim February 7. 181::. has ln-sn jus-
tice of peace and super\ i ' utharineJ.
Wallace, of Duchess county; children six— Lucin-
da. J. Perry. .lane, llmry. Kmma. Giles S., Jr.
Father < Jeffrey W.. moved to county
from Rhode Island.
C'bamplin J. Parry, p o North Clcnheirn. farmer, 1:J7 acres,
bom in lilenhcui has been justice
of | 'ih Hnhbell, married Novem-
ber :.'o. [667; children four— Minnie F.. Burton G.,
J. Hajmond, II. Norman.
Clark .1. A., p o North l:lcnlieiin. t: -res, born in
Rhode Island March in, 1*111. settled in county in
1^','h; wife ( 'at Marine Vandervort : children fight —
Almon w.. Al/.ada. Linden, Le Grand. Le Gn
(the latter two twins. ) Fremont F., JohnJr and
Ida M.
Cornell J. M.. p o Knu'i.ence, fanner. -.'i«i acres, born in
Blenheim .November II. 1*1'J. has been assessor
and juslii • i;;i/. L A. Yanduspn, of
Albany county chil-
dren four li\i Mary A., Catharine,
Jane.
y William .M . p o >«rlh I'-lcnhcim, farmer. ,"IH) acres,
born in Blenheim January 88, 17H7, has been lieu-
tenant in artilc i of schools, and
overs'-d o! p'MM : \vi nf Albany
county, married February 1s. 1-1!': children five
Alexander. William, (ieorge. Jane, and Kli
Granby George, p o North lilrnhcim. fanner. Ino acres, born
In Blenheim October ir., i*:;i. has been supervisor
and coihi:
Ha^er William S . T, o North 1'lenheim. farmer. 'i~> acres
born in .Middlcnuri,"h October Is. JM'.': wife .May C.
Kniskern, of Blenheim.
Hager John, p o North Blenheim, farmer. ::00 acres, born in
Blenheim April 4. 1S27. has been justice of
peace and supervisor; wife Julia A. Shafer, of
.Middlcliurgh: children three -Elizabeth, win,
ried P. W. Carl, of l''leiihein>; Anna. ^ i
Daniel II. Sit/.i-r, of Blenheim; and David.
Hager D. W. C., p o North P.lenheim, fanner, born i
helm July 7. IHi:;, has been i mnily superintei
of poor, assessor, and commissioner of hlghwaya;
first wife .Naomi A. Hueer; children three— Emily
A., Caroline I:., and O.H. P.; second wife Caroline
II. Fink. Father. Simon, was son of Jacob II
•who died in n!»i. aged !fl years, and was buti
in the cemetery in Fulton.
Hager E. D.. p o North Blenheim, general dealer, bcri. in
Middleburgh May 31, 1847. has I
wife Nellie F. Ueokwith, of Massachusetts, married
November 1«. IS'i: children one— Eugene li
with. Father, Daniel J. Hager, was born in B
harie.
Haverly Ira H., p o North Blenheim, farmer and merchant.
166 acres, born in Middleburgh May 11. 1832: wlte
Mary K. Fnrman, of Mlddleburgb; children six-
George B , Kltner C . Rosetta, Almira I., Alice, and
Frederick. Ira H, Haverly is dealer In dry goods,
groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, crockery,
glassware, notions, and clothing, and produce is
taken in exchange for goods.
Haverly Seneca, p o North Blenheim, manufacturer of lum-
ber, 138 acres, born in Middleburgh April 21.
wife Sophia C. West, of Albany county; children
four-Laura A., West. DeWitt C., and Almeda.
Seneca Haverly manufactures shingles, circular
saws and mouldings. He keeps lumber on hand
for sale, also broom bandies and all kinds of lathe
work.
Harerly David M., po North Blenheim, miller and lumber
dealer, 150 acres, born in Middleburph Mai >
1H3:J; wife Rebecca A. Van Anken, married Decem-
ber -a, Iffll; children six-Loren. Laura, Ellis, Ed-
ward. Jacob, and Elizabeth. David M. Haverly
bought out the interest of Seneca in the mill in
1875. The mill contains three runs of stone and
has a steady water power supplied by dam and
race from Hchoharie creek.
Kiugsley Edwin, p o North Blenheim, farmer, 80 acres, born
in Klenheim April 11, W>3, has been town clerk and
supervisor; wife Jano Granby, of Blenheim, mar-
ried in October, 18.%: children one— Ashley (i.
I'Kksnvxi. 8TA1 l-i
KlinK Nli-holaii II., po North Blenheim, larmrr, :««i
ii Mull-on limitary 1!, INK,. |i»K I ,,
slciiu-r <if highways mid hnpi-nui.
llrst wife Ann K Ki-v^-r. n
•blldrra tin.-.. Data, .Madison. .,n-i Arthur-
•I wif.< .Mitiinilu M
I'-!, i
Near Samuel, |i o Not:: . "acres born
in .-.iiininit .Inly l i
.Miu-y A. Sin ,i n, |i,,.
wlm iiuirii' fl
s. ii . A.I.-II,. ri
A.,
A li'-m.i '1 ^ ml
Parsluw Alon/.i., p o
In-ill.
i ; w-itv .liilin
nil A 1 Huriy.
1 n ry Harsh)*', was horn in Fulfill.
Pea*'1 ucre»,
burn In i lenbelm Jiinu.-.> *n,. Hattie K
Clark
Peasli-' N. >.. |"> North Blenheim, (iiin/.-r uncl dairyman,
•MI clerk nnil supervisor;
w-(.. Until r.iiikiin. of Albany county, married
liil.lren two. oue living — Kanule
II., wbo married \V. S. .loni-s. of Westcrlu, Albany
county, ami has one chibl Kr'-tl I'.
Peaslee Tbomaa, burn infoi
tied lu county In 1KU7 die,l 1),
rlo, Albany
married about l»n : children seven, three now
HviriK-T. S., J. B.. and N. s
I in the Peatlee cemetery on tb« farm of N.
Peaslee T. s., p o North Blenheim, farm. born
ill Wi'^terhi. Albany
n super-
'TtlS. Of
i uly county
uhildren ten, living two— IHUHI- anil 'rtitiinr,
r of whom marr:> b, daiiKbtt-r of
Dr. Jobu Cornwall, of (iilboa. and ha* three chil-
dren— Amy. Ina. m.d Howard.
Sbafer Jacob L , p o Brrakahecn. farmer, 400 acres, born in
has been assessor
years; wife Cbrlstlna /"Ii; i-lilldrvn living,
nine— Gideon. Jane Ann, Catharine. AIU i : . .1
WalUT. .Mary. William, and Kdwurd.
u.-rrit Shaiur, was born on farm now occii|ij.-d by
Jai-ob L.
Sternbergb M. B , p o North Hfnht-iin. fclmol tracber, born
In Scbobarle July LT,. i~:,,'; wife Let-la A. Winnie..
married October -,ii. 1
Vroman John B., p o Mine. Kill Full*, farmer, 800 acres, born
in Blenheim Ueeeniber IN, 1-1H. bas been superin-
tendent of schools, justice of peace, postmaster;
wile MariaWrlch.of HuuKbkeepsle.iuarried May £),
Wtd; i-hildren eiisht -- William 11.. Jobn W., who
was killed at the battle of UettrxburK. James A.,
Julia A., Phoebe, J , Charles L., Jesse P., and Maria
L. Fatber, James P. Vroman moved from Albany
county.
Vroman Josiah H., p o North Blenheim, pbysioian and sur-
(eon, bas practiced thirty-four yarn, burn in r ul-
ton October '•'>. 1818, bas been town superintendi-nt
of schools and overseer of tbe poor; wife Am
Kicbtmyer, of Middleburgb. married in <
1838; children live— Only M., wbo married David
Hayes, of Albany; Kll/.abeth. wife of Pbilo I)
Sweet, of JeftVrvon; Harmon B ; Albert I.
married Miss Mayo, of Broome county; and Alice
I., wife of A. V. Baldwin, of Blenheim.
Wood Jobn ,p o South Jefferson, farmer. JOU acres, born
in Blenheim January 3. 1M40 bas been assessor:
wife Maria Curtis, of Blenheim, married May '.l,
1SST; children three-Ethel, Nellie, and Bradley C.
CONESVILLE.
Braiuerd Zacbariab. p o Manor Kill, farmer and mechanic,
300 acres, born in Durham, Graene county, Sep-
tember 22, IHuS, settled In county In 1MIH, baa bern
highway commissioner: wife Percls Warren, of
Greene county, married In 1^11: children nine,
living six— Janon P.. Phoebe. Judsou B., Esther
F.. Jerome C , and Victoria C.
Case Jobn C., p a Conesrllle, farmer and lumberman, born
in Conesville August -1, l-'!7, has been constable;
wlf» Mary E. Van Steenburg. of Ulster county,
married November 28 18«0; children four— Lillian
M., George F., Willie W., and Xura.
Cane Ellsha
er, aaseaaor.
slat,
I'. Jr.. and!
Couobnian l'>
-
unia, Jn
• llsuo-
ISW, basl
flrit wife Mary II
tellu
fact
mat
ward, Ma;
tWn
saw mill.
Kliiott David a., p o Mai
inly U
been »M"
inif
Freese rUm»
marrlefl .1
.arleb t
marrl
Gayl. i
-rn la
ll.i. In ... i, • ,;ir. farmer. X70 acre*.
dren five- Cordelia M
»lfe -
II obomar-
n.-.l i
KillKuley I;- |, ic |i,..,r
»nce "Kent, II.', ..
Layman 1'eter A
t'orn 1. ITT', l.nr •
sesaor: wife Amelia Hr«.
ward A . an .
Layman, an old aettler wLo died In MM.
Mctiarry.li n, in
June "r>njl ' *'
born February I", IVill, ami Daniel T . born Ai.rll
:t. »
Morse E. W., p o West Convsvllle, farmer, £ki ares, born In
Mi.blletown. Delaware county. A|
tied In county M.I- liai been l .
peac«; wife Melissa M. Sanf- . town.
married January 15. I"
Patrle A. W., p o Coovsvllle. farmer, born la Conrsrllle
.« been asartaorand superrlsor;
wife l f PrattsvllU, mat-
vemb. n one— Heln
tuber -0>. IK'.', and married Alooio I'. Croitwr.of
ivllle.
Pnelps Wallace, p o Manor Kill, farmer, wanon-maker. and
grocer, 160 acres, born in ronrsvllla ApnlM, VVt.
has been collector and postmaater.
Phelps Holla, po Conrsvllle. farmer. r£> acres, born la
.illn March •-•'. l««; wifel'.i
-•»ille. ruarrit-d Dfcernt»er 5. J^tt. rhlldreo
eleven, living eight— Naomi, '
Harriet, Marcus, Belton Bryant, and lu'
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Richtmyer William F. . p o .Manor Kill, farmer, surveyor
and civil engineer, 170 acres, born iu Conesville
October :il. 1*1-,', has been justice of peace, notary
public, and census enumerator; wife Sevina Beck-
er, of Wright, married April i>, 18l'i; children eight,
living three— Dewitt, Nancy, and Frank.
Scoville Elijah M.. p o Manor Kill, farmer, 200 acres, born in
Couesville September 1-1. 1Mb; first wife Melissa C.
Wheeler, of Durham; children three— Celia S.,
Alice, and .Melissa »'.; second wife Caroline Hal-
stead, of Albany county, married October 7, 1859.
Grandfather, Amasa Scoville, settled in county
about i;ti.'i.
Elevens Lev! F.. p o (iilboa, farmer, 140 acres, born in
Conesville December ~''>, I*o9. has been collector,
assessor, and highway commissioner; wife Thirza
Sage, of Conesville. born March 20, 1HM5, married
February IS. W); children seven, living two-
David S.. who married Deborah, daughter of Mo-
bray H. Hammond, and Emory, who married Em-
ma, daughter of William Miller; children four —
Ward E.. \ValterA., Liunie D., and Ralph.
Stevens Emory, p o Qilboa.
Sutti-'ii A. X., p o Manor Kill, farmer. 2t>5 acres, born in
Conesville November '.». 18i<J: wife Natalie Thorp, of
Conesville, married September 27, 1854; children
lour, living two- Klhi .M., wife of John Hitchcock,
and Minnie E.
Thompson Abram. p o Manor Kill, farmer Ko acres, born in
Conesville September s. 1S«, has been collector;
wife Mary E. Mosier. of Albany county, married
Septembers. ].-jii, died in lsT-1; children five, living
three— Elenora, wife of John Kane, of Conesville,
Mary A., and Luella.
Thorpe Douglass B., p o Manor Kill, farmer, 450 acres, born
in Conesville March '.i. isw, has been supervisor;
wife Catherine H. ingraham, of Durham, Greene
county, married November 16. 18M; children two
— George N., born June 5. 1856, and William E.,
born November IS, isiil*. Mr. Thorpe was the only
Republican supervisor elected from Conesville
in twenty-five years.
Van Dyke George, p o Manor Kill, farmer and stock dealer,
1100 acres, born in Conesville April 5, 1843, baa
been supervisor; wife Esther Wiltsey, of Broome,
married October 10, 1868; children four— Easland,
Franz, Grace, and Blanche.
CARLISLE.
Angle P. A., p o Carlisle.
Allen Harvey, p o Carlisle.
Arnold Joseph H., p o Argusville, proprietor ef Arnold
House, owns (iO acres land, born in Newport, Her-
kimer county September21, 1824, settled in county
September S8, 1868, has bean highway commis-
sioner, and school collector; wife Maria D. Gran-
tier; children one; first wife, Sophionia Phillips
of Fulton county. Father Richard Arnold, a na-
tive of Rhode Island.
Becker P. B , p o Grovenor's Corners.
Becker P. W., p o Carlisle.
Becker C. D., p o Carlisle.
Bellinger Harvey, p o Argusville, merchant, born in Sharon
July 18, IS-i'J, settled in village in 1875, wife An-
nette Kniskern. married in 1873; children two-
May and Charlie. Father William H. Bellinger.
Best George J: p o Sharon Springs, owner and proprietor of
Empire House, 5 acres, born in town October 20,
1820, has been town superintendent of schools;
wife Isabelle, daughter of Frederick Posson, of
town, married in 1856. Father Jacob G. is son of
George Best, a native of Columbia county, and
one of earliest settlers of the town, owned abcut
fourteen hundred acres of land.
•Burtians George B., p o Carlisle Centre.
'Bradt Andrew, p o Grovenor's Corners.
Burns Jeremiah, p o Carlisle.
Brown Severenus, p o Cobleskill.
Brown William S . p o Carlisle.
Brown D. S , p o Carlisle.
Brown Harrison, p o Carlisle.
Brown R. W., p o Lawyersville.
Coldclough William, p o Carlisle.
Crocker Lewis G , p o Sloansville.
•Cass William, p o Carlisle, farmer. 180 acres, born on pres-
ent farm December 19, 1809, has been assessor; wife
Sarah Ann Gordon ; second wife Phoebe Gordon;
children nine. Father Matthew Cass was first set-
tler on same farm.
Coonrad Adam, p o Argusville, farmer, 218 acres; born in
Brunswick, Rtnsselaer county March 1, 18114, set-
tied in county In 1855; wife Margaret Alpaugh,
daughter of John A.paugb, married May Mi, IS.'.t;
children living nine. Father John Coonrad died
aged 84 years.
Clapp John, p o Argusville, blacksmith, owns house and lot.
born in Wiitenbmgh. August 2ti. 1833, settled in
county iu isr»:i; wife Maria Collins, married in
1851, children three— Minerva Neville, Charlie,
and Edgar.
Doty Wil.iam I., p o Sloansville.
Duelly G. B., p o Carlisle.
Este?, G. D., p o Sloansville.
Fero Isaac, p o Carlisle.
Fritcher David, p o Sharon Centre, farmer. ISO acres, born
in town June 14, 18Wi, has been commissioner of
highways; wife Chloe Parmelev, of Cobleskill.
married in 1^85: children one— Peter G., who has
two sons and three daughters. Father Comad
Fritcher one of early settlers of town.
Gordon John A., p o Argusville.
Grosvenor Niram. p o Grovenor's Corners.
Gardinier Martin I., p o Argusville. farmer, 109 acres, born
in Sharon, September 1, 1815; wife Sarah A. Coons,
married in 1SI1; children living one— Jacob E.
Father Jacob .M (iardinier.
Hanseu N , p o Carlisle.
Hodge Orville. p o Argusville. retired merchant, 138 acres,
!MU 11 in t'anajoharie, Montgomery county, July 12,
1822 settled in county in 1M45, has been postmas-
ter; wife Marietta, daughter of Aaron Maliek,
married in January, 1850. children three — Annette
Taylor, Lester A., and Leland. Father Abraham
Hodge, a native of Montgomery county.
Hurst William H , p o Sloansville.
Hyney Stephen, p o Argusville.
Karker Silroit l(.,p o Carlisle.
Karker Abram B., p o Carlisle, teacher and farmer, 120 acres,
born in town on the Judge Brown homestead,
April 15, 1827, has been inspector of election; wife
liuth E. Falk, married in 185!I : children four-
Alice, Charles W., Anna, and Edna. Father Solo-
mon Karker.
Kniskern George, p o Carlisle, farmer, lOfi acres, born in
town April -.'i;. isis, settled on present farm in
Is.Vt. has been assessor and collector; first wife
Sarah Becker; second, Eliza Brown; children one,
Louisa Tillapaugh. Parents Peter and Mary
Kniskern.
Kilts Jacob L., p o Sharon.
Lawyer Adam H., p o. Carlisle, farmer, 'J3 acres, born on
E resent farm June 4, 1820, has been assessor, col-
;ctor. and inspector of election; wife Julia Ding-
man, married in 1.SI71. children living six. Father
Adam, son of Johannes Lawyer, one of the first
settlers of Scboharie.
McCaun M., p o Argusville.
Neville Theodore J.. p o Argusville, teacher, 10 acres, born
in Sharon June ll>, 1M53. settled in village in 1S5.
ha.s been justice ot peace; wife .Minerva (
married in LSI; children one — Earl J. Parents
John and Julia Neville.
Osterhout Stanton, p o Lawyersville, farmer, 84 acres, born
in town May ~0, 1W.V,', has been commissioner of
highways; wife Josephine Hilsinger, married in
187(1. children three— Orson, Elvie, and an infant.
Father A. Osterhout.
Osterhout Irving, p o Lawyerville.
Ottmau George, p o Carlisle Centre.
Osterhout Jacob A., p o Cobleskill, farmer, 3!'l acres, born
on present farm June 11, 1S23; wife Betsey Knis-
kern, married iu 184fi, children living six. Father
Abram Osterhout was first settler on farm.
Osterhout George J., p o Cobleskiil. farmer, U9 acres, born
in Seward, July 31, 1844, settled on farm in l-'il.
has been collector; wife Sarah M. Myers, of Scho-
harie, married in 1SC3; children two— Abbie, and
Ruth. Parents Abraham and Sarah Osterhout.
Ottman Henry I., p o Carlisle, farmer, 185 acres, born on
present farm April 2!>. isr>!i; wife Nellie Brown,
grand daughter of Judge Brown, married in Wl:
children eleven. Father George, son of Christian
Ottmar. one of the early settlers of county.
Prosser Charles J , p o Carlisle.
Roscoe R. J., p o Carlisle.
Roscoe John M., p o Carlisle.
Roberts Charles D., p o Lawyersville.
Scott Isaac F., p o Grovenor's Corners
Schuyler J. S.,p o Grovenor's Corners.
Shafer Sylvester, p o Argusville. farmer, born in Cobleskill,
December 31, 1826; settled in town iu 1S7H; wife
Mary A Phinisey, mariied December x'5, 1849; chil-
dren eight. Parents David and Maria Shafer.
PERSONAL STATIS1
.Smltli rllNlc. farmer, l'.«i II.T.-H. l.urn in I
•ny in
er. inarrii'ii in
•Uhin. Parents William and Cathar-
ine Smith
i ••«, born In
l,,wn i ' 't 1ml mi farm In
I,.-, | nit'! • '>ll»"'tor ; wife
l.itighterof V
children i ' 'in! Wil
Hum. I'aivnts Ilavnl I,, mid .Mui^urel llublnsout
Sn\
Skinner F. I) . |. 0 I ;,:iisle.
Spun- bum ; kerand tan
lit.rn in .M. settled
ity in IM'i. iuis li'-t-n uverseerof the poor;
wile Margai A in .Morris, married
in I"-!', ; children one— Lyman J.
II..].. p o Carlisle.
Tilla|uiui;li tii-orge, p o Carli
Vanalsline .lulm I. , \< " Lrgusrllle. funniT. 1 15 acre*, born
in Mian.n. .liinu;-.< settled on farm in
l-i'iii- wife Katie, daughter of J< married
N,,M.I, children tiling live— l.yman L.,
Maria, and Esther Ann.
Wakeman II. .race, p o Lawyersville.
M.. p o Carlisle.
Young Oeorge, p o Carlisle.
COBLESKILL.
Uellinci'r (ieor;;e W.. p o Cobleskill.
Becker James p n Cobleaklll, dairy farmer, and operator
of saw mill. Ml HIM-.-S, born ill county in 1SIU: wife
A. Overpaugh, of Bounty, married
children n
Blo-lizet James K.. pu C'obleskill, retired builder and fanner,
-. in imii: wife Clarissa Bedlng-
ton or county, married in 1*)7, died in IHl'il : ohfl-
drentwo- second wife Mrs. Maria Borst Shaw, of
Cobleskill. married in WX. Father, Kufus Blodget,
came from Connecticut before 1800.
Borst A B general furniture dealer, born In county In
1MI business in 1*74. giving employ-
ment t<i four pet
Brown William, p o Cobleskill. farmer, born in coi.-
•Mir Irene Moore, of county, burn in Ion,
married in IW8: children six.
Bouck Tobias, p o Cobli-skill. farmer and retired hotel pro-
prietor 17(1 acivs. born iii county in isfni. !
Ibtrlff »nd member of aa»embly: wife Eliza Worth,
of county, burn in l*l'l. married in i«*>: .-hildreii
five, living four— James A., John M., Catharine B..
and S. Uagar.
Brown W. Jersey, p o Cobleskill.
Burnett Oswell. p o Cobleskill. photographer and copyist,
born in county In IMi,. enlisted in AuguM.
i:!4th Infantry for one year, was discharged, en-
listed again in September. IStW. and remained
through war: wire l.c.uisa Dibble, of county, mar-
ried in IKtiS: children four. Firm in photography
is Burnett & Pangburn. John H. Pangburn, of
j burn in 1 !«-.': wife Luisa Loucks. of eounty,
married in 1!<" ': children one.
Casuer John, p o East Cobleskill. farmer and stock raiser.
' horn i has been collector and corn-
oner; wife Caroline Brower, of county, mar-
ried December .V l-CiT: children one-Charles I).
Peter Casper born in county in l^'l. die
wife Margaret llcrar, of county, burn in IS
B 18-il : children nix— Maria. George, Christina,
John Xancv. and IVter II. tireat-grandfuther
:\iany in i;ii'J. settled in county about
Casoer P. L! P o Howe's Cave, furniture manufacturer,
bora in Cobleskill in l^T: wife Bella Becker, of
county, married in W. Kather, Ueorge Casper
,,f Bohobarie. born in l-.'l : wit,, Emeltne Berner of
Otsego county, burn in iv.".. married m 1-
dren four.
rou. Centre, farmer, born in Car.is,.
wife Catharine M., daughter of C C. Bleht-
boru in 1SW, married in 1S«0: children one-
Cohn M Fp°oeCobleskill, merchant and general dealer In
ready made clothing, boots and shoes, etc.
Coburn Sit..
'
Itoharlr, nmr
harte. .li.-il
wife i
third «rlf« Kale Van Hn,
married In l**Ti). K«tl.
Dow U'-v
•tovpH. tin
KOI I.nther I
l-r In general hardware.
kill, dental •
ervllle. farmer and
. has been asaeatc
rled la 1WO,
ried In 1HN.
bom
Fuller John R . p o Col
stabl.
• T. came
FrazierC. K.
< .-•
1MM.
led In I". ond
Miar-
itity about
nty,
y and sale
••••k.
i one
11 in Montgomery
r rtt^M-i \j. A., f " ^wuicjslll.
lames, p o Barnervllle, chair and rake manufacturer,
and general worker in wood and machine abop,
owns mill and homestead, born In N heuetlady
county In 1-1". settled in county In 1SSB;
wife Hasnah Hiley. of s-h.-harle. born in
married in January, • -n tw.i
— Isaa
I -an.- Hll'-y.
wife I.oralne Bradley, of Otsego county, died In
hildren i-li.
Guernsey (ieurne W.. pu Ka-t c.-i.lc.-kill. farmer and school
teacher, li'i acres, born In . - .'•: wife
Bamantha Cole. o( .rrledln
lildren four— Loren C.. born in 1««, Koecoe,
in 1-71. Elma. in 1*71. am! Vnletta. in 1-77. Father,
John f Mlddlebunth
Qernsey Chester, po East Cobleskill. farmer. Ill acres. born
ra r-herwood,
. married
children one— Wltooo; second »ir.- kuna
..f Albany county. hildren
ilatbuu, .M \rtle. Emery and Emma ttwlna)
and « harles. Father. William, son of James
in county.
(11la*',1;! iill. farmer. «5 acree, born In
county to 1841; wife Prls. ilia Face, married In
Harder Mluard. p o Coble«kill. manufacturer of horsepower
threshlnt and snwing machines.
Head John P o Cobleskill Centre, general blacksmith and
repairer, born In Carli- * acres; wife
l.una - -"d In ISM, dledln
•
and Alber.
Margaret Smith, of . ..nnty. married In MI; chil-
dren
fleas Louis p o Cobleskill. photographer.
asJudira Charles, p o Cobleaklll. lawyer and counselor
""'""* bSK ID ! county Man-h », IK*. 'ha. been Judge ol
' general dniguists, and dealers ID painU,
o -^ goo.lt. commenced bualneas
B.aBrmln I^TV: HeVcf Hogan born In county la
1M4 ; Charles C. Borst born In county in 1864.
VI
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIK COUNTY.
Hoose John, p o Barnerville, blacksmith and farmer, 27
acres, born in Albany county in 1T95, settled in
county in 1814: wife Sally Wilsey. born in county,
in 1798. married in 1816. died in 1877; children seven
—Anna, lioru in 1822, John F.. in 18*), David, in
182K. Jane, in 1K49. Peter, in 1«K, Bosanua, in l*-:ii.
and Catharine, in 1838. William Coonly born in
Cobleakill in l-*iS: wife Jane Hoose. married in
1867. Father. Jacob Hoose, born in Columbia
county about 1740, came to county in 1819, died in
is-js, was private in the Revohition.
Button J. H., p o Cobleskill, farmer, 108 acres, born in
coun'y in 181H: wife Nancy Safford, of county,
married in 1801; children one.
Lawyer Schuyler, p o Cooleskill, shoemaker.
Lawyer Tiffany, p o Cobleskill.
Lawyer Peter, farmer, 180 acres, born in county September
29, ISM. died in 1878, has held several town offices;
wife Sarah A. Borst. married in 1805; children six.
Lawyer Dr. Augustus F., physician in the naval service,
born in county in 1807. Thomas Lawyer lived at
Lawyersville, and was a lawyer.
Lawyer David, p o Cobleskill. farmer, born in county in
1831: wife Elizabeth M. Van Valkenburg, married
in lM(>li; child ren one— Elmer H. Father. Augustus
Lawyer. William Van Valkenburg, father of
Klizabetb, born in Massachusetts, came to county,
died in 1872, aged S5 years: wife Reuecca Youngs,
of Schoharie: children five.
Loucks Peter, p o Cobleskill. retired farmer, born in Sharon
in 1802, has been assessor and overseer of poor;
wife Catharine Suyder. of county, born in 1805,
married January 4. 1825: children two — Lavina,
and Christina. Father, John G. Loucks, born in
Ulster county in 1772, came to county in 1806, died
in 18.-,ii.
Mclntosh W. H., p o Cobleskill, dealer in gents' furnishing
goods and merchant tailor, born in New York,
settled in county in 1867; wife Catharine A. Put-
nam, of Montgomery county, married in is 11;
children two.
Moeller Henry Austin, p o Cobleskill, dealer in general
groceries, born in county in 1844: wife A. E.
Thatcher, of Connecticut, married in January,
1866; children two.
Ottman Barney, p o Lawyersville, farmer and miller, 95
acres, born in county in 1820; wife Almira Kiley,
of county, born in 1820, married in 1842; children
three. Jacob Ottman was born in county.
Overpaugh John H.. proprietor of sash and blind factory
and general lumber yard, owns four residences,
homestead and 14 acres land, born in county in
1818; wife Mary C. Snyder. of Rensselaer county,
married in 1848; children flve, living three.
Pindar J. 8. p o Cobleskill.
Quackenbush Frederick, p o Cobleskill, retired miller and
farmer, 50 acres, born in Albany county in 1N17,
settled in countv in 1866: wife Sarah Kilts, of
county, born in 1821, married in 1857.
Ramsey Charles H., p o Howe's Cave.
Richtmyer Robert, p o Cobleskill, farmer, 97 acres, born in
Schoharie September 16, 1835, has been overseer of
poor and inspector of elections; wife Nancy Bur-
nans, of county, married in 1860, died October 23.
1864 ; children »ne; second wife Nancy A. Karker, of
county, married in 1871. Father, ChristianW. Richt-
myer, of county, born in 1802, died December •,'•;.
1880: wife Catharine Moore, of Columbia county,
born in 1804, died in 1870; children two— William
H. and Robert.
Richtmyer Christian C., p o Carlisle Centre, farmer, 110
acres, born in Cobleskill in 1803; wife Cornelia
Slingerland, of Albany county, born in 1800, mar-
ried in 1830. children two— Catharine, born in 1839,
died in 1854. Father, Conrad Kiehtmyer, born in
county in 1776. died in 1862; wife Margaret Sals-
burgh, born in Albany county in 1778, died in 1868;
children ten, living two. Grandfather was boru
in Albany county and engaged in the Revolution.
Kiehtmyer Jacob, p o Cobleskill. farmer. 115 acres, born in
county in 1829; wife Henrietta Shaffer, born in
county in 1835, married in 1860; children one — Mary
E., born in 1S65. Father, William C. Richtmyer,
born in county in 1798; wife Catharine Wetsell, of
county, born in 1800, married in 1821; children
four — Jacob, Margaret, Amenzo, and Mary C.
Christopher Wetsell, father of Catharine, born in
Rensselaer county, settled at Howe's Cave about
1790.
Rockefeller M. L., p o Cobleskill. farmer. 135 acres, born in
Columbia county in 18J4, settled in county in 18%;
wife Henrietta Roberts, of county, married in 1851 ;
children two.
Rose Anson farmer, 108 acres, boru in Reussetaer county in
!*•:!!, settled in county in 1K54; wife Catharine
Shank, born January 11, 1825, married in 1855;
children three— Franklin. Ella, and Charles. Se-
bastian Shank, born in Albany county in 171)0, died
in 1876; wife Mary Shaver, of county, born in 1796,
married in 1814: children six, living four— Gilbert,
born July 11. 1816, Frances, April 25. 1818, Cathar-
ine, January 11. 1825, and Margaret, January 7,
1827. Mrs. Shank has eleven great-grandchildren.
Ryder & Lefevre, p o Cobleskill. dealers in domestic and im-
ported goods, ready-made clothing, boots, shoes,
hats, caps, and a full assortment of Yankee notions.
Schermerhorn R. T., p o Cobleskill, dealer in general gro-
ceries, born in county in 1841: wife Margaret
.Mk-kle, of county, married in 1865: children two.
•I. S. Schermerhorn, born in county in 1815, died in
1877.
Shafer Daniel G., p o Coblestill. farmer. 100 acres, born in
county in 1812; wife Mary J. Van Valkenburg. of
I'ounty, married in 1808: children two. Daniel
Sliiifer, born in county in 1816, died in 1866; wife
Maria Bnrner, born in county in 1K1T>, married in
is-'il, died in 1*80; children two— Daniel G. and
Nancy.
Shutts A., p o Lawyersville. farmer, 110 acres, born in coun-
ty in 18JO; wife Emeline K. Walker, of county,
married in 1816, died in 1858; children three; second
wife Cornelia Rediugton, of county, married in
1860: children three.
Smith Thomas S., p o Cobleskill, dealer in monuments and
building stone, boru in county in 1852. commenced
business in September, 1880. previously engaged in
same business in Fulton county.
Van Dresser J. W. & H., p o Cobleskill, farmers and pro-
prietors of cheese factory, 175 acres. J. W. born
in 1837; wife Helen Roberts, of county, married in
|; children two. Henry Van Dresser born in
1839; wife Emma Becker, of county, married in
IS2 Father, John I. Van Dresser, born in county
in 1803, died in 1880.
Van Schaick John, p o Cobleskill.
Van Waganen Jared, p o Lawyersville. farmer and sheep
raiser. 260 acres, born in Schoharie in 1835; wife
Loraine McNeill, of county, born in 1*39. married
in 1857; children two. Father, Rynear Van Wag-
anen.
Waldron Edwin, p o Cobleskill. proprietor of foundry and
machine shop, where general custom and order
work is executed promptly.
Wakeman Horace, p o Lawyersville, farmer. 122 acres, born
in county in 1807; wife Jeannette F. Becker, of
Schenectady county, born in 1808. married in 1831;
children two.
Wakeman A., p o Lawyersville, farmer. 230 acres, born in
county in 1810; wife Mary Odell, of Fairfleld coun-
ty, Conn., born in 1815, married in 1837; children
four. Horatio Wakeman. born in county in 1813.
Father, Seth B. Wakeman, of Fairfield county,
Conn.
Walker J. Jackson, p o Cobleskill, farmer, 80 acres, born in
county in 1831; wife Catharine Van Dresser, of
county, born in 1831, married in 1854; children
two. Father, William Walker, of Greene county'
born in 1793, died in 1867; wife Harriet Ruton, of
Westchester county, born in 1801, married in 1820,
died in 1879.
Welch Dr. Clark D., p o Cobletkill, physician and surgeon,
born in Albany county, settled in county in 1877,
was graduated from the New York Homeopathic
Medical College.
Wieting John C., p o Cobleskill. farmer, 150 acres, born in
Seward in 1830; wife Mary A. Sexton, of Seward,
born in ISM, married in 1857: children two. Father,
Philip P. Wieting, born in county in 1800, came to
county in 1829, died in 1879: wife Catharine Boshart,
of Lewis county, married in 1828, died in 1876;
children three.
ESPERANCE.
Anderson J. K., p o Esperance
AUUCrSUU U . IV., J' u Jjopol auvo,
Daumes George, farmer, 120 acres, horn in Al bany county,
settled in county in 18S6, died March 15, 1880, has
been assessor and justice of peace; wife Rachel
Stoneman of Albany county, married in 1816; chil-
dren seven, living six.
I'KRSON.M. STATIST!. 5
Bleiiis LewiB P., j> o Sloansville. fanner and retired notion
dealer .rli in liic.-ne county n
tied iu county in I8&8; wife Eunice Klmbla of
,. married .1
William C.. CblirlHS It , atl.l I !
BowleB Joseph I., farmer. uorn in Hhode Island iu 1*1
tied in county in I(U6, died .M,,rc>, :! '
rried In
Nannie I'l,.
father uf Mary, tjnrn in Con
tied in county in isi'i, ,|i,.,i m |v,,. w,r,.
Phelps. born In Rhode Island in I7M, marriad In
Brazee Avery, born in i-ciuniy in is|:|; wife Amanda Wluney
i.f Albany i-uunty. nun • .
children t v. l!urnctt of
Montgomery i <\. mumed in i-;-; Father
Frcdericl; llni/ee a .M E. OlfTfTDM dl*d in I-;-,'
Brig!^ ^perance, gonoral druggist and pre-
Bcrlptlonlat, burn in Bobeneotady ooum
! iii county in iM'i. wife Hacbel Conover'
married in 1-iil.
Brumlcy A: perance. dealer in feed and seeds,
i.nrn in Montgomery i-..uniy in 1887, "tiled iii
county in I""ii, has hccn assessor and justice of the
peace; wife BIlMbeth, daughter Of Kohert w.-iu
uf Mui. unty, married iu 185(1. Father
T. 11. lirumley, of Montgomery county.
Clark William s . ;> u Sloansville. attorney and counselor,
born in enmity in ISMI;, has been member of legls-
ture. Father William Clark, of Albany county
born January Id, 1731, settled in county In 1813
; <no 1--, 184V.
Conover William H . |> o Esjieranee, farmer, 170 acres, born
in etui iber, IMV wife Victor!* Foote of
Boneneotady. born in I.S.M. married In 1871, children
four— Sherman, .Maud, Frank, anil Floyd i1. Father
William Conover born in Montgomery in county
IM;. came to county in I*:;, ilied in ISM; wife
Pamelin Wells horn iii Montgomery county in 1818,
married in I^II. children MI
Crandall Edward, p o Sloansvillc. farmer, born In county In
wife Eunice Klmble of Montgomery county,
married ini ixvi. children three— Sarah E., Anna
K., and Eliza.
Denison Edwin, p o Esperance, farmer, 80 acres, born In
Allmny county, fettled in county In 1855; wife
.Sarah Gleason. of Saratoga county, married In
Dewey Jerome, p o Sloansville, farmer, born In county In
IM"; wife Eliza Boag born in Duchess county In
niari ied In HI."-. Father Ira Dewey born in
Enlield, Connecticut, in 17xr, came to connty
in 1H(K died in 1SW, wagon and carriage manu-
facturer.
Dewey Franklin, p o Central Bridge, farmer. 75 acres, born
In county in IN'-i >, has held soveral town offices;
wife Catharine Young, of Schoharie county, mar-
ried in 1K.M1, ilied in intiT; children two -Mary A.
and Sarah L. ; second wife Emily Voting married In
ihlldrenone.
Dopp Charles, p o Sloansville.
Dorn John, p o Esperance, farmer, 40 acres, born in Mont-
gomery county, in 1816, settled In county in
wife Abigail Dean, born in county in IKM, married
in IKW. died January II. l-tl», children two— Wil-
liam E., and Robert; second wife Jane Dean, of
county married in 11 arch, IM.v
Dorn William E., p o Esperance, farmer, 175 acres, born in
county in 1840, has been town clerk and oremeer
of poor; wife Elizabeth Devoe, of county, born in
nan lad in istiii; children eleven— Lillie A.
Jacob, John, Grant, Minnie D., William E. Jr..
Mead, Mary J.. lialpli, Kosc.oe ( '., and Charles R.
Dwelly Jerome, p o Sloausville, farmer and stock dealer,
100 acres, born in county In ISI"; wife Augusta
Quick, married November'-'.
Dwelly John H , p o Sloansville, carriage and sleigh manu-
facturer and blacksmith, born in county in l$'*~,
has been assessor; wifeAdaline Crocker, born iu
county in IttS, married in 1*16- children five—
Oscar, Edwin. Alida, Emma, and Helen.
Enders David, p o Central Bridge, farmer, 200 acres, born In
county in 1819; wife Mary Uallup, of county mar-
ried in 1873; children one— Peter I. Father Peter
I. Enders, of county, born in 1798; wife Catharine
Putnam, of Montgomery county; children six.
Enders Jacob P . farmer, born in county In 17TW, died in
IHiiii; wife Eve. daughter of Jacob Kniskern, of
county, born in '.798, married in 1818; children nine.
Father Peter Enders.
finders Peter, po Sloansville, farmer. 480 acres, born In
county iu !*•>: wife Cornelia Van Vechten, of
county, born in 1828, married In 1849; children four,
Page, John, Eva, and Maggie.
Enden David, p o Sloan.vllle, ri.ilr»d f»rm. ,
tr In IMS), bu t.i-eii r.
tin.
••
• II I. ,|r ., l:.|,..|,.
F labei
Albany c(.i,
'- ' ' ',:::.'-„
five.
- ThurnaH K . ,, ,, sinanivlllr, retired fann*r an.!
p<-lltel
d IU
y, croocrlM. clothing. f.rn,),k-
and M*d; In -.»„,.
Eliza
Gallup H. K
dry -good)
implemen
vllle.
Hogan Isaac, p o . <B. retired merchant, careen-
welve, and „ n fortv-
one.
Houck Jacob II . |, ,. Cent ml Bridge, farmer l« acre, born
lilldrenthr.
Maggie K. and Mary.
Hunter Ad i ,| marble and granite
•lealei a born IB Scotland,
"•Hi ' • 'in |M»; chil-
dren i. 1 1 Hwan born In England aettliwf
Jones James, p o Sloansville. farmer, rented farm of 1 10
-.•tiled In rount v in
18W; wife N. . i n county inlWl
married h
Klmball George K . dle.faimer. bora In county In
has beld several town oflice.; wife Kimua
Montai
Father Elijah Kimble wan 1.. .
count} in !-
wagon maniifncturer and tan
Larklu Philip Q., farmer. 250 acres, born In county In 1804
died In 18-0; wife Eliza F. daughter of Peter Mann
of county, born In 18SI. married In IHil; children
live. Father John Larklu.
Larkin Solomon, p o Uwyeisvllle, farmer and broome manu-
facturer, born in county in l*li. |IH» be-in asses-
sor; wife Emma Wa«eman, marn ••:
dren one- Char!.
Larkin Jebiel, p o bloaDsvllle. retired merchant Lorn In
county in ,.n supervisor: wife Julia
Boyd of county, born in l*H;inii>
Father John Larkin.
Liddle John, p o Eiperancc, retired farmer i.i.rn in Cuuntr
in jsitt. settled Iii county In in l*!i; wife Margaret
Mclntosh. of S. ion-ctady county, born in 1-1"
married in May.
Mason A. J.. p o Sloansville.
Messenger Storrs, p o Esperance, general jeweler and sil-
versmith, born in i. October n. J7W,
settled In county In 1S17. has been supervisor and
postmaster: wife Fannie D I.
married in I *'.*:!; children three Sara
Frances. Father Joel Messenger I
chusetts, In IT"', settled In county .
1850.
Moore G. W., p o Sloansville. farmer. 60 acres, born In coun-
ty In 1837, has been overseer of poor; wife Lucy
Payne, of otsego county. 1. rn in l*.«!, married in
1H57: children four.
McDuflie William J., p o Esperance, merchant, born In Es-
perance. in 1*1 :. has been justice of peace: wife
Alice I). Currle. of county, married In 1*7:) Father
Duncan McDuffle. Grandfather Angus McDuftla,
an early settler from Scotland.
McMaster William, p o Sloansville. farmer, 108 acres, born
in county In 188K; wife Amanda Bromley, of Mont-
gomery county, married in l*y): children three —
Mary, Frances, and Carrie. Father Robert Mi-.
Master born In Montgomery county. In 17*. came
to county In 1H03, died November. .
Montaney John T., p o Esperance. farmer. 80 acres, born ia
county in 1KM, was soldier during the last war.
enlisted In Company I, M-'d X. V Vola. last call
snd remained In service until end of the war. was
wounded and draws a pension; wife Alvira Jones.
born IB Scnenectady county in 1833, married In
1868; children one— Charles.
vm
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIK COUNTY.
Montuiu-y William C., p <> 1 iterance, farmer, K6 acres, born
In count; In 1808; wife Rachel Rockwell, or Mont-
gmerv county, horn in 1st-,', married in 1830; chil-
dren live— Cinderilla, Sarah, R. James. John T.,
and Hiram. FatheY Jamns Montaney born in New
'•y. si-ttk'd ini'ouniy in INK,.
Kockwell Charles F., p o Ksperance. farmer. 110 ncres. bom
in oounty in I XVI; wire Carrie Braid, of Mont-
mery county, born in l^til, mariied in 1879.
ratrer Kufus Rockwell born in 1*13: wife Han-
nah McDuftle. bum in ISi;, married in 1835; chil-
ilren six.
Severson George H.. p o Sloansville. farmer, and boot and
sluie manufacturer. ii;> a-'rcs, horn in county in
I1-!-. WHS elected assessor; wile Elizabeth MoMae-
ter. of county, born Jauuaiy :il, 1821, married Oc-
tober i;. i*i'i: children one— Lucy A born in KVJ.
Father .John Severson burn August 2(1, n8,">, is a
retired farmer living near Central Bridge.
Sevt'ison John. po Central Bridge, retired farmer, born in
All, any county, August 2-1. 17«5; wife Margaret
\"au\V"ormer. of A'bauy county, born in 17S8, mar-
ried in 1S1-J, died in 1^-': rhildien nine, living six.
Severson Peter, p o Central Bridge, farmer, and boot and
-• manufactnrt r. -litacres. born in county April
I8SS; wife Elizabeth Knders. of county, born in
.''•. married in 18U3, and died; children one-
Edgar: second wife Mary \Vilsey. of county, mar-
ri il Mar, h. l^KU. Parents John and Margaret
irson.
Sherburn Henry, po Esperance, magnetic an 1 electric phy-
sician, born in Schenoctady. in 1817. settled in
county in 1841; wife A. L. Wood.of Sohenectady
county, born in 1816, married in 1838; children one,
Kosauna, and one adopted child — Sarah McCol-
lum. Dr John Wood. lather of A. L. Wood, was
born in Rhode Island, settled in Schenectady coun-
ty about 1800. and died in I'd:,, was a prominent
physician for many years in Schenec. tady and Scho-
baria counties.
Silveruail Miss Ann Maria, p o Esperance, born in county in
ls-A~>, sister Miss Jane E bilveruail, of county, born
in 1832. and they together own SO acres land. Fath-
er Conrad Silvernail »«s born in Columbia county
in 18"1. came to county in 1827. died in 1870; wife
Caroline Link born in Columbia county in 1800,
married in 1823, died :n 1801 ; children air, living
four.
Shout William F., p o Central Bridge, farmer, born in coun-
ty in 1S18, has been assessor; wife Christina M.
Houck, married in 18(17.
Slingerland Aaron, p o Sloaiisv lie, farmer, 200 acres, born
in Cobleskill in If23; wile Sarah Safford, of county,
married in 18.V3; children two— Nora, and Charles
Q. Father Isaac A. Slingerland. Grandfather
Aaron W. Slingerland.
Stevens Mark W.. p o Sloansville. born in Columbia county
March 11, 1^24. settled in county in 1833, has been
justice, supervisor, and assessor; wife Mary A.
Bero, of Albany; children two— Lucy K., and
Phelp». who died June s, IM;'.I.
Storrs Messenger, p o Esperance.
Tubbs J. sse A., p o Esperance, farmer. 19 acres, born in
Charleston. Montgomery county, in 1810, settled in
county In 1828. has be- n assessor, supervisor, jus-
tice, and overseer of the poor; wife Mrs. Mary.Mc-
Duffie Cole, of county: married in 1831; children
two — Joseph N. and George L.
Vannatta William L., p o Esperance, farmer. SO acres, born
in Charleston, Montgomery county in 1818, settled
in county in 1826; wife Caroline Brand, born in
Montgomery county, in 1820, mariied in 1842. Fath-
er Henry Vannatta.
VanDerveer Fitch C. p o Sloansville, farmer, J97 acres,
born in Montgomery county io 1822, settled in
county in 1851; wife Ann Crocker, born In county
in 1828; married in 1847. children three— Norman
S., Harlow B.. and Allen W.
VanVechten James, p o Esperance, farmer. 230 acres, born
in Rensselaer county in 1831, settled in county in
1s )•,', has been justice, R. R. commissioner, and su-
pervisor; wife Sophia Dietz, of county, born in
1834, married in 1853; children three— John P.,
Isaac C., and Lizzie May.
VanZandt Peter M., p o Grover's Corners, farmer, 98 acres,
born in county in 1817. has been excise commis-
sioner; wife Catharine Baumes, of county, born in
1819, married in 1851 ; children one — George A.
Vunk Samuel, p o Sloansville, carpenter and builder, owns
homestead, born in Montgomery county in 1833,
settled in county in 1856; wife Miralda Montana,
of county, born in 1847, married in 1860, died in
1878.
Vines J. E., p o Esperance.
Vink Daniel, p o Sloansville.
FULTON.
Akeley Edgar, p o West Fulton, mason, born in Greens
county in 184", settled in county in 1847. has been
justice of peace and postmaster; wife Mary L.
Kelley. born in Otsego county in ISMi, nmiiiedin
1866; children three. Parents. James and Sally J.
, Shutts) Akeley. of Greene county,
Akeley Frank, p o West Fulton, general merchant, born In
Srhoharie county in ISM. has l,p»-n deputy post-
master; wife Elmira Zeh, married in 1K8J. Frank
is the son of James and Sally iShuttsi Akeley, and
commenced business in 1^;;
Akeley John S.. p o West Fulton, physician, born in Greene
county in 181."). settled inrounty in 1*41", was grad-
uated from Philadelphia Medical College and com-
menced practice in 18;3: wife A Igenora, daughter
of Franklin and Delia A. Phaneuff, married in ISll'J;
children one — Maud.
Armlin Daniel, p o Breakabeen.
Becker William G , p o Fultonhatn. farmer, born in Scho-
harie county in l^.'l. has been tou-n clerk: wife
Sophia Zeh. born in 1823. married in 1813; children
throe — Delia N.. born in 1'H. (,,-,,ige H.. in 1SJ7,
and Mary I... in 1*HO. Father, (ian -e.t. was son of.
William H. Becker. Grandfather. Henry Becker,
was a Revolutionary soldier, and his father came
from Germany.
Bergh Washington, p o Breakabten, retired merchant and
farmer, born in county in 1817, has held various
town offices, among them that of supervisor: wife
Sophia Weidman, born in Albany county in 1818;
one child— Catharine. Parents, Philip and Cath-
arine E. Bergh, the former a son of Abraham
Bergh, whose lather came Irom Germany and set-
tled in county previous to the Revolution.
Bergh Benjamin, p o Breakabeen, farmer, 100 acres, born in
county in 1833: wife Malinda Rickard. married in
ixili: children six— Abraham J., John It , Katy,
Luveria. Julia, Maggie.
Bergh David, p o Breakabeen. born in county in 1S24, died
in 1865; wife Sophia Mann, born in county in 1^21,
married in 1815: children three— Oscar D., Sidney,
Harriet. Parents, Philip and Catharine Bergh.
Bice Minard R., p o West Fulton, farmer and hop grower,
born in county in 1840; wife Delia Pitcher, daugh-
ter of Joseph L. and Maria 1'itcher. born in 18,>0,
married in 18H7; children two— Grant L. and EtBe
M. Parents. David ai d Susan Bice.
Best William G., p o Fultonbam, farmer, born in county in
1844, has been town collector: wife Frances E.
Baker, born in county in 1816, married in 186li;
children two— Orvil, and Anna Augusta. Parents,
Charles and Eliza Best.
Best Charles, p o Fultouham, farmer and retired merchant,
born in county in 1831; wife Charir.y, daughter of.
Peter and Catharine (Zehi Mattice, marrie.i July 3,
IS!;:,; children four — Scott, born in 18^1. Howard,
in 1874; Lotta May, in 1875, and Charles, in 1878.
Borst Peter H., p o Middleburgh, retired farmer, born in
county in 1813; wile Nancy Efner. died and left six
children; second wife Ann E. Vroman. born in
1809, married in 187B. Parents, Henry H. and
Margaret (Cole) linrst.
Bouck George P., p o Middleburgh. farmer, born in county
in 183B. Father, Bartholomew Bouck. horn in
1779, died in 1865. Mother, Elizabeth Mattice,
born in 1799, died in 1854; children seven.
Bouck Charles, p o Fultonbam, retired farmer. 700 acres,
born in county in 1829, has been member of as-
sembly and supervif or; wife Juliet Best, born in
county in 1837, married in 1858: children four.
Parents, ex-Governor and Catharine (Lawyer)
Bouck; children eleven, seven now living.
Bunn Edwin H., p o West Fulton, farmer. 110 acres, born in
county in 1828: wife Cynthia Mead, died in ixr>:>;
second wife Emma Van Natter, of county, married
in 1867; children two-Ettie M., Mary M. Father,
William Bunn, of Montgomery county.
Chase Charles H.. p o Mineral Springs, farmer and hop
5 rower, 80 acres, bom in county in 1832; wife Mary
.Teller, born in 1839, married in 18(10; children
two John and Emma. Parents, John M. and
Catharine Chase, of county. Cornelius Teller,
Father of Mary J., born in county in 1805; wife La-
vina Vroman, born in county in 18i.-6, married in
1825; children eleven, seven now living.
Cook Charles, p o West Fulton, farmer, born in county in
1831 ; wife Maria O. Bailey, born in county in 1837,
married in 1857; children ten, four living- Olive
M., Clyde C.. Louise Adelle, Flora 51. Parents,
Joseph and Polly Cook, who settled in county
from Connecticut in 1792.
PERSONAL STATISTICS.
Flnegati Michael, p o West Fulton. general hlackamith, l.orn
Poland Martin L., po Braakabeeii, farmer and bop grower
linrii in i-iniiit} in !•< 8; wife .Inn.- \s
In county in is.'!ii. married in l-.V: children eight.
I'ur.'iits. Henry nil. I .Maria Kolunil. Ill" f..rin..r a
KOII of Martin Folainl. who wan born In I
enmity anil settled in Sehoharie ,
1800
myer William H., p o Breakabeen. farmer. :trni acres,
liurn in comity inlX'.'l. IIIIK been mp.-r\
a««eHsor; wife Kimim. da-inhter "f John I), and
*i' imiib- Wils.-y. of iMninty, born in IMn, married
in Is?-; children tw o l-'runk uii'l .lolm. Parents.
John and Catharine > Hurl h
forim-r horn in !>•>. died in !-.• and the latter
b.irn in 1TJ-J, niairied j,
now living, (irandfather, •lohaniifn Freemyer,
whose father was one of early Herman settlers of
enmity, WHS born in county in 1'. 1:1. died in April,
iv;:,; wife Dorothea Bouck, was born In county In
Getter Harvey, p o West Fulton, general blacksmith, born
in ci unity in I1-!1'; wife F.lU.il.etli .M.itn .•. married
in IM;*; children two— Mary «nd Charleii. Parents,
David and Harriet Eftier Getter.
Getter Henry ('.. p o Fultoubam.
Getter David, po Fultoi ham. general blacksmith, born In
enmity in lsi"; wife Harriet Kfner, born in count/
in 1M.">. inunird in is).'>; children three — Jerome,
liorn October 7, 1K1*: Harvey, November 1'.. l-|i>;
Henry, June 1'i, !«:>:).
Goff Robert, p o Breakabeen, retired farmer, born in Al-
bany county i" W*. settle.! in enmity In IS5I; wife
Eleanor Moxhrr. born in Columbia county in 1818,
married in 1K37; children three— Helen E , born In
ism Siisun in 1842, died in I"?", nn.l Martha E.,
born in I-.MI Parents, Robert and Mehitabel
Goff, of Hhode Island
Ham Philip W.. p o West Fulton, farmer and miller, born In
: wi e Luanna Gorse, born in 1849,
marriwd in 1H74: children two — Lulu and Lavenie.
Philip purchased mill in 17S'.i, three itory. 44 by 42.
and engine room, three run of stone, for flour and
feed, also a saw and planing mill. Parents. Jere-
miah and Sarah Ham
Hannay Hamilton F , p o West Fulton, farmer and agent
for agricultural implements, born in county in
is:);, lias been justice of peace: wife Naomi Saf-
ford, born in county in 1H.15, married in 1N59; chil-
dren eight. Parents, Andrew A. and Betsy
(Wiley) Hannay. of Albany county, settled in coun-
ty about 1C
llaynes Peter 8., p o Fulton, farmer and broom manufac-
turer born in county lii 1H2.'); wife Margaret Rlck-
ard, born in is-.'ti, married in 1*13; children four,
three sons and one daughter. Parents. Peter and
Nancy Haynes, of county, and the former a sou of
Jacob and Maria Haynes; Sons of Peter S. are-
Emmet, born in 1843, (married Helen Vroman. in
IHWi; children three) John R.. born in 18M, and
George B.. in 1861.
Hiltz Gideon O.. p o Breakabeen. farmer, born In county In
isim died in 1878; wife Elizabeth Zeh, born in 1813,
married in icSl; children seven. Parents, George
and Sophia Zeh Hiltz Parentsof Mrs. Hiltz. Geo.
and Jane Bartholomew Zeh, the former the sou of
Joseph and Christina Zeh, both of Schoharie.
Holliday William E., p o Fultonham, farmer and hop grower,
born in county in 1815, hits been commissioner of
highways. Parents. William and Amy Holliday,
the former born in Westchester county, and the
latter in Schoharie county. Wife of William. Mar-
garet daughter of William and Margaret Brom-
maghin, of Albany county, married in 1839; chil-
dren five.
Hilts David, p o Breakabeen.
Holmes William, p o West Fulton, farmer, 200 acres, born
iu Trenton. S. J.. in 178.). settled in county in 1800.
has held several town office.; wife Mary Goos, of
Schobarit) county, born in 171)0, married In 1812;
children eight, living six-Ronsman, Harvey. Sally
Ami Mary, Susan. John. Parents, James and
Mercy Holmes, of New Jersey.
Keyser Barney, p o Breakabeen. farmer and hop grower,
born in 1841: wife Esther N. Decker. born_lnl84().
married in 1871 : children two-Adelbert and Floyd.
Parents, Jacob and Laney Kevser, both born In
1801 the latter of whom; died .in 1856, and the
former in 1880.
Lawyer M ...... p o Kuitnnhan ,, , oroly ID
INI], ,.
n»llu-
Lawy.r Pin
l~l In UBI.dlcd
.
.•
• • !'
h jr. bora la 1W?.
h !.«w.
••-.;• -r
Henry born IB
: Lawyer Valentine M . ,
(teon. bori
yer.
April
Cathai
:-.
Mabey George, p o West Fulton, farmer, born In Dtlawara
county In 1KM. Mttlrd In eounty In l«
Catharine Kappelyoa. Imtn In S. hoharie county In
1M30, married in IM» -li'.ln. .•l.n.c.
on I wife. Kllzaboth Wll-
two; third wife Mary Rowland, of Lowvll
married In | v>|. Parrnt*. Iiaac and Khmla Web-
•ter Mabey.
McNeil Walter, p o Went Fulton, fanner, aad pastor of
Baptist church: wife Permellla Kckenum. of eoun-
ty, married In IH14; children four. ParvnU,
Snmuel and Thankful McNeil, the former frum
Vermont, and the latter from Kcboharie county.
Mann Almerlan, p o West Fulton, farmer, born in Albany
county in 1>W, settled in county In 1X34; wlf« Han-
nah Chanman. born In 1831, married InlKM; chil-
dren thirteen, living twelve— Jacob J.,
Rosa. Llllle, Julia, Jo.l.h. Allee. Charles, Welllnf-
ton, Irving, llattie. and Burr. Parenta, Thomas
and Elizabeth Mann.
Mann Joslah. p o Fultonham, farmer, born in Albany county
In 1N26; wife Dinah Mattlce, born In IM33. married
In llial; two adopted children— Charles and Malm
da. Parent*. Thomas J. and Elizabeth ( Woldman)
Mann.
Maun John H., p o Mlddleburgh, farmer, IB acres, bora In
bchobarie in 1HIU, has been supervisor and town
superintendent; wife Maria, daughter of Daniel
and Catharine i Vroman I Barnard, born In IM«.
married In 1810; children four, two living— John B ,
anil Wealthy A., the former born In 1HW; wlfs
Mary Reeves, born In 1848, married In 1>M Par-
ents of John H , Peter W. and Nancy Mann of
Schoharie county.
Mattlce Adam L., p o Mlddleburgh, farmer, born In county
In 1803, has held several town offices, among them
that of assessor; wife Dinah Mattlce. born In 1N07,
married in 18*4; children four— Lawrence. Garret,
Elizabeth. Dinah. Parents. Lawrence and Maria
(Brown) Mattlce. Grandfather. Conrad Mattlce,
was born In Germany and settled In the county
prior to the Revolution, In which be took an active
part.
Mattice Henry W., po Mlddleburgh, fanner. ISO acres, borm
in county in 1821. has been overseer of the poor
ten years; wife Eve Haoes, born In IHI», ™»";l«
in IH40; children nine. Parents. Henry and ElUa-
beth Mattlce, the former a son of Conrad.
Mayban John S., p o Breakabeeo. general merchant born
in county In 1838, has been school commissioner;
wife Mlna chuate, born In 1M7, married In INde,
died in 1KT1; second wife Mary C., daughter of
Jacob W. and Susan (Bergh) Zeh. was born la 184.,
married in 18T7. Parents John and Susan May-
ban.
Mitchell William H., p o Fultonham, farmer, born In county
In W*. has held office of assessor and others;
wife Elmlra Bice, born In 1WO, married In ISM;
ohildrentwo-Fnink R and Charles D. Parent*.
S.muel and Polly (Smlthi Mitchell, the former of
Duchess, and the latter of Schobarle county. Mr.
Mitchell's present residence and farm was for-
merly o<><> ot the most prominent Tory headquar-
ten and was once confiscated.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Murphy Peter, p o Fultonham, farmer, born in county in
1804, has been supervisor and poormaater: wife
Catharine, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Borst,
married in 1831; children nine, seven living.
Father, Timothy Murphy, born in Virginia in 1706,
came to county as soldier of the Revolution, died
in June, 1818, aged sixty-two years; wife Margaret
Feek of Schoharie county, married before the
close of the war, died in 1807; children nine, three
now living.
Nelson Stephen, p o Breakabeen, merchant, born in Greene
county iu 1813, settled in county in 1841, has been
postmaster; wife Betsey Ann Jones, married in
1843, died iu 1855; children four; second wife Eliza
C. Bergb, married in 1856; children two.
Reese John, p o West Fulton, farmer and hop grower, 107
acres, born in Germany in 1828, settled in county
iu 1845; wite Catharine Sparbeck, born iu 1888,
married in 1861; children thre. — Andrew, Sanford,
Charles. Parents, Andrew and Harbara Keese,
born iu Germany, came to this country in 1845, he
died in 1874, and the lutter is still living at the age
of eighty years.
Reynolds John A., p o West Fulton, farmer, born in Albany
county in 1839, settled in county in 1854; wife
Phebe, daughter of Christopher and Delaney Ross-
man, born in 1839, married in 1862; chilireu four—
Delauey, George. Lillian, Irving. Parents, Elipha-
let and Hannah Reynolds, of Albany county.
Reynolds Ed ward, p o West Fulton, farmer, born in Albany
county in 1842, settled in county in 1854; wife
Ophelia Holmes, boru in 1850, married in 1866;
children three— Carrie E., Morris, Ein.y. Father,
Eliphalet Reynolds.
Rickard John, p o Middleburgh, farmer, born in county in
1841 ; wife Cornelia C. Haynes, born in 1846, married
in 1865; children two. George Rickard, brother of
John and David, was boru in county in 1846.
Parents, Joiiu and Lydia (Bellinger) Kickard, the
former born in 18UO and the latter iu 18u8. The
great-grandparents of John were born in Ger-
many aud settled in county in 1750.
Rickard David H., p o Middli'burgn, farmer, born in county
in 18*1; wife Wealthy Ann Mattice, born in 1838,
married in 1859; childieu four.
Rossman William, p o West Fulton, hotel proprietor, born
in county in 1830; wite Lucinda Reynolds, born in
1836, married in 1856; children three. Parents,
Christopher and Laney Rossman.
Rossmau Benjamin, p o West Fulton, farmer, 185 acres,
boru in county in 1831; wife Liuinda Spencer,
born in county in 1839, married in 1856; children
six. Parents, Reuben and Polly Rossman.
Shaffer Joseph A , p o Breakabeen, farmer, born in county
in 1853; wife Celia A. Keyser, born in 1855, married
in 1876; children one. Parents Christiana and Jacob
L. Shater.
Shaler John H. W., p o West Fulton, farmer 80 acres, born
in county in 1813, has been school superintendent
and teacher many years; wife Polly A., daughter
of Charles and Polly Dayton, of Connecticut, born
iu Delaware county in 1813, married in 183ti; chil-
dren four, one living— Allen born in 18411. Parents
Rufus Shaler, born in 1764, came to county in 1805,
died in 1881, aud Hannah (Cole) Shaler, born in
1775, married in 1796, died in 1833.
Shaver Moses, po West lulton, farmer, 87^ acres, born in
county in 1827, has been town collector; wife
Louise Robbins, born in 1834, married in 1854; chil-
dren six— Phebe born in 18(i4, Alice in 1866, George
in 1869, Joseph in 1871, Frank in 1874, aud Emma iu
1877. Parents, George and Jane (Mulford) Shaver.
Parents of Mrs. Shaver, John and Phebe Robbins,
settled in county in 1817.
Silliman David, p o West Fulton, farmer, and retired M. E.
clergyman, born in Delaware county, in 1828, set-
tled in 1868, wife Elizabeth Evans, of Michigan,
married in 1858, died in 1859; one child; second wife
L. C. Dayton, of Delaware county, married in
1867, children three.
Spiokerman Orson, p o West Fulton, farmer, born in Fulton,
in 1845, has been supervisor and justice of peace;
wife Huldab Rossman, born in 1846, married in
1869. Orson enlisted in 44th N. Y. Regiment, Co.
D, in 1861 and served two years.
Spickerman George, p o West Fulton, farmer, born in county
In 18*4, has been assessor and supervisor; wire
Nancy M Adams, married in 1848; children seven—
Rozella, John, Herman, Myron, Seth A., Komellia,
Jane. Parents, John and Mary Felter Spicker-
man, the former of whom settled in county in
iw.ii, was a member of assembly and justice of the
peace.
Stewart Frederick, p o Fultonham, born in Connecticut in
1795, settled In county about 1800, died April 5,
!87ti; wife Electa Hubbard, born in 1800; married
November 10, 1823, died June 26, 1844; children
Richard A., born July 3, 1836, Harriet F , in 1841,
Robert iu 1825, Lorenzo in 1838, Abigail in 1832.
VanVoris George, p o West Fulton, furmer. and apiarist,
born in Albany county in 1822, settled in county
in 1832, has held many town offices; wife Phebe
Fancher, boru in Albany county in 1821, married in
1843, died in 1858; children ten, seven now living;
second wire Nancy Morey. horn iu Schoharie coun-
ty in 1824, married in 1860. Parents of George,
Joseph burn in Long island, and Hannah (Hicks)
Van Voris born in Schnharie county, both moved
to county in 1832, and died there
VanVoris Walter, po West Fulton, general merchant, born
in count} in 1849; wife Sarah Baker, married In
1872; one child — Libbie. Parents, Gt.orge and
Phebe VanVoris.
Vroman David J , p o Middleburgh, farmer, born in county
in 1819, has been supervisor and overseer of poor;
wife Minerva Lake, born in Greene county iu
1818, married iu 1812; children five— Mary, Wil-
liam, Anna, Charlotte B , Sarah L. Parents of
Mrs. Vroman, Heuben and Polly J. Lake. Parents
of David. John 1) , and Christianna Vroman. Old
homestead 01 which David owns a portion, was
purchased by his grand-father, Samuel Vroman in
1711.
Vroman Henry D.. po Middleburgh. farmer, 35 acres, born
in county in 18U6, has held several town offices;
wife Charity, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
Mattice, born in 1817. married in July, 1836. Parents
David and Maria Rickard Vroman.
Vroman Charles W., p o Fultonham, farmer, and broom
manufacturer 87 acres, born in Schoharie in 185.">,
was elected commissioner iu 1878; wife Anna Almy,
born in Greene county in 185!*; married iu 1877;
one daughter— Flora born in 1878.
Vroman George A., p o Fultonham, farmer, born in county
in 1849; wife Christianna Bellinger, born in county
in ltvr-3. married in 1871; children three— Laura
boru in 1773; Maggie in 1875; Emmet in 1880. Pa-
rents Ephraim B and Sarah Vroman, of Schobarie.
Vroman Harmon J., p o Fultonham, farmer, born in Scho-
harie county in 181)3, has been assessor and com-
missioner. Parents Josiah E. and Catharine Deitz,
daughter of Captain Pettr Deitz, of Revolutionary
fame. Graudlather Ephraim Vroman with Ms two
sons were taken prisoners by the Tories and In-
dians, taken to Canada and exchanged the next
yearfor their own captives
Wainwright George P., p o Franklinton, farmer and hop
§ rower, 400 acres, born in county in 1832; wife
lary R. Mattice, married in 1851; children two. Pa-
rents of Geoige P., were George, born in 17b5,died io
1876, aged ninety-one, and Eva (Moon) Wainwright
born in 17b3, and married in 1779. Her grandfather
Paul Moon was born in Duchess county, and settled
in County alter close of war; he was a soldier
during the entire war and died in 1844. aged 98.
White John F., p o Breakabeen, farmer, born in county in
1828, has been commissioner of highways; wife
Nancy E. Woodward, born in county in 1837, mar-
ried in 1860; children two— Ella M and Charles E.
Parents Enoch and Cornelia (Cole) White, the
former horn in Schenectady county in 1789, came
to county in 1800, died in 1842, and the latter born
1794, married in 1810, died in 1876; children ten-
five living.
White Moses, p o llreakabeen. farmer, born in county in
1813, has been overseer of poor two terms. Father
Enoch White.
Wormer John, p o Breakabeen, dealer and grower of hops,
545 acres, born in Middleburgh in 1821; wife Mary,
daughter of Enoch and Tornelia White, born in
1821, married in 1851; children four — George K.,
Romaette, Ira, Elizabeth. Parents John and
Maria (Henry) VVormer, born in Albany county,
settled in county in 1805.
Zen David, p o Breakabeen, farmer, 120 acres, born in county
in 1836; wife Elizabeth Knitter, born in county,
married in 1867; one child— Alfred.
Zeh Elias, p o Breakabeen. miller, born iu county in 1839;
wife Julia A. D. Barton, born in 1840, married in
1860, died in 1880; children five— Elias. runs the
flour and custom mill which is located on Keysers,
creek, at Break&been, and owned by Washington
Bergh.
Zeh Marcus, p o Breakabeen, farmer, horn in county in 1829,
has been supervisor; wife Jennie Hiltz, born in
county in 1849, married in 1872: children three.
Parents, Marcus and Anna (Bartholomew) Zeh,
born in county. Grandfather Yost Zeh, was one
of prominent farmers of his day.
I'KRSO.VM. ST.YI [SI
XI
GILBOA.
Bailey O. C.,p o South JefferBon. fii,n,.r. 113 acres, born ID
Jefferson, JUroh 23 :- mstrong.of
Jefferson, marri.-cl i i,-ti,inT .:n. IH.M ; children oue--
llattir I. . who miirrli-il l.yni, Hull.., k. c,f Middlw-
lli'l' county. ' unielliis Bailey .'sine to
ci, iinly in
Baldwin A. ii., |> i> liilln<ii. fin ,.s, |,orn In (treen-
vlll' -,. settled In county In March,
!•<:;;. has hi-i'ii jn.-i ir,. i,r peace and supervisor; wife
<'liiirlnlte IvMrykcr. of Coneitvi. ' May
-'. iv.'i; rliiliiri-n tiv,. Ciirii.- K . Miin.ir r , George
S , Lewis A., and Oriice A.
Bruwstcr llui-urr K p n stun, i. mi, fanner, born In Gllboa,
JlBuary9, i *••;;'. was assessor ono year and resigned.
Brewster David K , p n Stamford, dairy farmer, baa a farm
of an nrre,s. of wbich Horai;« E. owns half; nrst
wife Nellie VanVulkeuburg; second wife K i/.nl.. ih
.lews, married November 15, 1S75; children one —
William 11.
Case Daniel. \< <i Broome, Centre, farmer. 41 i, m-res, born In
Qllbou, .inly IT, IM;, has bean oYaiMcr of the poor:
wife Betsey Chicheater, of Gllboa, married In 1850,
died February r.i, IH;:,; children uue— James M.
Case James M.. jj o Broome Centre, merchant, dealer In
groceries, dry-goods, boots and shoes, glassware.
I crockery, also purchases produce, poitofflce
Is in store, and Mr. Case Is deputy postmaster,
born In Ullboa; wife Hattle Hawver, of Conesville.
Clark John II., pn South Gllboa. farmer 110 acres, born In
Gllboa. Mny •-'•">. INI i; wife May G.Moore, of Monres-
ville. married June 30, I8W; children five— Minnie
M., Irvin D., William, Emma C., and Joseph A.
Cook George T., po South Gllboa, farmer, la) acres, born In
Udxlmry. Delaware county, January 15, 18S7, set-
tled in county In 1847, has been highway commis-
sioner; wife Mariette Sim.inson, of Roxbury, mar-
ri.'d Decmnlier 11, 1S«0; children two— J. O. born
March IB, IWi'J, and Hurl .M . liorn March 28, 1864.
Father Joseph Cook of Gllboa, was born In 1799,
died March 11, 1889.
Colby Thomas, p o Grand Gorge, Delaware county, dairy
farmer, 250 acres, born in Delaware county, March
•i -'I, IS*), settled In county in September. 1855, nas
been assessor three years; married, has one child —
Thomas Colby.
Cornell Simon, p o South Jefferson, farmer, 50 acres born
iu Gilboa, in 18*1; wife Hay A. McNeal. of Carlisle;
children two—Jesse M. and Orville.
Crowell C. A., p o South Jefferson, farmer. Ill acres, born In
Gllboa. January £{. IS-'HI, has been justice of peace
and notary public; first wile. Jane Snyder, of
Conesville ; children two— Ella who married Charles
Gardner, of (iilioa. and Jennie; second wife, Ade-
laide Brown, of Greenville; children one — Victoria.
Darling John S., p o Gllboa. farmer, 100 acres, raised 5,158
Eounds hops from three acres land, born In Bleu-
elm, July 4, is:;;; wire Maria Long, of Conesvllle;
children two— Mattle, and Minnie R.
Ellerson Daniel, p o Gilboa, farmer, 120 acre*, born In Gllboa
December 13, 18-.>5: wife Violetta Sanford, of Blen-
heim, no children living. Grandfather the cele-
brated David Ellerson. settled the farm owned by
David, and is bulled near it but no tombstone
marks the grave.
Fraser Cornelius, p o Gilboa, farmer, 300 acres, born In Gll-
boa, September 10, 180:); wife Adeline E. Flint, of
Delaware county, married December -1. 1H2H; chil-
dren four living— Louisa A., Edward A., Mary I.,
and Helen A. Benoni Fraser was in the Revolu-
tion.
Hastings W. B. C., p o South Jefferson, farmer, 72 acres,
born in Jefferson, April 7. 1819, has been overseer
of poor and assessor; wife Aurella Johnson, of
Summit, married April S. 184'J; children five-
Martha A., Mary A . William J.. Frank C., and
Luther.
Hoagland John, harness maker and farmer, ISO acres, born
In Gilboa, December 14, 1769. and died, was consta-
ble and collector; wife Phebe Hall, of Gilboa, mar-
ried May IS, 18ir>; children twelve, living six.
Hoagland John, deceased, born in New Brunswick, N. J., in
1759, settled in ccunty in 1786; wife Phebe Bard.
Hoagland G. S., p o Gilboa.
Lane Perry, p o South Gilboa, dealer In dry -goods and gro-
ceries, born in Gllboa, February «5, 1827. has been
postmaster; wife Roxana Simonson, married Octo-
ber 15, 1877; children one— Inez.
MM
Leonard D M . p AD ,nd furttf^
owna4ui a. r
"""."•• •....„. K l
Mia .1 . and
I January I,
Mai-key James G , p o Broome Centre farmer 1*0 a«M.
.n lln.c.n,.
Jamei A . Mary, H
Macli '• '»rmer. aoar'm bora lo OlttMM.
and 1. 1.. -ire Jane M.
t> i
I .Ifciar in.,
Mattlca Jacob II . p .. i:...,,k.' ... i '.imrr w
Imps. 600 acres land, b • i
has been <
Mat
.l.i. . I. M . HI-HI , •
ard P. Father!
waasonof a<ierinaii.wtii. v.sboraoi
More Liberty P., p o Buuifurd. farm.
ADdrs, Delawari- mary
•itiiv December I, INKS, waa i~__., . „.,„
A. VanDyka, of Boxbon i.ruirv
i. 18B3; oblulrf n living four— Wllilaii
Clyde, and Roaetta
PopplnoD. M. po Stamford, farmer ISO acres, born In Ull-
boa, Decemlii-r •.•). its. ha* been awes.
' lloibury. Delaware rounly. mar-
rled October**. MMcehlldrenthrre Wiin,
July a, 1816; Otis J. born July ir., IN>. >ud Nellie
born April 18, I8M.
Reed Lumsn, p o Gllboa. dealer In general wercbaadia*
owns TOD acres, born In Blenheim. 1). •
ha* been i-upervlsor and member of aa~-mi.lv;
wife Marietta, daughter of Dr. Knann. of Blen-
heim, married June 11, 1K1I; . l.lMr.-linven-iluU
K., Martha J .Helen I., Haiti* B. Colba. A K and
H 1 Father Colba Reed came from Vermont In
i-M. and was Oral supervisor of (ilibi.a In
Richtmyer John H.. p o Ullboa, farmer. 1«0 acre*, bora la
Conesville, February 16, 1815, baa been aaaeaaor;
wife Lany A. Patrie. of Coneiville. married Sep-
tember «7,Un ; children three- Mariette ideceaaed)
Frank, born September a. INK), married Delia
Powell, of Koxbury. and Alvln born December »,
1843, married Sarah Street, of Gllboa; children
one-Eugene S. Great-grandfather Uriah Rlcbt-
myer was one of the first settlen In Coneavllle.
Rnllffion Calvert I , p o South Gllboa, farmer. 190 acres
bora In Gllboa, October 9. ISM; wife Mary John-
son, of Gllboa. married January 10, IWI; children
one— Edward J.
Selleck Ezra B., p o Broome Centre, farmer. 171 acre*, bora
In Broome, August 31. INI.-; Drat wife M. II Butler;
aecond Abigail Losey; third. Helena Lee; children
four- MrrlllaB. Milton J.. Sl.-ph.-n I, .and Rachel.
Father Milton Kelleck.waa from Salisbury, Conneo-
t ir ut; wife Hannah Mackey.
Shew John H.. p o Gllboa, farmer, 368 acres, born In Ollboa,
November S9. 1811. ha* been aaaeaaor. commission-
er of highways, overseer of poor and justice of t h*
peace; wlfeSallle P. Morris, of Blenheim, married
November 99, 1885; children two — James H and
Rev. John T ; wife of James H.. Ellia C V.nllu
sen; children six— Emmett, Emma I.John T..
Minnie and Mlna. (twina)and Ethel. Rev. John
T., wan ordained Methodist minister, and preached
In Greene county three years, in Delaware county
three years, and Greene county again, two yean,
and died July 15. 1K79; drat wife Elizabeth Conmw;
second wife Deborah E VanDuaen: ehlldren liv-
ing, three- Hattle May, Ella B., and Sarah D.
Shaler Rufus, deceased, born In Haddam. Connoctlcut, aet-
tled in county In 1808; wife Hannah Cole, of Had-
dam; children seven— Henry, of Ontario; Luclna;
Benjamin C , of Gllboa; Nathan T. . Jobn, of Ful-
ton; H. W.;and Jeremiah. Rufus waa manufac-
turer of Shaler's Arctic Creamery, and dealer In
Mayhew'a steam churn mater, butter salting
scale, and best butter worker.
Shaler George C., p o Gllboa.
Southard Smith, p o Gllboa. farmer, WO acre*, born In We«-
terlo, Albany county, June 36, IH|8, settled In coun-
ty April 1, 18», baa been aaaeaaor three yean; flnt
wife, Jerusba Shutts: children two— Garaella and
Roaella; second wife, Maria T raver; children two—
Dewltt and Ellery 8.
Xll
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Sowles E. A., p o South Gilboa, farmer, 106 acres, born in
Gilboa, April 14, 1819, has been trustee of schools ;
wife Mary Burns; children four — Homa who mar-
ried Thomas Mayhan; Sarah; Ella; and Hattie:
Zeh Philip J., p o Gilboa.
Zelie David, p o Gilboa, merchant, owns several village lots,
dealer in all kinds of merchandise, business estab-
lished in 1860, produce taken in exchange for
goods, born in Fulton, December 28, 1824, has been
commissioner of highways and notary public; first
wife Melissa Gray, married June 5, 1850; children
one— Charles Second wife, Adeline Richtmyer;
married October 1, 1862; children four, living
thr e— Nellie W., Floyd M., and Josiah. Father
Peter P. Zelie, born in Middleburgh,
JEFFERSON.
Allen Avery H., p o North Harpersfleld, farmer, 190 acres,
born in Connecticut November 3, 1800, settled in
county in 1810, has been highway commissioner
six years; wife Polly Disbrow, of Vermont, mar-
ried in January, 1828, died January 30, 1875; chil-
dren four— Almon J., Eunice A., Mary Ann, and
Avery. Father, Amos Allen, settled near Middle-
burgh in 1810.
Armstrong Lucius, p o Jefferson, farmer and drover, 4
acres, born in Jefferson September 13, 1824, has
been overseer of poor; wife Sarah A., daughter of
Nabum and Esther (Mann) Danforth, of Jefferson,
married February 21, 1849. Parents, Jacob and
Catherine (Carl) Armstrong, the former of whom
settled in town about 1823. Grandfather, John
Armstrong, was stolen from his bed in Germany,
when only sixteen years of age and forced into
service by the British, but deserted and joined
Washington's army near New York, and served as
his waiter three years.
Avery Ben H., p o Jefferson, dealer in general merchandise,
and owner of town hall, born in Jefferson. Father,
fieriah Avery of this town, was son of John Avery
of Connecticut.
Bar 11 urn Joseph, p o North Harpersfield, dairy farmer, 120
acres, born in Jefferson on present farm, June 25,
1836, has been justice of peace: wife Naomi A.,
daughter of Adam and Electa Kniskern, of Blen-
heim, married November 25, 1857. Parents, Ira
and Sally E. (Dart) Barnum, the former settled in
town about 1832. Grandfather, Amos Barnum.
Clark A. W., p o Jefferson, dental surgeon, owns 40 acres of
land, born in Blenheim August 20, 1844, settled in
village in 1865, has been town clerk and notary
public; wife Sarah A. Phincle, of Jefferson, mar-
ried September 5, 1865; one son — A. Lamaucha.
Parents, John A. and Catharine Clark.
Danforth George W., p o Jefferson, farmer and assessor, 200
acres, born on present farm February 4, 1832; wife
Martha, daughter of Russel Baird, of town, mar-
ried In 1860; children six, living. Father, Nahum
Danforth, settled on same farm. Mother, Esther,
daughter of Levi Mann,
Dart Ezra, p o Jefferson, dairy farmer, 84 acres, born in
Jefferson December 29, 1828; wife Ann M., daughter
of Ezra and Polly Woodward, married December
24, 1848; children two— Lydia Moxley, and Eli M.
Parents, William and Hannah Dart, the former a
son of William, and was one of first settlers in
town about 1808.
Dyekman George A., p o Jefferson, hop and dairy farmer,
134 acres, born in Schoharie June 10, 1835, settled
in town in 1837; wife Sarah, daughter of Aaron and
Phebe Tyler, married October 2, 1866; children
fire. Parents, Michael and Prudence Dyckman,
the former a son of Jaoob Dyckman, one of first
settlers in Schoharie.
Gallup Silas, p o Jefferson, hop and dairy farmer, 170 acres,
born in Jefferson October 3, 1819, settled on
present farm in 1864, has been justice of peace
fifteen years; first wife Caroline Conkling; children
eight; second wife Eleanor, daughter of Parmelia
and Rachel Judd, of Summit, married March 1,
1859; children two. Parents, Nathan and Par-
melia Gallup, the former a son of Nathan Gallup
who settled in town about 1805.
Gallup Wlnthrop D., p o Summit, dairy farmer, 150 acres,
born in Jefferson January 17, 1841, settled on
present farm in 18 IS; wife Permelia, daughter of
Aaron and Mary Rifenbark, of Summit, married
January 31, 1868. Parents, Elan and Nancy (Dyer)
Gallup, the former a son of Levi, a sou of Nathan
Gallup.
Grant Jeremiah, p o Jefferson, farmer, 102 acres, born in
Delaware county Octooer 18, 1826, settled in
county March 2', 1852, has been inspector of
elections; wife Mary, daughter of Obadiah and
Mary Ruland, married January 15, 1850; children
two — Viola Vaughn, and Rosuoe. Parents, Donald
and Sarah Ann Grant, of Delaware county.
Havens Robert G., p o Jefferson, physician and surgeon,
born in Albany February 7, 1837, settled in county
in 1840, has been assemblyman and coroner,
studied medicine with Drs. Armsby and March,
and attended lectures at the Albany Medical Col-
lege from which he was graduated in 1874. Com-
menced practice in Jefferson in 1865; wife Lily R.,
daughter of John J. and Eveline Jarvis, married
September 6, 1864; children five.
Hubbard Oscar C., p o Jefferson, proprietor of Jefferson
House, owns 4 acres, born in Deerfield, Mass , May
18, 1848, settled in county in 184!*; wife Lavinia,
daughter of Lemuel Eggleston, married in IM;S;
children four. Parents, Lucius and Jerusha Hub-
bard, the former a native of Massachusetts, and
the latter of Maryland.
Jones H. V., p o Jefferson, printer.
Kennedy William, p o Stamford, Delaware county, farmer,
250 acres, born in Stamford June 11, 1840, settled
in county in 1859, has been assessor and inspector
of elections; wife Olive D , daughter cf H. G. Day-
ton, married September 25, 1865; children three —
Cora M., Roy D., Nellie D. Parents, Alexander
and Agnes Kennedy, came from Scotland about
1888.
Maynard Henry N., p o Stanford, dairy farmer, 255 acres,
born in Harpersfleld, Delaware county, August 22,
1820, settled in county in 1H42; wife Eloursae,
daughter of William and Irena Judd, married
February 28, 1842; children six, living one— Arthur,
born July 28, 1855; wife Libbie Hilts, of Fulton,
born June 19, 1868. Parents, Coley and Eleanor
Maynard.
Merchant Charles W., p o Jefferson, dairy farmer, 120
acres, born in Jefferson August 12, 1831, has been
excise commissioner four years; wife Caroline,
daughter of Joseph and Betsy (Minor) Conklin,
married in December, 1856. Parents, Joel and As-
ennath (Hubbard) Merchant, the former a son of
one.of first settlers of town,
Stanley Joseph R., p o Jefferson, furniture dealer, born in
Harpersfield, Delaware county, January 21, 1836,
settled in county in 1848, and in Jefferson in 1H67;
enlisted in Company E, Third New York Cavalry,
March 27, 1862, and was mustered out March 2ft,
1865; wife Kate Stevens, of Jefferson, married
April 16, 1865; children one, adopted— Allie Niles.
Stewart John, p o South Jefferson, farmer and assessor, 200
acres, born in Gilboa March 14, 1838, settled on
farm in 1842; wife Mary J. Curtis, of Blenheim,
married January 14, 1861; children four— Frank
R., Willie, Charles, and Delma. Father, Elijah
Stewart, a native of Washington county.
Twitchell Ezra, p o Jefferson, merchant, born in Jefferson
Novembers, 1844, commenced business in 1867, has
been supervisor; wife Abbie, daughter of Chancey
and Lucy Minor, married February 5, 1865. Par-
ents, Ira and Emma Twitchell, the former a son of
Harrison, who came from Connecticut about 1838.
Vaughn Heman, p o Summit, farmer and local preacher, 275
acres, born in Jefferson September 9, 1818, settled
on present farm in 1840; wife Abigail, daughter of
Nathan and Permelia Gallup, of Jefferson, mar-
ried February 5, 1840; children four— Permelia,
Nathan, John W., and Herbert D. Father, Samuel
Vaughn, was son of one of first settlers of town.
Vaughn John W., p o Summit, hop and dairy farmer, 140
acres, born in Jefferson May 24, 1S52, has been
town clerk and justice of peace; wife Mary A.,
daughter of William and Catherine Stanley, of
Jefferson, married June 20, 1874; children two-
Charles and Nellie. Father, Heman Vaughn.
White George C., p o Jefferson, farmer, 136 acres, born on
present farm May 18, 1852, has been in the tax
collector's office in Brooklyn, and the custom
house in New York; wife Mary N., daughter of
Samuel H. and Susie Clay, of East Albany, mar-
ried February 10, 1874: children living, two— Alfred
S.. and Irene. Parents, Alfied S. and Julia Ann
(Snyder) White, the former a son of Benjamin, a
resident of the town.
sT.YI I S'l
XIII
Wtlooz M. B., p oJcffcnon, lawyer, owns ..rn In
Barpenflsld. Delaware coumy. In 18:|« nettle, i u,
y III INIi.',; wife I,y,.
uid Raih (Gaylord) ii.-imi. ,,r Jefferson, married
1 1. •< . mber ::i. INKi; chihlren three- one KOM twi.
daughters. Parents. AI..-
Wll.-.H, tllll foimer II SUM .if Slilimel \Vi.
of HrKt settlers of HarpenfUld.
MIDDLEBURGH.
Alliro Wm. II., p .. Mi.l.lleburgh, born iu Mi.l.lleburgh In
is been school con
Dodge, of county, married . I.
dren two -Arthur !>., and Grace. Father lienjamln
Albro, born in Albany county. I'
ciimc t mr* in 183/1; »ilc Mary E Hans.
Albany county, born in INI;, married in 1N-17. chil-
dren three— William 11., Amanda, and Mary.
Alger Jesse II.. p . i Middleburgh, lumberman and farmer,
born iu county in ISIN; wjte Maria Lawton. b.u n in
IH:.','. niHi-iieii in -,N ..i; children nine. Father Jared
Alger, born in Suratoga county, In 1781, came to
county in 1810, died in :m;i.
Atchlnson E. D., p o Middleburgh. proprietor of Atchlnson
I louse, la acres, born in county In 1812, purchased
hotel iu IMrj. has been town clerk and overseer of
poor; wife Anna Maria Mills, married in 1839; cbll-
dren one-Gewge S., born in 18:!9. Father Aaron
Atchinson, of Massachusetts, settled In county,
where be died.
Babcock Daniel, p o Middleburgh. farmer, born In county
December S3, 1K\!7; wife Almina Williams, of Alba-
ny county, born in 1835, married iu 1855; children
five— Jessie, born in 1857, Dora, in 1859. Mary E., in
18i;i, Elian, in isiiis. and Ralph B., 1866. Parents
Walter and Elizabeth Baboock.
Babcock Walter, p o Middleburgh, farmer, born in Wright
in 18t)3; wife Elizabeth /immer, of coupty, born in
1808, married in 18x7; children seven, three daugh-
ters and four sons.
Badgley Jerome B., p o Middleburgh, general drug and hard-
ware dealer, born in Schenectady county in 1835,
settled in county in isio; wife Mary C. Manning,
of county, married in 18(15; children one— Claude
M, Father G-orge B. Baduley, of Schenectady
county, came to county in 1MO, died In September,
IS7ti, was post-master.
Barkman Daniel, p o Hunter's Land, retired farmer, born In
Keusselaer county, in 1803, settled in county in
ist.Yhas been justice of peace thirty-six years; wife
Submit Schofelt. of county, born in 1811, married
in 1831, died in 1857; children two-Sarah J., born
iu IN s. an.l I lien, born in 1H-M; second wife Aman-
da Schofclt. married in 1S59. Newman Dings, of
county, born in 1813; wife Ellen Uarkman, married
In 186!>; children two.
Bassler Wellington K., p o Middleburgb, general merchant,
' born in Mi.l.lleburgh in 1818; wife Alida Manning,
Of county, born in 1853. married in 1N7I Father
David Bassler, born in county in 182S, retired mer-
chant; wife Augusta Tibbetts, born In county In
, married In IM7.
Becker James B., p o Middleburgh. harness manufacturer
and dealer, born in Albany county in 1855. settled
in county in ts.il, purchased entire stock from G.
M. Krisbm in 1N7-I and has carried on a successful
trade since; wife Alice Barton, of county, born In
-. marri.d in 1S77; children two. Mrs. Becker
deals in all kinds of Millinery goods at her place
on Wells Avenue.
Becker John, p o Mi.ldlcbnrgb. farmer, ISO acres, born In
county January Sit. 1819; wife Rebecca, daughter
of Jeremiah Horst. born In 1818, married In INHtl;
children seven. Father Storm S. Becker of Hol-
land, settled in couuty and served in the Revolu-
tion.
Becker William P., born in county in 1808, died iu 1880; wife
MarL'aret frounce, of Albany county, born In 1-ai,
married in I8»i; C' ildren one— Adam. Father of
Mrs. Becker, Rev. Adam Crounce, of county, born
in 17(17. di.d in 1865.
Barney & Dennison, p o Middleburgh.
Becker Ri
Becker Joseph. Jr.. p
deal-
has I
mart
Beekman I>
and farmer. I
two
I . , . .
ger. of county, born In 171
Marcus Beli
nine, of wb<
1s over HO year* of •
In county In 17M, and dlr
- ..
I. Hellin
life Mia*
Bellinger George, p o Oallupvllle. farmer, IS* acres, Lorn la
iu 1*11. him been assessor; wife f hriitlna
liorn In 1-17. married la UM,
children lire. Father John M. Bellinger, of
Borst George K.. p o Mlddleburgh harneu maker, born la
Mlddlrhurgh. Jan.. . v.| bastars*
from Mr Hlnrasn > * fire baods;
wife Alice O. Dayton, married
four.
Borst Harvey, p o Mlddleburgh. farmer. 17} arrea. born In
county in isr.a: wife I»l.ella 1 w York
city, married In IM7A. Brother Jnwph I1..
y. born In 1KO; wife Lellnda BvlllDger, of
county, married In 1S7J. Father r.-trr II Borst.
of Fulton.
Borst Henry, p o Middlelmrgh, W acres, born la Mlddle-
bursh In IH4I; wile Mary Noi< ' tr, mar-
ried In IHtU; children four. Father Peter Borst.
Grandparents Henry and Margaret Borst.
Borst William, po Middleburgh. miller, born In rminty la
18:<N; wife Margaret Bouck. married In 1H68; chil-
dren four. Parents, Petsrand Ellsa Borst
Borst Peter, p o Middleburgb. member of firm of Borst
Bro's.. born In 1855; wife ftancr Rockfeller, of
county, born In 1885, married In 1HT7. children two.
The brothers built mill In 1817. It 1s three ttories,
38 by &5 feet, has four ran of stone, an unlimited
capacity, and does general shipping ami
work.
Blodgett Hiram A . p o Middleburgh, post master and dealer
In book* and stationery, born In county In 1KW,
enlisted In Co. I. No 7B. N. T. and was flrst lieu-
tenant of c—mpany: wife Miry E. Dyckman. of
county, married In 18711; children one— Louis.
Father John Blmlgett.
Bouck Sylvester, p o Middleburgb, 210 acres, liorn In county
In IWi; wile Kozella foot, of county, married In
1800 Father Joseph T. Bouck, was horn in INlll.
died In 1*7-; chlhlrrn -n lleniy V. Peter
Nancy, John J., George J., and Sylvester.
Bouck Thomas W , p o Middleburgh. farmer and justice of
pesce, born In county In 1K.M; wife K- ).••.•.•• /eh, of
county, liorn iu ]H£1, married In 1H71: children six.
Parents Thomas and Nancy Bouck.
Bouck David D., p o Middleburgh. 133 acres, b TO la county
In INI i , wife Catharine, daughter of Peter !
born iu ISI7, married In 1836: children two— EHta-
I.eth. l.orn In 18 Si. and Martin L . born In 1N43.
Parents David C. an. I Kllzabelh Rlchlmyer Bouck.
Bouck Thomas I , p o Mlddlehurgh, retired farmer, M acres,
born In county In 1805; wife Maria H-uck. daughter
of John C., married In 18£7. died
wife Nancy Matllce. married In 1-u. illed In I80t;
third wife Eliza tUgar. married In 1861 Father
Jacob Bouck, born in county In 1779, died In 1811.
Grandfather Thoraan. was the son of NU-holaa
Bouck. who settled In county from Germany at an
early day.
XIV
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Clow Nicholas D., p o East Cobleskill, retired farmer and
cloth dresser, born in Greene county in 1816, set-
tled in county in 1819; wife Julia Ann Eckerson, of
county, born in 1822, married in 1844. Parents
Lawrence and Elizabeth Clow.
Cornell John H., p o Middleburgh.
Cook Peleg Jr., farmer, 174 acres, born in county in 1822,
and died- wife Eliza A. Bassler, p o Hunter's Land,
born in county in 1833, married in 1888; children
three— Minnie, born in 1864, Lillie, in 1867, and Ll-
iner P., in 1H71. Father Peleg Cook, was an early
settler and purchased present farm. Father of
Mrs Cook. Henry A. Bassler, born in Albany coun-
ty- wife Mary Saddlemire. born in Albany county
in'lTUT, married in 1H16; children seven.
Corwin John, p o Middleburgh.
Danforth Dr Volney, physician and surgeon, born in Mid-
dleburgh in fell, died February 14. 1880, was super-
visor- wife Caroline Bouck, of Middleburgn. born
in 18*.'. married in 1842; children four, daughters.
Father Thomas P. Danforth.
Davis James W., p o Middleburgb, proprietor of custom
flour saw lath, shingle and plaster mills, born m
Montgomery county in 1832. settled in county in
l^'.s- wife Melissa Conover, of Montgomery county,
married in 185!<; children six. The mills are located
on Scboharie creek, two and one-half miles from
Middleburgh.
Decker Jerome, p o Hunter's Land, farmer and school teach-
er, owns an extensive ilazging-stone quarry, born
in county in 1840; wife Catharine Turner, of Al-
bany county, born in 1844, married in 1879. Brother
Ethan Decker, born in county in 1838; wife Eliza-
beth Shultz, of Albany county, married in 1878.
Father Aaron Decker, of couniy.
Dexter James, p o Middleburgh, flour, grain, and seed ship-
ping merchant, born in county in 1830; wifp Joanna
Warner, of county, married in 1853; children six.
Father E M. Dexter, of Albany county.
Dunn William, p o Middleburgh, merchant tailor, born in
Montgomery county in 1842. settled in county in
1849- wire Kate Scribner, of Middleburgh, married
March S7, 1878 Father Michael Dunn, of Ireland,
settled in county in 1849. died in 1874.
Durham Frank J., p o Middleburgh, general dealer in
stoves, tinware, and sheet iron, born in Middle-
burgh in 1856; wife Jennie Lawton, of county,
married in 1819. Father, Daniel C. Durham, of
county.
Dodge George W., p o Middleburgh.
Engle W. H., p o Middleburgb, lawyer, born in Albany
county in 1718, settled in county in 1843, has been
district attorney and division revenue collector;
wife Almira W. Lathrop, of county, married in
1845; children four. Father, Christopher Engle,
of Albany county.
Fox Louis, p o Middleburgh, manufacturer of straw paper,
born in county in 1H35; wife Elizabeth Wilber, of
county, married in 1858; children five. Father,
William Fox, of Summit.
Freemyer A. J., p o Middleburgh. owner and proprietor of
Freemyer House, born in county in 1826, pur-
chased hotel from Abram Suyder In 1866; wife
Mary C. Shafer. married in 18E4; children two —
Margaret F., and William S. The ancestors of
Mr. Freemyer were the oldest and most prominent
settlers of county.
Frisbie G. M., p o Middleburgh, general merchant.
Gernsey M., p o Middleburgh, dealer in general merchan-
dise, born in Middleburgh in 1826, commenced
business in 1873; wife Alida C., daughter of Garrett
W. Becker, born in Fulton in 1830. married in 1847;
children seven, daughters. Father, William Gern
sey, born in county in 18C5; wife Ferona C. Corn-
stock, born in Connecticut in 18C9.
Guernsey James J., p o East Cobleskill, farmer, born in coun-
ty in 1818; wife Adaline Schermerhorn, of county,
born in 1825, married in 1844; children six Father,
Elisba Guernsey, of county. Barrier Aker, born
. in county in 1847, 104 acres; wife Daisy Guernsey,
of county, born in 1860, married in 1877; children
one.
Guernsey Ezra, p o Middleburgh, farmer 130 acres, born -in
county in 1833; wife Louise Smith, ot county, born
in 1834, married in 1856; children two— George D.,
and Effie J. Parents, John and Eva Guernsey.
Guernsey John, p o Middleburgh, 150 acres, born in county
in 18C7; wife Eva Hoese. of county, born in 1812,
married in 1830, died in 1853; children ten; second
wife Juliet Netherway, of county, married in 1854;
children four. Father, Elisha Guernsey, born in
Connecticut in 1770, came with his father, Nathan-
iel Guernsey, and settled in county in 1785, where
the latter died in 1820, aged ninety-rive years, and
the former in 1&42.
Hanes Freeman S., p o Middleburgh, farmer and mowing
machine agent, 265 acres, born m Fulton in 1828;
wife Caroline Bedick, of Middleburgh, born in 1837;
married in 1867. Father, Peter Hanes, born in
Fulton in 1795, died in 183!); wife Nancy Lawyer, of
Middleburgb. bcrn in 17(1:2. died in 187(1; children
ten, living six. Peter Redick, of Canada, settled
in county in 1825, died in 1841; wife Eva Lawyer,
of Middleburgh, born in 1801, married in 1846,
children living, one.
Herron Peter, p o Cobleskill, born in county May 23, 1807;
wife Susannah Hechman.of Hamilton county.born
February 24, 1812, married July 13, 18)1; children
seven— five sons and two daughters. Father Wil-
liam, was son of John Herron, who was born in
Scotland, and settled in county at an early day. '
Hubbell Alva, retired gentleman, born in Albany county in
1798, died in 1875; wife Uhoda A. Bougiiton, of Al-
bany county, married in 1S73. Father of Mrs.
Hubbell, Baldwin Bough ton, born in Albany county
in 1797, died in 1849; wife Maria Susannah Alma,
of Albany county, born June 24, 1804, married in
1823; children living, eight.
Humphrey Phillip, p o Middleburgh, farmer, and justice of
peace, born in Albany county in 1829, settled in
county in 1^56; wife Sarah K. Nelson, of Albany
county, married in 1^50; children oi:e — Arlington.
Hutchings S., p o Middleburgh. dealer in hardware, stoves,
tin, and house furnishing i_-oods, 240 acres, born in
county in 1840; wife Charity Scutt, of county, born
in 1812, married in 1861. Father Morgan Hutchings
born in Columbia county, in 1803. settled in county
in 1836, died in 1858, was a miller and farmer.
Hyde David R., farmer, born in Canterbury, Connecticut,
October 21, 1822, settled in county in 1852; wife
Louise Becker, of county, born in county in 1829,
married in 1846; children two— Frederick K . and
George B. Father David Hyde, of Connecticut.
Father of Mrs. Hyde, Jacob Becker, born iu county
Octobers. 1791, died in 1862; wife Catharine, daugh-
ter of Joseph Borst, born in 1790, married in 1810,
died in 1858; children ten, living five.
Kennedy William A.,p o Middleburgh, carpenter and builder
born in county in 1830: wife Lavina Bouck, of
county, married in 1S62; children one— Willie C.
Father Alexander Kennedy, born in county -n 1^06
died in 1831.
Kinney John, po Middleburgh, broom maLufactur. r, 50
acres, born in Ireland, in Is34, settled in county,
in 1847, erected factory in 1865, two stories high, 18
by 24 feet, producing from twelve to sixteen dozen
brooms per year; wife Elizabeth McKinstry, of
Ireland, born in 1832, married in 1857: children
four— Amelia, Lizzie, Emmett K., and Charles N.
Kniffen John B., p o Middleburgb, farmer, and hop grower,
106 acres, born in Albany county in 1835, settled in
county in 1842; wife Tabitha Wormer, of county,
born in 1835, married in 185G; children eight. Fath-
er John Kniffen, of Albany county, died in 1847,
aged 53 years.
Kniffen Erskine, p o Middleburgh, farmer, 120 acres, born in
county in 1858; wife Flora Hill, of Albauy county,
married in 1878. Father John B. Kniffen.
Kuisken B. V., p o Middleburgb, farmer, born in county, in
1825; wife Sarah, daughter of Freeman Stauton,
married in May, 1862; children one — Alice. Father
Joseph Knisken, born in county, March 22, 1801,
died August 0, 1874; wife Gertrude Vroman, of
county, born May 28, 1804, married January 15,
1821, died August 9, 1874; children eight, six sons
and two daughters. Freeman Srantuu. born in
Montgomery county, March 11, 1797, came to coun-
ty in 1818; wife Maria, daughter of Judge Abra-
ham Lawyer, born in county, April 3, 1798, mar-
ried August 3,1820, died Julys, 1880; children seven,
three sons and four daughters.
Lampman John P., p o Cobleskill, farmer, 150 acres, born
in county in 1826; wife Maria Woodford, of county,
married in 1847, died in 1863; children three; sec-
ond wife Sarah Bornt, of Otsego county, married
in 1865. Father, Philip Lampman, of Greene coun-
ty, settled in county in 1818, died in 1873.
Lawton Peter, p o Middleburgh, farmer, 118 acres, born in
county in 1826: wife Emily Boomhan, of county,
born in 1828, married in 1850; children seven.
Father, Peleg Lawton, born iu Connecticut,
settled in county in 1800, and served in war of
1812.
Lawyer Andrew, p o Middleburgh, blacksmith, and farmer,
30 acres, born in county in 1829; wife Cornelia E.
Sleighter, of county, born in 1833, married in 1853;
children eleven.
I'KRSONAL STATIST!. '>.
XV
Lawyer Jacob H., p o Middleburgh, »t acres, born In county
nl886; wife Ron i Oliver, of county, m.u
1808, died In 1871; children six; second wif,. >!,««
M. Oliv.-r, miirri,-,! in IH;-.'; children three. Father
David, son of Andruw Law>
Lawyer Dr. Jamas. poMfddlchurgh. physician and surgeon
bora In M Iddleburgh In ixin, Wa» gradual
•y of New Yi.ik '
Jo™, I" • .irs. K.-UI.-.1
dleburgh In 1888; »irc MI/I [rwln ..f N.-W York
nmrric,! in I888, died July a»i. • -n one—
a son. I ,ii!i, r. (ioorge Lawyer, of Schoharle.
Leroy John 11.. p o tflddleburab nant. farmer
•iid ImililiT, i.ntn in .Mni'l!<'l.iirgh in
IM'J : wif,'. Mi'ii. .,;l <>,,• i,f i.
ri..d MM.V), -, is,. Father, Blchard
in Montgomery county, ciinie ID county h
Lewie Benjamin F., p o Middleburgh. farmer, born in Chun.
tauqua county in . ,„ 1WW •
wife. I.iivinu M.. daughter of MartlniiH ti.
imirrlcd in 1-Os; childr..|i. thr.-,.. Father
John Lewis, of rhaiitanqua county. Parents of
Mrs. Leu-Is were descendants of the earliest net-
tiers of county.
Loucks Henry J., p o Mlddlrhurgli. retired farmer, SO acres,
born in Hlddleburch in INII ; wife Hmii Nether-
way, married In 1827, died Mai children
four— Jeremiah, born in I8:)4 ; Thomas, born In
IS:H; ; .Miupn-et. 1 I, died In 18(17; and
Maria (' , horn in isi:j ; second wife, Sophia Sober-
merhorn. of county, married In November. 1885,
died September IV, lUi'J ; third wife, Eva Richt-
myer, of county, married March 21, 1870. Father
Jeremiah Loucks, Jr. Thomas Loucks married
Sophia Richard, born In county In 1812, married In
is:,!i ; children, seven.
JIaComber Merrlt. p o Hunter's Land, Justice of peace and
farmer. 180 acres, born In county In 1846 : wife,
Marsh Snyder. of county, married in 1WJ. children
two— Edna and Clinton. Father Resolved, son of
Keacomb Macomber, who was born In Massachu-
setts, settled in Hunter's Land before 1800.
Manning H. F., p o Mlddleburgh. farmer, born In county In
1827 : wife. Maria Heekman. born in 1883, married
in 1853; children, one— Alida, born In 1858.
Martin Adam, p o Middleburgh, executor.
Mattice Joseph, p o Middleburgb, farmer and hop grower,
625 acred, born in county Juno ail, 1M2,"> ; wife, Eliz-
abeth Bouck, daughter of Bartholomew, married In
1870, children, three— Catharine. Peter, and Zelma.
Father, Peter Mattice. born In county In 1784, died
In 1861 ; children, twelve, living nine.
Mitchell Walter E., p o Middleburgb, hanker, born in county
in isr>2 ; wife, Celia R. Robinson, of Otsego county,
married In 1879. Father, Peter H. Mitchell, born
in county.
Pinder Peter N., p o Middleburgh, farmer, born In Middle-
burgh in 1824. Father Edward Pinder born In
county in 1802, died in 186-1.
Posson Lewis \V., po Middleburgh, farmer, 200 acres, horn
in county ID 1834 ; wife Miss Hill, of county, mar-
ried In 185I!. died in 1868; children three; second
wifn Elizabeth Weidroan, of county, married In
1871; children three. Father Peter W. Posson.
Posson Peter W., p o Middleburgb. born in county October
2, 1708: wife Polly, daughter of Captain Philip
Bartholomew, born In 1804, married in ISii: chil-
dren nine — three sons and six daughters. Grand-
father Mr. Posson, born in Germany, settled In
county before the Revolution Philip Bartholo-
mew and brother John, came to this country with
General Lafayette, served in the Revolution, and
alterwards settled in Schobarle county.
Richtmyer Barney W., p o Middleburgb, retired carpenter,
16 acres, born in Middleburgh in 1817: wife Mary
A. Bouck, of county, born In 1827, married jn 1845.
Father Christian Hichtmyer.
Rickard Charles V..p o Hunter's Lsnd.miUer.born in county
in 1854; wife Hattle Crosby, of county, married In
1877; children three. Brother John J , born In
1861. Father John W. Rickard of county. The
mill now conducted by Kickard Brothers, was re-
built in 1865. by David Ding, purchased in 1872, by
John W. Kirkard, who run it six years, and then
taken by Rickard Bros. It is known as one of the
best custom flouring mills In the county, and is
located on Little Schobarle creek.
Rickard Albert, p o Middleburgh, 175 acres, born in county
In 1832, has been excise commissioner; wife Helen
Bouck, of county, married in 18*10; children three.
Parents Peter and Nancy Rickard. of county.
Grandfather George Rickard of county.
Rlveiil.ii
irgb I.
M 1.1, Helm r»h
ready mi
. W II ,,
Ronsman l>:
In
dnlors In
t>i. farmi-r and b>.p r
Rouck Wllllai
mar;
M . A
and were i
Schermerhorn Frank 1 1 . i .
born
~
'«r, of
*». Father William
Scribner J^hn,^'-. born In Vei
Brunswick, N .1 In UK a
W, 1880; wll.
' ty lnlHii7. mam.
John M., born In 183», Marfaret 1.. and Kate M .
now Mrs. Dunn.
Seeley Lyman, p o Middleburgh, gate tender, born In Con-
"I JulyS. 17SM. aettlrd li.
. fti",'! SV'SS "' """"•v' l<oru ln '
in iron, oied In H
Sheldon Carr. p o Mlddlrbargh. carpenter and builder born
In Albany county In Itte".
rnclia R W.-H! l...rri in Albany r.
1888. married In 1H.V.'; chlldr. , ,,„ B
Theodore C., Anna B.. and Jennie C. Father Mil-
ton Sheldon, of Albany county, settled In rounlr
died April ill. |-H: wile Harr
1801, married In IK£), died In 1880. Lucius West,
father of Mrs. Sheldnn. born In Albany rountr In
1804. settled In county In 1871, dlrd in l>«i; wife
IlallndaTownssnd, of Albany county, born In 1817.
Slmklns Oeoige. p o Middleburgb. farmer, IH9 acres, born
In Albany county : „ «am«
year; wife Anna M Kboefelt. of county, born In
IMU married In 1*»; children nine. Katber Nel-
son Slmklns, of Lewis county, Milled In county
In 1887, died In 1878.
Smith Amos M., p o Middleburgh. wagon manufacturer.
born In county in 181U; wife Lucy Jl ||. •
county, born In 180. married In IHW: children
three— George W., born In 1H4I. Chatlea C
and Anna M. in 1844. The sons enlisted at tbe Drat
call In 1881, served through the Rebellion and were
discharged at close of war. Father Zededlan Smith,
born In Connecticut In 171)1, died In Scboharle
county In 188C.
Snyder Adam. Jr., p o Hunter's Land merchant and black-
smith. born In France In It'll, settled In county In
1840, senior member of tbe firm A. Snyder * HODS.
general merchants, dealing in dry goods, groceries,
hardware, also carrying on general hlackamltblnc.
repairing clocks and watches, and scent for tbe
Meadow King Mower and the Gregg Rake.
Snyder Dr. Iladley. p o Mlddleburcb. dental surgeon, born
in llerklmer county In 1831. settled In county In
1851, has been i-upt-rvlsor; wife Cornelia Irwln, of
county, born In 1-W married In ISM*; children one
—Florence I. Father Dr. Abraham 8ny<l.
Herklmer county, died In ISM, was on* of the
prominent physicians of county.
Snyder Abraham, p o Middleburgh. retired gentleman, born
In Mlddleburgb December 4. 1818; wife Marietta
Longenhalt. of Otsego county, born February *l.
married In September. 1M.V Father Nicholas
Snyder, of county, farmer, died In 1843 and M
years; wife Ann Ackeraon. of county, died In 187V
aged 80 years: children living six.
Soner John, p o Middleburgh. general cabinet and furniture
dealer and undertaker, horn In Germany In 1M,
settled In county in 1853, commenced business In
186o. bss been town clerk; wife Nancy Rlchimfer
of county, married In I-"'.'; children two— Lizzie
and J. Elliott.
XVI
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Stalker Jonathan, p o Middleburgh. farmer, 70 acres, born
in Albany county in 1826, settled in county in 1845;
wife Amanda Wornck, of county, born In 1830,
married in 184S; children three, sons. Father Wil-
liam Stalker, of Albany county.
Stanton Abraham L., p o Middleburgh, retired gentleman,
born in Middleburgh in 1824; wife Sabina M.,
daughter of Joseph and Charity flouck, born in
1821, married in 1M5, died in 18tio; children three-
William B.. Howard M , and Freeman J. Parents
Freeman and Maria Lawyer Stanton.
Straub Frank X., p o Middlebureb, barber, born in Germany
in 18-17, settled in county in 186.''; wife Ennverett
Gurnsey. born in county, married in It09; children
three. Father Michael Straub.
Swart P. Z , farmer, born in Middleburgh in 1812, died in
August, 18i9; wife Kuth N. Manning, of county,
born in 1814, married in 1840; children two, living
one— Hezekiah M.. born in 1811 ; wife Lottie Benton,
of Bensselaer county, born in IN 15, married in IstiT;
-children four — Fannie B.. Maggie, George P., and
Perry Z. Father Peter Swart, born and died in
county. Grandfather Cornelius, son of Thomas I.
Swart, who settled in county during the Revo-
lution.
Thome W. K., p o Middleburgh.
Turner Amns, po Middleburgh, farmer, 200 acres, born in
county in 1835; wife Kboda Mickle, of county,
born in 1841. married in 1800; children two. Father,
James Turner, of county, born in 1793, died in
1863 ; wife Salinda Loyd, of Albany county, born
in 1801, married in 1820, died in 1879. Grandfather
James Turner, of Connecticut.
Turner Loren, p o Middleburgh. 75 acres, born in county in
1834 ; wife Almira Barber, daughterof Joshua, mar-
ried in I860; children two. Father James Turner.
VanAuken Edward, p o Middleburgb, retired farmer and
harness-maker, HiO acres, born in Albany county in
IMS, settled in countv in 1831 ; wife Maria Bouck,
of county, born in 1816, married in 1835; children
seven.
VanBuren John, p o Middleburgh, farmer, 115 acres, born in
county in 1854. Father Daniel VanBuren, of Al-
bany county, born in 1803, came to county in 1844,
died in 1800 ; wife Rebecca VanZandt, of Albany
county, died in 1843; children four ; second wife
Catharine Wormer, of county, born in 1813, mar-
ried in 1852; children two — John and Mary.
VanVolkenburp E. P., p o Middleburgh, farmer, born in
Greene county, in 1842 ; wife HattieM. Van Volken-
bnrer.married in 1865; children four — liattie, Iretus,
Willie and Samuel J. Tilden. Father Nelson Van-
Volkenburg, of Greene county.
Vroman Jacob, p o Middleburgh. farmer, 136 acres, born in
Middleburgh In 1849 ; wife Rebecca Mattice, of
county, born in 1858, married in 1874; children four.
Father Daniel D. Vroman, born in Otsego county
in 1807, died in 1868.
Vroman H. A., p o Middleburgh, farmer and retired mer-
chant, born in Fulton in 1828 ; wife Mary Vroman
of county, married in 1860; children three. Father
Ephraim Vroman.
Vroman Dow F.. p o Middleburgh, farmer, 60 acres, born in
county in 1831, has been collector of town; wife
Margaret, daughter of H Smith, born in 1835, mar-
ried in 1854, children nine. Tunis Vroman settled
on the place now called Vromansland, in 1713, own-
ing 1100 acres.
Watson Chancey, p o Middleburgh. retired merchant, 200
acres, born in Middleburgh in 1816, has been Jus-
tice of Peace ; wife Harriet A. Tyler, of county,
married in 1842 ; children three— Frances Caroline,
. Arthur E.', and Helen E. Father Harvey Watson,
of Albany county.
"Wells Dr. H. D., p o Middleburgh, physician and surgeon,
born in Middleburgh in 188SI ; wife Margaret Sny-
der, of Herkimer county, married in 1858. Father
Samuel D. Wells, physician and surgeon, born in
Middletown, Connecticut, in 1794, settled in coun-
ty in 1820, died in 1870.
Wheeler John D., physician and surgeon, born in county in
1833, died in 1879, was supervisor ; wife Axle A.
Griggs, of county, born in 1838, married In 1858;
children two— Delia M., and George B.
White Charles A., po Middleburgh, retired gentleman, born
in Albany county in 1841, settled in county in 1846 ;
wl.'e Jennie Bouck, of county, born in 1816, mar-
ried in 1870; children two. Father settled in coun-
ty in 1841, and died there.
Williams Osee. p o Middleburgh, 125 acres, born in county
in 1835; wife Delia Thorn, of county, died in 1K70,
children one— Casey; second wife, Elizabeth
Thorn, married in 1871. Father David Williams, of
county.
Winegar Reuben S.. p o Middleburgh. farmer, born in coun-
ty in 1810 ; wife Josephine Effner, of county, born
in 1851, married in 1871; children one— Chancey W.
Father Eliakin Winegar, born in Otsego county in
1812, settled in county in 1833 ; wife Eliza Hadom,
of Columbia county, married in 1837 ; children
three.
Tanson David, p o Middleburgh, retired farmer, 80 acres,
horn in county, Ft- bruary 211, 1798. Niece Elizabeth
M Mattice. daughter of Lawrence, was born in
county in 1820. Father John Yanson, born in county
in 1754, died January 24. 1836; wife Margaret Van-
son, of county, died in 1851; children eight, living
one— David.
Young J. E., p o Middleburgh.
Zeh David, p o Middleburgh, farmer. 70 acres, born in Mid-
dleburgh in 1817. has held several town offices ; wife
Lany Ann. daughter of Philip Bird, of county,
married in 1838; children two— George, and Mar-
vin. Father George Zeh, of county.
Zeh John, p o Middleburgh. keeper of poor-house, born in
county in I860; wife Martha W. Pitcher of county,
married in 1880.
RICHMONDVILLE.
Atkins Jeremiah E., p o Richmondville, farmer. 110 acres,
born in Ulster county. Septembers, 1804, settled in
county in 1806; first wife Gettie Moot; second, Eliz-
abeth Babcock; children three— Dr. Edward B.,
Warren J . and Mary. Father Edward Atkins, was
one of early settlers.
Babcock Nathan, p o Warnerville, retired farmer, 103 acres,
born in Albany county, June 22, 1814, settled in
county in 1867, has been assessor; wife Lois A.
Thurber, of Westford. Otsego county, married in
1842; children two — Jackson, and George. Parents
Robert and Sally Babcock.
Biret John C., p o Richmondville, blacksmith, born in Bava-
ria, October 22. 1841, settled in county in Is52;
•wife Sarah C. Gould, married in I8li7; children five,
Parents John Henry and Catharine M. Hiret.
Boies E. Willard, p o Warnerville. physician and surgeon.
Read medicine with father. Dr. Eli Boies, attended
lectures in Albany Medical College, and Castleton
Medical College, of Vermont, from which he was
graduated in 1855. owns 220 acres land, born in
Jefferson, June 7. 1830, settled in village April i:i.
1854, has been justice of peace, justice of sessions,
and member of Republican county committee;
wife Margaret E. Kniskern, married March 5, ls>:
children three.
Boom Lester G., p o Richmondville, manufacturer of a
clothes dryer, owns % acre land, born in Decatur,
Otsego county. November 5, 1821), settled in county
in 1841, has been railroad commissioner; wife Su-
san Hitchcock, of Westchester county, married
March 22. 1838; children three— Albert L., John B.,
and Amos F.
Bradley Milo N , p o Richmordville, manufacturer, born in
Richmondville. April 15, 1845; wife Lois, daughter
of John Rossman. of town, married in 1868. Father
Milo Bradley, came from Otsego county, com-
menced business at Barneyville about 1814, was
son of Azariah Bradley, of Connecticut.
Burneson James N.. p o Richmondville, proprietor of West-
over House, born in Worcester, Otsego county,
February 12, 1821), has been deputy sheriff, town
clerk, and assessor; wife Jerusha E. Douglass, of
Montgomery county, married September 17, 18M;
children four— Irving J., Robert Arthur, G. Wil-
lard, and barah E. Father Andrew Burneson.
Butler Samuel, p o Ricbmondville, farmer330 acres, born on
present farm July 14. 1*30. has been supervisorand
assessor; wife Cynthia Lacy, of Greene county,
married in 1851; children six. Father Moses, son
of Samuel Butler, who settled and died on same
farm.
I'KRSON.M. STATISTICS,
Chase Jared. p o WiirriiTvillc, farmer and physician and
surit i, t" Hcri-M, horn in oiHego county in 1-17,
Settled ill county Mid colnllicncel! i •
medlolneta Si.ward. in 1*1?. and m-tiicd in War-
nerville ill IS.M. has licen *.u|icr\ l-nr; Mml wife
Matilda l.annley, (if oirtLfd county; -• •( did wife
Sarah Perkins, df Massachusetts; children living
two i i- W , and J. Alberto. Pun-inn .1
and Harriet. t'liiiH.
Conro Ceoi^e \V.. p (i itirlimoMdville. farmer, 107acres, born
in Siinnnil. I). cHiulicr ','. If .,n present
fnrm In 1x7'.'; wife Kllen J . daughter ol
Near, married in 1MI; children iwn- Lulu
WillisA. PareiitsPclei ui,. I lather M. i
Couchman Pane B.. }< o Kichinnndvllle. nmnnfnclnrcr of ag-
ricultural implements, tiorn in l;ni<>n,e, March IB,
l«.v;, sctil..,! in town In
Hiram WM SOD of Philip mul grandson of H.T.IJ
niiiii. one .if the earliest m-itlcr* ofcoiiniy.
Coiichmuii WcMry. |i o Kichmondville. manufacturer of ag-
ricultural llnplele
Delaware county, Aui;ii • uie.i in town
in April. I*M. Father Milo, son ol Mem.
man.
DeCiraff William S., p o Rlcbmnndvillc. farmer, liorn In
Scliencctiidy county March :. I-ll. s. tiled Inconn-
ty in 1*1.',, wife Maria, dim: liter ,.r ThoinaH Wright,
of Sharon, married Dec. -in . hildrenliv-
ing. five. Father Nicholas Ocliraff
DeGraff John N , p o Kirhmonih ille. county superintendent
nf rioor. ( WIIH U>3 acres, born in Hichmundvillo
July 20, 1H1K; wife Jane Bates of town, married ID
January, is a;: children one— Lucinda A. Zeh. Fath-
er Nicholas De(iraiT.
Denuis John II., po Kichmondville, farmer. 80 acres, born
In Jeff-rson. October 13. IHiii, s-ttled in town In
1S17: wife .Mary Zeh. married March *!. 1840; chil-
dren two — Nancy and Mary K. Mother Hannah
Dennis.
Dox Gilbert M.. p o Ric.hmondville, farmer, 150 acres, born
in Richmondville on present farm, January -I.
1S^?, has been justice twenty years, and assessor;
wife Sarah A. Atkins, married in 1811; children
living, three. Father. Michael Dox. settled on
farm about 1M.">. one of first settlers ID town.
Dox Luther, p o Hiihmondville, former and saw-mill pro-
prietor, HI acres, born on present farm in lH:jii, has
been highway commissioner and constable; wife
Melissa SpauldiiiK. married in 1S.VS; children two —
Sylvia A. and Verda M. Father, David, son of
M'ichael Pox. Farm has been in family about sixty
years.
Felter Abram II , p o Richmondville, farmer and lumber-
man. 71 acres, born in North Blenheim November
li. 1834. settled in town in 1S59. hag been overseer
of poor and highway commissioner: wife Isabel
Shelmldine, of Jefferson, married July 4, J856;
children four. Father. Matthew Felter.
Poland Philip O . p o Cobleskill, farmer, 280 acres, born on
present farm February 15. 1830. has been highway
commissioner; wife Sarah E. Ostrander, married
In 1853; children one— Alice. Father. Henry, was
son of Philip Poland, the first settler on farm.
Fox Jeremiah, p o Richmondville, hop, grain, and dairy
farmer, 104 acres, born In Summit May .%. 183f,
settled in town April 1, 1866; wife Lovila Snook;
second wife Celestla Dibble; children three— Allle,
Satie, and Effie. Barents, Oeoige and Sarah Fox.
Fox J. Angle, p o Kichmondville, farmer. 84 acres, born In
Ki( limoudville October 11. 1817; wife Rebecca,
daughter of Joshua Cross, married in 184!l; children
three— Eliza M , Lucia, and Willis G. Father,
John Fox. settled In town about 1793.
Frazler George L., p o Richmondville. farmer 53 acres, born
on present farm February 16, 1K!3. has been asses-
sor and commissioner: wife Catharine Zeh. of
town, nnuiied in 18SO; children one-Hattle.
Parents, John and Laney Frasier.
Frasier A. D., p o Richmondville, dealer In general mer-
chandise, horn in town July 3', 1844, has been
town clerk; wife Alida Sheldon, of town, married
In 187,2; children two— Claude H. and Edith A.
Father, Hiram Frazier, has beeu In business
twenty-eight years.
Gale Henry S.. p o Warnerville, physician and surgeon,
born in Richmond county January 18, 1849, read
medicine wiih Dr J. N. Spencer, commenced prac-
tice in 18lili. attended lectures at the University of
Philadelphia, In 1888 and 187:) settled In county In
Fulton In 1s7l, and commenced practice of medi-
cine in Warnerville In April. 1881 ; wife Cella New-
man, born in 185S, married August 26, 1870; chil-
dren four.
dordon Julius B. po RlrhmnnrtTlll*. f»rtni-r •
l.orn in |...
d»(iiiht.-r of Hit,.
Hartwe
Hart i
Hartwe : . -,| ,,.r,,
ran and
Adella Johnaon.
Holmo Harvey, p o Hlchmondvlll* farmer '.•
farm i
miali t'roiu. niari .
;»m K Father. Willlai
rtt settlers of Pulton.
Holmes William .1 mo arm. born In
I ui'. .TI M. 11 <n In laM, ha*
iMloner; wr
ance. uinri.
James and Hannu:
harle, and •
Harrowaj Jamei. p o Kiehmondrillr. autloa aod azprcM
afrent. 4i<[)»' •• . mi«t W,
IHao, hait br«-n su|»
railroad commlailoner; wife Maria, d»u.
John Warner, married In November. IH|.-'.; chlldrm
three— Ellas J. Mel. In W . ai :
der. Father Ellai llarroway, of Connecticut, set-
tled In town In April. 18X>.
Holmes John, p o Rlcbmondvllle, dealer In general mer
chandise. born in Kulton. < ictober (, 18M. aetllod
In town In 187S, baa been overaeer of poor two
years; wife Jane A. Drew, of Renawlaer connty.
married in 1*57; children living two— ROM, and
John D. Father W I HUm waa son of James Holm**
a native uf New Jeraey.
Isham Charles, p o West Richmondville. aaw mill proprie-
tor, and farmer. IfiO acres, bora In Sewsrd, Octo-
ber 14 1824. settled In town In IHM. Is portmaater;
wife Mary, daughter of John Fmter.of Kichmond-
ville. married In I-:-:: children two— Mary and
Frances. Father Benjamin Isham of Connect li-nt,
settled In town about 181-j, and was aon of John
Isham.
Jones Rev. LeUrand, p o Rlcbmondville. paator of M. B.
church, born In Fultonville. Montgomery county,
November 27, IH45, settled In county In aam« year,
enlisted in Company I. 131th Heirt N. Y . VoU . aa
private, waa promoted to Flnlt Lieutenant, com-
menced preaching at (Quaker St.. In 1-7-J. ordslned
Elder In 187«. and came to present charge In !**>:
wife .Martha Hrazee. of Frankllnton. married March
18, IWtt; children two.
Jones George, p o Went Richmondville. farmer W acre*.
born In Fulton, September I1.'. I'M". Milled In town
In April, 1813, baa been justice of peace; wife Carrie.
daughter of Chauncey Beard, of Jefferson, mar-
ried July 4, IHH7; children one -Chauncey. Father
Stephen 8 Jones, of Albany county, on" of first
settlers In Fulton, grandfather George Koseman.
also an early settler In Fulton.
Joslyn Daniel R.. p. o Richmondville. farmer 13R acm. bora
In Albany eounty, September 4. 18*. »ettl",| in
county In I83(. baa been higbwa/ con.mlaaloner of
town: wife Abigail N . daughter <>f Edward and
Susan Klnnlcutt, married November ». 1*42:
children living, six. Parents Rich.rd atd Marga-
ret Joslyn.
Kling Francis, p o Cobleskill. fanner and owner of stone
quarry. 13» acres, born in Sharon. December »,
1818 settled on present farm In l«H. has been over-
se«-r of poor; wife Mary K Foland. married In
184*; children tbree— Margaret, Harriet, and
George H. Father John G. Kllng.
LaMont William T . p o Rlcbmondville. dealer In flour feed,
and groceries, born In Cbarlottville. November*?.
1890, settled In town In 1**\ has ><«en aupervlaor:
wife Mary Rogers, of Massachusetts, daughter of
Rev. Aaron Rogers of the N. Y Conference, owr-
ried In September, 18M; children three— Ella,
Wilbur F.. and W. Stanley. Father Thomas W.,
was son of William LaMont. Jr.
, XV111
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Mann Henry, Jr., po Warnerville, resident, 54 acres, born in
Warnerville, February 20, 1803, has been sheriff;
wife Ann Eliza Mann, ot town, married in 1822;
children one — Helen M. Segar. Father Peter G.
Mann, was one of early settlers in town.
Mann George L., p o Warnerville, farmer, 213 acres, born on
present farm, August 6, 1829; has been collector
and overseer of poor; wife Nancy Catharine,
daughter of Abram I). Lawyer, married in Janu-
ary. 1853; children living two— Celia and Veda.
Father Henry Mann, settled on farm at an early
day.
Mann James H., p o Richmondville, farmer, born in Kich-
mondviile. Father Peter H. Mann, was son of
John Mann, one of first settlers of town.
Mann George H , p o Richmondville, farmer and saw-mill
proprietor. 62 acres, born on present farm March
30, I*'-'-.'; wife Lovina Mucky, of Blenheim, married
in 1841; children one. Alvit.zo. Father John Mann.
Maim Egbert, p o Hichmondville. commercial agent, born in
Hiehmondville, November 12, 1837; wife Amelia
Lawyer, married in February, 1863; children one
Alida. Father Abraham was son of Colonel Peter
G. Mann.
Mann Isaac, p o Richmondville, civil engineer and surveyor,
born in Hichmondville, April V], 1815, has been
Superintendent of schools, inspector of elections,
overseer of poor, highway commissioner, and no-
tary public; wife Elizabeth Atkins, married Jan-
uary 27, 1812; children living five. Father Colonel
Peter G. Mann.
Mann Tobias, p o Richmondville, farmer, 130 acres, born in
Richmondville. October 2, 1818, has been super-
visor; wife Juliana Pitcher, of Middleburgh, mar-
ried May 30. 1838. children three— Sylvester N.,
Philip, and Nancy E. Bartlett. Father Philip, son
of George Mann.
McDonald Sylvester, p o Warnerville, farmer and assessor,
llti acres; born in Richmondville, March 20, IH25,
.settled on farm in 1863; wife Louisa Gorse, of Ful-
ton, married October 2. 1850, children two— Willis
and Arthur. Father Robert was son of John Mc-
Donald, who came to town June 1, 1799, and died
there.
Mickel Tobias, p o Warnerville, farmer and saw-mill propie-
tor, 248 acre?, born in Cobleskill. July 7, 1X2!). set-
tled on present farm in 18.8; wife Amelia Waldorf,
of town; children five Parents George and Cath-
arine Mickel. Grandfathers Andrew Mickel and
Philip Foland, were early settlers in Richmond-
ville.
Moore John E., p o Richmondville, farmer, 50 acres, born in
Chester, Hamden county, Mass , in 1809, settled in
county March 18. 1817, has been census enumera-
tor, justice of sessions, and inspector of schools-
wife Mary Draper, of. town, married March 27, 1834;
children living, three— Oliver A., Celia B. Cole, and
Elizabeth Kellogg.
Moot Fred., p o Hichmondville, farmer, 207 acres, born in
Summit, April 15. 1831, settled in town in 1856, has
been mpervisor; wife Mary Rider, of Summit
married in 1855. Father Henry Moot, was son of
Frederick, one of first settlers of Summit.
Moot James H.. p o Richmondville, hop grower and grain
farmer, 156 acres, born in Summit, March 21, 1828,
settled on present farm in 1868; wife Catharine
Wharton, of Summit, married in 1850; children
three, living two— Silas H., Flora A., and Albert
(deceased). Father Henry Moot.
Olendorf Alfred M., p o Richmondville. owner of planing
mill and sash and blind factory, born in Otsego
county in 1822, settled in county in 1862, owns 129
acres land; wife Alice Rogers, married in 1862'
children five— Florence E., Julia M., Margaret E
Carrie, and Edith. Father Jacob Olendorf.
Olmstead J. B., p o Richmondville, editor Democrat.
Ostrander George W., p o Richmondville, dealer in drugs
and hardware, born in Summit, October 26, 1837,
settled in town in 1851; wife Libbie, daughter of
James Harroway, married November 28, 1867.
Father Levi, was son of Hubbard Ostrander, who
settled in county about 18-0.
Ostrom Joshua T.. p o Richmondville, farmer, 75 acres born
in Albany county, February 10, 1804, settled in
county in 1820. has been highway commissioner'
wife Polly M. Fuller, married January 10. 182?'
died February 6, 1870; children living, four— George
L., Elijah T , Warren W., and Adelaide Babcock
Parents John and Sarah (Tompkins) Ostrom
Paul Rev. J. S., p o Richmondville, pastor of Lutheran
church, born in Easton. Pa.. November 9 1847
settled in county August S2, 1877, licensed to
preach in June. 1876, and ordained in June, 1377
educated at Hartwick Seminary, Otsego county'
wife Carrie Reimel, of Johnsville, Pa., born July 29
1854, married March 16, 1872.
Posson Henry, p o Warnerville, farmer, <X) acres, born in
Wright, October 11, 1812, settled in town in 1870;
first wife Jauette Forsyth; second wife Rosanna
Young: third wife Aceneth Crippen; children live.
Father, Peter, was son or Peter Pi sson, of Rhine-
beck.
Rockefeller William, p o Hichmondville, speculator and
farmer. 50 acrec. born in Germantowu, Columbia
county, in 1811, settled in county In 1812; wife
Eliza Foland, of Cobleskill, bom in lt-08, mairied
in 1S30; children living, one— Catharine C. Height-
myer. Parents, John and Sally Rockefeller, of
Germantown.
Rogers Benjamin C., p o Richmondville, farmer and horti-
culturist. 21 acres, born in Richmond May 1, 1834,
settUd in village in 1855. has been justice: first
wife Mary Pixley: second wife Cornelia Fuller;
children three— Joseph E., George W. and Mary L.
Father, Elisna F. Rogers.
Shafer Peter M , p o Warnerville, drover and cattle dealer,
born in village July 2(i, 1819, has been overseer of
poor, assessor, and excise commissioner; wife
Lydia Van Dreeser; second wife llauniih E. Houck-;
children living, seven. Parents, David and Eva
Shafer.
Shafer Henry A., p o Warnerville. farmer, 287 acres, born oil
present farm May 30, 1804; wire Elizabeth, clanj;h-
ter of John Joe Miafer, married iu 182'J; children
living, eight. Father, Henry Shafer, Jr. was first
settler on farm in 1797.
Shafer Gideon N., p o Richmondville, blacksmith and
farmer, 87 acres, born in town February 4, 1836,
settled on farm in 1857; wife Elizabeth, daughter
of Peter Haverly, of Albany county, married in
1856: children three- Sanford G, Bmanuel, and
Nela M. Father, Henry A. Shafer.
Sheldon Philip W., p o Hichmoudville insurance agent,
born in Seward September 1, 1-33. settled in town
in 18-18; wire Anna C., daughter of Stephen Osborn,
married February 13, 1803. Father. William, son
of John Sheldon, who came from Schenectady.
Slater Erastus W. p o Richmondville, farmer. 5 acres,
born in Sclmhnrio April 6, 182!P, settled in town in
1831, has been asse^or; wife Hannah Nipe, mar-
ried in 18.11; children three— Ellen, Mary, and
Thomas. Parents, William and Hanmih Slater.
Smith Emonds W . p o Richmondville, commercial agent,
born in Wilton, Maine. May 2, 1853. settled in
county September II, 188(1; wife Ettie. daughter of
Peter and Sally Houghton, married in 187); chil-
dren two— Spencer E , and Freddie J. Father,
William B Smith.
Smith Andrew, p o West Kichmondville, farmer, 180 acres,
born in Rirhmondville in 1H17; wife Lucinda
Mosier, of Schenectady county, married in 18)4;
children one— John A. Father, John Smith, native
of Albany, was soldier in war of 1812, and first
settler on farm.
Snyder Edward L , p o Richmondville, attorney and coun-
selor, born iu Columbia county .lune ]ll. l-M!i,
settled iu county January 6, 18ti9. has been justice
of peace and justice of sessions, was graduated at
Union College in 1861, and admitted to practice
May 5, 1864; wife Estella Decker, married Novem-
ber 12, 1S67; children one— Byron W.
Spencer Nirum. p o West Fulton, farmer and painter, born
in town February 18, 1841. has been town clerk end
collector; wife Albii.a C. Fellows, married in 1865;
children five Pwreuts, Ambrose and Hannah
Spencer. Farm has been in family about forty-
five years.
Stevens Ambrose B , p o Richmondville, machinist, born in
Durham, Greene county, in 1837, settled in county
in 1842: wife Martha A Ballard, ot Williamstown,
Oswego county, married in 1861; children one,
adopted — Matie L. Father, Obediah Stevens, of
Duchess county.
Sutphen Michael, p o Richmondville, farmer, 110 acres. boru
in Seward July 8. 1836, settled in town in 1849; wife
Emeline Rechmire, married in 1847; children nine.
Father, Joseph, son of Richard Sutpuen, a soldier
of the Revolution.
Swain John I., p o Richmondville, farmer, 70 acres, born In
Greenbush July 8, 1828, settled in county in 1835,
has been assessor; wife Jane Van Alstine. Par-
ents, Isaac and Hannah Swain.
Tanner James, p o N o. 362 Ninth ctreet, Brooklyn, tax col-
lector of Brooklyn, born in Hichmondville April
4, 1844, read law with Judge William C. LaMont in
1866. was admitted in 18M, elected commander of
the Grand Army of the Republic, wa« deputy col-
lector of port of New York. Soldiers Home at
Bath was built through his instrumentality. Wife
Meroah White, married November 17, 1866; chil-
dren four.
1'KKSONAL STAT!.- i
Terrel Stepuen A., p o West Klchmomivllle, bop and dairy
farmer, born in Rlcnmondvllle September IV. 1H.'.;
wife Florence J. Smith, of town, married In July,
l-ii'.i: children o Kdilh I.. Parent*. Samuel K.
and Julia A. Terrel.
Van Patten Nicholas I!., p o Kifhmondville. hop and dairy
farmer, lls HITCH, liorn in HI. hmmidvllle < >. T
K, IH'tM; wife Selina Mumon. of SIM it, n.urrled
January 1*, 1H>B: children seven. I'u-ents, James
and Sarah Van I'utten, the former a native of Al-
btiny county, was one of early settlers of town In
IS-Ct.
Walker James H.. p o Cobleskfll, larmer and wagon manufac-
turer, HO acres. Ijorn In present town May :l», IMI ;
wife Jemima Clnte, of Saratoga county, married in
|M,,; ,- hii.ii. ii six. PurentH, Samuel and KhodaM.
Walker.
Warner Sylvester, p o Warnerville, farmer and Raw mill
proprietor, HiO acres, born on present farm Janu-
ary -.'li. IMI: wife Aihdine llollenbeck. of (iiiboa,
married .March --J', . IMI'.I: rhlldren one— Marcus D.,
born January 4, 1K7U. Father, Jacob D., ion of
David Warner.
Wainer James, p o Warnerville, farmer and owner of saw-
mill with Sylvester, 1UO acres, born in town April
•{. IS-*!], has been supervisor; wife Adaline llecker,
01 Wright, married January --'I. l-'.-J: ehlldren one
— Kittle. Parents Marcus and Katie Warner.
Warner Tobias B , p o Hicbmondvllle, pbotograpber, born
in Richraomlville- Oct., her 11, 1S«7, settled In vil-
lage in 1865; wile Lizzie Palmer, of Albany county,
married January 9, IKM; children one— Arthur T.
!• ai her. Peter, wasacn ot George Warner, the tlmt
settler ot town.
Warner Tobias I. , p o Warnerville, farmer, born In town
June 27, 1840, was first excise commissioner of
town; wife Jennie .Mnnn. married in October,
Children one— Kate 11. Father, Jacob D.,
son of David, the- son of George Warner.
Westover Hon. John, p o Kichmondville, farmer and dealer
in real estate, IHIO acres, born In Berkshire county
Massachusetts. July 8, 17VT, settled In county in
1808, has been justice, member of assembly, super-
visor, and judge ot Court of Common Pleas, also
president of Bank of Richmond ville; wife Cathar-
ine, Miles, of Schoharie, married in 1832.
Woods Henry, p o Kichmondville, machinist, of firm of
Stevens & Woods, born in Gllboa, was highway
commissioner In 1861, and built the Iron bridge
then; wife Nancy, daughter of llenry Warner, of
town, married in 1851. Father, William Woods.
Zen Thomas W., p o Kichmondville, butcher, born in Kich-
mondville August 1U, 1H2M, has been town clerk;
wife Calphurula Groat, married in January, 1854;
children living, two — Thomas and Maggie. Father,
Chrlsjohn, was son ot David Zeh, the Revolutionary
soldier.
Zeh Thomas W., po Richmondvllle, dealer in boots, shoes,
and groceries, born in Kichmondville March 26,
1830, has been supervisor, county clerk, and jus-
tice of the peace; wife Lucinda A. DeGraff, mar-
ried In 1856; children three— Jennie, John, and
Bonnie. Father, John, son ot David Zeb.
SEWARD.
Borst Smith, p o Seward.
Bruce E. O., p o Hyndsvllle, physician.
Defandorf L. M , p o Hyndsvllle, farmer.
Enipie Benjamin, p o Sharon.
Empie P, O., p o Hyndsville, farmer.
Eldredge Edward G., p o Sharon Hill.
France Gilbert G., p o Seward.
France William G., p o Seward.
Hallenbeck Abram H., p o Hyndsvllle.
Hagadoru James, p o Seward.
Houck W., p o Hyndsville.
Hynds O., p o Hyndsville.
Klock Sylvester, p o Hyndsvilte.
Kromer Harrison, p o Cobleskill.
Lain Isaac W., p o Seward.
L»tt» Chester, p o Cobtosklll.
Loucks llenry, p o Sharon Hill.
Markle Lawyer 8., p » Hynd«vnle. hotel proprietor.
Marclry David, p o Hyndsvllle.
Man-ley Fre.leri, k |. .. lit ndollle.
Man-ley William II , p o llymlsvllle.
Mother Edgar, p o llyndsvllle.
Murcley Toblaa, p o r.ible.lr ill.
Myers John A., ]. o lljnil»vllle.
Olmstcd Albert |. .. r,,hleaklll.
Osterhoiit l>. II.. |. o roblesklll.
Ottman B. K , p o Seward.
Oilman P , p o Lawyersvllle.
Preston J, E., p o Seward, station agent.
Rowley A. W., p o llyndtvllle.
Sexton Hiram, p o HyndsvtlU.
Smith Andrew, p o Seward.
Strall Henry, p o Seward.
Vandewerki-r David, p o Reward.
Van Duaen Charlei, p o Soward Station.
Warner Henry A, p o Seward, miller.
Wtnegard Albert, p o Seward. miller.
Wright Bros., p o Seward Valley.
Young Adam, p o Hyndarllle.
Toung Peter, p o Lawyetsrllle.
Young Menzo. farmer.
SCHOHARIK.
Bailey Charles, p o Schoharle.
Barley Martin D., p o Soboharle.
Barton Theodore, p o Shutter'* Corner*, farmer and stock
dealer. 'UO acres, born In Washington, rnrhm
• county. Oototer4, 1795. untied In county February
IV. IHI8. has been sheriff, supervisor, and aaaeuor;
wife Rebecca German, of Stanford, burn In 17W,
married In 1K1K; children four— Joiiah. bom In
lft«. Mary A , In ia'11. Lucretla In 1X33. and Emmet t.
In I
Becker Myron H,p o Central Bridge, general merchant,
owns store, born In Scb- barle county In IKM. eatab-
llshed In business at Central Bridge In 1-7-: wife
Lydla Bloomlngdale, ot Albany county, married
In 1877.
Bellinger Alexander, p o East Cobleaklll, farmer. 116 acre*,
born In county In 18&; wife Dolly Livingston,
married In INiT; children five. Falner John N.
Belllnicer, of Mlddleburgb. born In 17TO. died In
1874. farmer; wife Maria Si-hell, of county, died la
INiS; children six. (irandfatber was a Revolu-
tionary soldier.
Bergh Peter 8 , p o Schoharle, farmer and merchant, born
in county In IH-ttf, has been aaaeaaor. and railroad
commissioner; wife Amelia Diet*, of county, mar-
ried in 1870. Father David Bergb. burn In fiDo,
died In August. 1X79, farmer. Grandfather Abra-
ham Bergb, waa a Revolutionary noldler.
Bombeck John, p o Central Bridge.
Bouck Davlrt I., p o Schobarle, farmer, ITS arrea, born In
county In 1842, has been commlulnner; wife Delia
M. Kilmer, born In 1MB, married September 5,
l!>«6; children one- John D.. born In 1MW. Father
John D. llouck. born In Mlddleburgb, In 1BI2. died
February 11. 18&5; wife Maria E. Angel, born la
1815, died In 1980; children three.
Brown Albert, p o Schoharle, dealer In bay and straw, born
In Albany county In ]W!i, nettled la county In IH47:
wife Fidelia T. North, of Delaware oonuiy, married
In 18IJ; children three— Helen T., Henry A., and
Sarah B.
Borst John, p o Schoharle C. B.
Case D. E.. p o Schoharle, dealer In furniture, ard under-
taker, born In county In ItctS ; wife Mary Jane
Mulford. married In 18&4. died In 1878; cblldr-M
one— Jennie N.; aecond wife Charlott Mayham.
married In 1876.
XX
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Clark Peter S., p o Sohoharie. postmaster, born in Seho-
harie January 20, 1842, owns house and lot; wife
Annie M. Crounse of Schoharie, married May 15,
ISlii; children four.
Couch Charles, 'p o Schoharie, farmer and agent, born in
Si-h.marie in 18 5.
Couch Smith B., p o Schoharie, farmer 200 acres, born in
Duchess county. In 1811, settled in county in 1841;
wife Annie Southerland, married in 18«6: children
one_Charles. Mrs. Lydia A. Eaton, born in coun-
ty in 1833, married In 18IM; children two— Lee, and
Sarah M. Maria Couch liorn in Duchess county in
1815, came to county in 1839, retired.
Deyo Philip, p o Schoharie, photographer, born in Scho-
bariein ls','7, has been loan commissioner and town
clerk; wife Sarah Iiro-.vn, of Albany county, mar-
ried in 1850; children one— Charles A. Father
John Deyo, burn in Duchess county in 1790, came
to county in 1818. died in isr>2. tailor; wife Cath-
arine Shafer. of county, married in 1812, died in
1877, aged S4 years.
Dietz Paul, mason and builder, born in Albany county in
May 1813, settled iu county in 1831, died June 15,
iss'i o\\md hmiicstcad ; wife Catharine Best, of
Schoharie, born in ISIS, married in 1819. Her
father David Best, born January 10, 17S9, died
January 111, 1836; wife Lana Dietz of Schoharie,
burn in 1791, died Fruary 10, 1871; children living
four.
Driesbeck Jacob, p o Schoharie, farmer 80 acres, born in
county in 182!); wife Nancy Woodcock of county,
married in !*'<'>: children seven. Father Adam
Driesbeck of Schoharie, born in 1798, died in 1K74;
wife Rebecca-Sternbergh. of county, born in 1803,
married in 1819, died in 1875; children two.
Durand Treat, p o Remington, Jasper county, Ind.
Farquha Arthur H., p o Schoharie, dealer in general furni-
ture and undertaking goods, born in Albany coun-
ty in 1840, settled iu county in ISlil; wife Marcia
Bergen, of county, married in 1866, died in 1875;
children three; second wife Ida May Schoolcraft,
of county, married in 1878. Business firm of Far-
quha & Case.
Ferris H W. p o Schoharie, proprietor of Parrott House,
born in Carlisle in 184(1, has been trustee of corpo-
ration; wife Maggie P. Browne, of Scotland, mar-
ried in 1867.
Fisher Albert L., p o Central Bridge, dealer in stoves and
general bouse furnishing goods, commenced busi-
ness in 186ii, born in Schoharie in 1838, has been
postmaster; wife Vermjlia A. Enders, married in
1866, died in 1876; children four; second wife Hat-
tie E Knickerbocker, of Monroe counly, married
in 1880.
Guernsey Matthew, p o Howe's Cave.
Grant John B , p o Schoharie. lawyer, 356 acres, born in Gil-
boa December 28. 1845; wife Augusta K. Grant, of
Gilboa, married September 10, 1870; children two.
Guernsey Hirnm, p o East Cobleskill.farmer and hop grower,
120 acres, born in Schoharie county in 1X4'-'; wife
Mary A. Van Wie, of county, married in 1870; chil-
dren six— Flora L , Leonard, Franklin, Ruby, Ru-
pert, and Arthur. Father, John Guernsey.
Guernsey Giles P., p o Howe's Cave, farmer, 84 acres, born
in Middleburgh in 1848; wife Charlotte Cole, of
Schoharie, married in 1876; children three— Vel-
more, Virgil, and Leah. Father, John Guernsey.
Hays Arthur, p o Schonari*, merchant, born April 13. 1848;
wife Aurelia Rickert, of Scboharie, married Janu-
ary 14, 1874.
Hollenbeck Nicholas, p o Schoharie, farmer, 180 acres, born
in county in 1816, has been assessor; wife Hannah
West, of county, born in 1823. married in 18411; chil-
dren three — Helen, Sophia C., and Martha. Father,
Jacob Hollenbeck, of Albany county, horn in 1785,
dind in 1877, farmer: children seven. Grandfath-T,
Nicholas Hollenbeck, settled in Middleburgh from
Albany county at an early day.
Hunt A. A., p o Schoharie.
Kilmor Thomas J , p o Schoharie, physician, born in Scho-
harie in 1833; wife Mina Kilmor, married in 1851;
children four. Father, Daniel Kilmor, born in 1800,
died in 1861.
Kilmor Jonas, p o Schoharie. retired farmer, born in Colum-
bia county in 1795, settled in county in 1803,
has been supervisor; wife Nancy Miller, of
county, married in 1816, died in 18JO, children nine;
second wife Polly Woodworth, born in -Albany
county in 1801, married in 1848, died July 10, 1877;
children one. Father, John Kilmor, of Columbia
county, settled in county in 1803, farmer; wife
Polly Sipperly, of Columbia county.
Kromer C. C., p o Schoharie.
Larkin John, p o Central Bridge, farmer, 180 acres, born in
county in 1827; wife Nancy Enders, of county, born
in 1839. married in 18.VJ; children four. Father,
Daniel Larkin, of Khode Island, born iu 1790, came
to county in IT'.W, dieil in l*iis, hold office of sheriff
and elector for president.
Lawyer John W., p o Schoharie, farmer and superintendent
of public works, 70 acres, born in Herkimer county
in 1825, has been deputy sheriff and railroad com-
missioner ; wife Mary E. Snyder. of county born
iu 18:i7, married in 1856; children two— Ella R., and
Phillip S. Father, Nicholas Lawyer, farmer.
Lawyer George, p o Schoharie, retired farmer, born in
Schoharie in 1807. has been assessor; wife Catha-
rine Vroman, of Fulton, born in 1807, married in
1S.1S; children five — James born in 1H4I, Charles in
1S13, Anna in is.)r», Emma in 1S47, and Mary born in
lsi'1. Father Jacob I. Lawyer born in county la
17 73, died January 16, 1834; wife Mrs. Nancy Sprak-
er. of Montgomery county, born December 15,
1780, married in 1799; children nine, living four.
Grandfather Jacob Lawyer of Revolutionary days.
Livingston Lester F., p o Schoharie, farmer 112 acres, born in
county in 18'it; wife Amelia M. Rich, of Schnharie,
married in IHTti; children one— Eugene R. Father
Benjamin Livingston.
Loucks Peter A., p o Scboharie, carpenter and builder, horn
in Schobarie in 181S. has been assessor; wife Nan-
cy M. Saffer ot county, married September 4 is 1 1,
children six. Father Henry Loucks, born in Mont-
gomery county in 1T'.15, came to county in 1814, died
in 1859; wife Katy, daughter of Jacob Snyder of
county.
Mayham S. L. and F. M., p o Schoharie.
Mann Ephraim J,. p o Schoharie. general custom miller, and
proprietor of feed and cider mill, born in Verm nt
in 1817. settled in county in 1826; wife Sophia Angle
of Albany county, married in 1844; children two —
Ida and Edward V. Father Thomas .Mann, was
born in Vermont, came to county in I860, died in
1877.
Mann Peter J., p o Middleburgh, retired farmer, born in
county in 1812; wife Catharine Sternberg.of county,
born in 18111, married in 1842, died in 1872; children
three— Christina F., Eunice E., and Anna E. Pa-
rents Peter and Christina (Snyder) Mann of
county.
Mann George W.. p o Schoharie, farmer 110 acres, born in
Scboharie in 1811, has b.ien commissioner of high-
ways: wife Pervilla Griffeth, of c mnty. married
in 1888! children five. Father Jacob G. Mann.
Mereness George E., p o Schoharie, farmer, born in Mont-
gomery county in 1849, settled in county in ]s;'|;
wife Helen Bergh, of county, married iu 1877; chil-
dren one Stewart L. Her father David Bergh,
born in county in 1797, died in 1879.
Murphy William B.. p o Schoharie, county clerk, owns 75
acres, boru September 26. 1834, settled in county
in 1846, has been justice of the peace; wife Julia E.
Swart, married July 31, 18(16; children three.
Grandfather Timothy Murphy, of Revolutionary
memory.
Mix F. G,, p o Schoharie.
Norwood Dr. Jacob E.. p o Schoharie, physician and sur-
geon, born in county in 1840; wife Emma L. Nor-
man Smith, married in 1874; children four.
Patrick Jacob H., p o Howe's Cave, farmer and builder. 105
acres, born in county in 1S:;»1; wife Gertrude Knis
kern of county, born in 1844, married in 1861; chil-
dren five.
Rich Charles, p o Central Bridge, farmer and proprietor of
hotel, owns 100 acres and hotel, born in county in
in 1814, purchased hotel in 1850, which had b-en
rebuilt about 1S30, by Mr. Smith; wife Salvina
Warner, born iu county in 1818, married in 18)1.
Father John Rich, born in Duchess county in 1770,
settled in county in 1814, died in 1823.
Rickard Hamilton, wagon and sleigh manufacturer, 45
acres, born in county in 1821. died in 1853; wife
Rebecca Mattice. born in county in 1821, married
in 1848; children two— Leonard H. and Charles. Fft-
ther,Leonard Rickard;wife Julia Beecraft. of coun-
ty, married in 1778. William Mattice, father of Re-
becca, born in county in 1774, died in 1848; wife
Magdalene Rinehart, of Germany, died in 1829.
Rickard Jacob, p o Schoharie farmer and machinist, 306
acres, born in Wright in 1840. has been supervisor;
wife Mina Freddendall of county, married in 1867;
children two— Emma and Forrest. Father, George
D. Rickard, born iu county in 181S, died in 1880,
farmer, son of D. G. Rickard.
I'KRSONAI. STATISTICS.
xxi
Root Orson, p o Schoharie, retired stage and mall con-
trui'ior. hum In Chenango county In nil, aettled
in county in is 11. has been nhnrirf of county wifo
Eliza A Sweet, married in Is'il; .-hlldren six.
Scbarffer Jaeoh II.. |i <i Seliolmrle. retired farmer, 100 acrei
hoi 11 in eounty in IKiiH; wife Ann Allda Groosbeck.
liorn in Srh.'i iinly county in 1807, married June
2n. is •„>.•.; ..hilclren I.,.,, lleii'lrlck. .lame. Ann K
Christian II.. Mary M., Gertrude. Jacob Henri
ami Martin Lather, itwinm. (iiileon and Kaonle
Jacob Hnnry was horn in ronnlv in 1845; wife
Maria M Mucker, of county, married in :-
ilren three.
Schaeffer Martin Luther, p o Schoharle. farmer. 160 acres,
horn ill Srlinharlii in 1S21; wife. Churloite I.HII.IOH.
born in Vermont in is-.'ii. man,.
eight-Lottie I,., C. Hoyt. Jennie L.. Krauk C,
Laura V., Kichanl C. H . William L , and Marcus
A. Father, < hristian II Selia- rter of county
born March 12. i;s;. died July I. I1-..'; wife Jane
Schaeffer, of Cobleskill, born In 1786, married
in Ittu-i, died in |s;n; children Hve. Grand-
father, Ilenilriens Schaeffer, of county, born
in 175;!, died in is,;.'.
Sohoolcraft Hiram, p o Scboharie, proprietor of hotel and
farmer, i.orn in county In 1N24, has been super-
visor and assessor: wife Electa Becker, of county,
born in 1881. married in KM; children one— Mary,
born in 1KOO. Father, John Schoolcraft, born In
Wright, October 14, 1789, died November 5, 186*;
wife Mary Settle, of county, born in 171)0, died In
Novemher, isiii; children fi ur, living two. Grand-
father, Jacob Schoolcraft, was a Revolutionary
soldier.
Settle J. H., p o Schobarie. general carriage and sleigh
manufacturer, born in county in 1H24; wife Fran-
ces Best, of Columbia county, married In 18fi6.
Father, John II Settle, born in county In 1809,
died in is;*. Grandfather, Henry Settle, born In
Albany county.
Stafford Robert N., p o Schoharle, general carriage and
wagon manufacturer, born in Vermont in 1881,
settled in county in 1845; wife Sarah II. Simmons,
of county, married in 1853.
Sternbergb John, p o Schoharie, retlrid farmer, 110 acres,
born In Schoharie in 1826; wife Mary Scbaefler, of
county, born In 1821, married January 1!!, 1846;
children one — a sou born In 1846. Father. Adam
Sternbergb. of county, born April 19, 1788. died
June 7, 1872; wife Catharine Sohaeffer, of county;
married October 30, 18t#, died May 28, 18«5; chil-
dren living, two. Grandfather. Lambert Stern-
bergb, born in county in 1757, died July 1, 1829.
Swart Peter S., physician, born in Schobarie July 15, 1801,
has been county treasurer; firvt wife Maria Snyder,
married is-ji; second wife Era Eliza Michaels, of
Scboharie C. H., married December 14, 18C9.
Vroman Jacob, p o Scbobarie, retired farmer and owner of
branch R. It , 250 acres, born in county in 1808;
wife Maria Vroman. of county, born in 1809, mar-
ried in 1827; children six— David B., Luclan,
Charles. Cornelius P., Peter C., and William J.
Vroman Peter C., p o Schoharie, farmer. 102 acres, born in
county in 1848; wife Annie M., daughter of Jacob
M Snyder, born in county in 1817, married in 1869;
children three. Father, Jacob Vroman.
West Jeremiah, p o Schohari", farmer, 100 acres, born in
Albany county in 1820, died In 1871, settled In
county when quite young; wife Catharine West,
born in Sharon in 1822, married in 1848; children
three— Mary, Millard, and Addison.
Widmann George, p o Schoharie. cigar manufacturer, born
in Germany In 1830, settled in county In 1851; wife
Theressia Widmann, of Baden, Germany, married
In 1854, died in 1806; children six: second wife
Catharine Scbance, of Bavaria, Germany, married
in 1806; children two.
Wood Francisco, p o Schoharie, proprietor of hotel, born
in county in 1821, has held several county and
town offices; wife Rebecca Outerhout, of Albany
county, married in 1849; children three— Edwin D.,
Benjamin It . and Edna.
Willsey J D , p o East Cobleskill, farmer, 100 acres, bornln
Albany county in 1814. settled in county in 1832,
has been assessor and commissioner; wife Ger-
sey was a descendant of Holland emigrants at an
early day, and a Revolutionary soldier.
Williams James O., |> o Sebol .
Youngs !>.< -
»4 been county comml
wife Romell* Laiulriitu of
Schobart*
l.lldr.n on*. Father. BmlU
•"US.
Zeh Joseph H . *cn»ral . u.totn miller. born In Albaay
• Albany county, married In 1MB;
children our- Amelia,
SHARON.
Anthony John, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, N| acres, born In
Sharon December 13. 18)5. settled on present farm
In 1838; wile Kate Button, of Montgomery
married October *n, IMO; children three— Minnie,
rrederlok C., and Anna A. Father, Christian, son
of Jacob Anthony.
Banta Jaeob J , p o Sharon Springs, farmer, OS acres, born
on lame farm August 11. I«2«; wife Mary M Mass,
of Sharon, married February ZS, l*7n; on* dau«h-
ter— Grace. Father, Jacob, son of Jacob Banta,
of Saratoga county, wbo settled on same farm in
BH
Baxter John Dewllt, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 75 acres,
born on farm adjoining present on* In 1MB. baa
been collector; wife Catharine Vroman, married
In 1888. Father, Abram Baxter, was son of John
Baxter, the first settler on lot It.
Baxter Ualhlas. p o Seward, farmer, 1*4 acrea. bom In
Greene county, November 27. 1K». settled on pres-
ent farm In 1X5;; wife Charlotte E. strobeck, of
Seward, married October K, 1858: children tare*
-Magdalene E.. Hiram 8., Anna Maria. Father,
John, son of John Baxter.
Baxter Lawrence 'J., p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 132 acres,
born on farm adjoining present one August t, 1814,
settled on last farm in 1841. bas been assessor;
wife Lydla Kiiiule. married November IS, MB;
children five. Father. I'rlah Baxter, cam* from
Montgomery eounty and settled on farm adjoining
present one.
Becker Garret, p o Sharon Springs, farmer. 18S acres, born
on same farm, has been assessor and Inspector of
• elections. Father. Peter Becker, of A>bany county,
settled on same farm in 1808; wife Elisabeth Mere-
ness.
Bellinger Henry P., p o Sharon, farmer 57 acres, born on
farm where father lives April 27. 1HI7. settled on
present farm in 1874; wife Mary K. Parsons, mar-
ried January 5. 1875. Father, Peter H , son of
Henry, the son of John Bellinger, on* of the first
settlers of the county.
Bellinger Peter H., p o Sharon, farmer, 100 acres, born In
Seward, February 4, 1820, settled In town In 1846,
bas been supervisor two yesrs: first wire Maria
Hut ton; second Melinaa Reynolds: children »•—
Sarah, Henry. Lydia, Elijah, Elisha. Falh.r,
Henry Bellinger.
Berger Lewis C., p o Seward. farmer, M8 acres, born on
married In 187«. Mother. Permella Berger, adopted
daughter of David Becker, who lived on farm 50
years, died there In 1878.
Bereh Seneca, p o Sharon, farmer, IV acres, born In Scho-
harie December 4, 18x7. settled on same farm In
1857; wife Lucinda Lawyer, married In I8SO; chil-
dren three-Jefferson L . Frank, Mary. Father.
David, son of Abraham Bergb.
Borst George, p o Sharon Centre, farmer. 100 acres, settled
on farm in 1869; wife Cornelia DeGraff, married
October 14, 1867; children two— Cora M .Clark A.
Father David Borst. born March 5, 1808, son of
George, one of the early settlers.
Brown Wm. K., p o Sharon Springs, fanner. «*>•«"•. °<>™
in Montgomery county, February *«. 1845; wlf*
Emellne Houghtalllng. married In November, 1871;
children two— Frank, and Seward Brown. Parents
Daniel and Jemima Brown.
XX11
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Button Phelps, p o Ames, Montgomery county, farmer, 100
acres, born on same farm August 24, Ib34; wife
Margaret Ann Voorhees, married in December,
1 *.">;; child! en live— Edwin, Charles, Clarence,
Henry, Lula. Father. Matluas, son of Benjamin
Button, a soldier in the Revolution.
Borst John H., p o Sharon Hill, farmer, 160 acres, born in
Otsego county, in September, 182*4, settled in
county in 18s7; wife Mary Ann Empie; chil-
drt u three, one— Emma — by first wife; second
wife Elizabeth Kitts; children— Catharine M.,
Wesley I). Father. Henry 1)., son of David Borst,
an early settler in Seward.
Borst Luther, p o SewarJ, farmer, and dealer in musical in-
struments, 8 acres, born in Seward, November 23,
1*1.:. settled on present place in 1879; wife Ger-
trude Berber, married in 1865: one child— Alice.
Father, Martin, son of George Borst, an early set-
tler.
Borst David H., p o Seward, farmer, 147 acres, born in
Sharon, November 9, 1832, has been uver.-e.er of
!i
itiaron, novemmr y, iw», ua» ueeu wvwu
Joor; wife Gertrude Somers, married in 1801; ehil-
ren two— A deli ha, Howard. Father, Peter G.,
son of George Horst.
Borst M. L., p o Seward.
Best George J., p o Sharon Springs.
Collins Alexander, po Argusville, farmer 70 V acres, born in
Sharon, October 1, 1844. settled on present farm in
1807; wife Loritta Neville, married in 1807; chil-
dren two— Julia, Hattie. Parents, Peter and Re-
becca Collins.
Collins Peter J., p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 104 acres, born
in Sharon, September 28, 1811, settled on farm in
IMS; wife Rebecca Oltman, married September
26, 1838; children four— Walter, Alexander, Jean-
nettt), Henry. Father, John, son of Michael Col-
lins, one of the early settlers.
Craift Charles H.. p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 113 acres, born
in Carlisle, April 30. 181", settled ic Sharon in 1830,
has been school commissioner and supervisor; wife
Gertrude J., daughter of David Pero, married De-
cember 22, 1841; children three— Eleanor M , David
I., William H. Father, Redford Craig.
Crounse Henry V.. p o Sharon Centre, farmer, born in Al-
bany county, March 27. 1818, settled in county in
]K22; wife Clarissa Summers, married in 1844; chil-
dren two— Wellington, and Alexander. Parents,
John and Margaret Crounse.
Coons Alonzo B., p o Sharon Springs.
Crounse Wellington, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 48 acres,
born in Albany county May 27, 1845, settled in
county in 18.)2, and on present farm in 1871, was
member of Company K, 142d regiment, N. Y. Vols.,
in Rebellion; wire Lucinda Ressegieu, married in
1805; children three— Anna, Eva, Stanley. Father,
Henry V. Crounse.
Dempster William A., p o Sharon Springs, farmer, owns
house and lot, born in Albany county October 30,
1832. settled in county in 1870; wife Margaret
• Wilder; second wife Charlotte E. Stain; children
six -George W, Mary J., Harriet O., Mina O.,
Leonard C., Charles K.
Dillenbeck Yates, p o Argusville, farmer, 804 acres, born in
Montgomery county March 27, 1825, settled in
county in 1878, has been commissioner; wife
Agnes Van Wie, married January 1, 1835; children
two— George A., Arie V. Father, George Dillen-
beck.
Dockstader Adam A , p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 120 acres,
born on present farm March 1, 1820, has been town
clerk and justice of peace; wife Sally Winnie, of
Cherry Valley, married in 1840; children nine.
Father, Adam F. Dockstader, settled on same
farm in 1810.
Dockstader Ephraim. p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 175 acres,
born June 27, 1845; wife Dolly Maria Borst, mar-
ried in 1855. Father, Marcus, was son of George
Dockstader, a soldier of the Revolution.
Dockstader George, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 96 acres,
born in Sharon August 25, 1818, settled on present
farm in 1860, is railroad commissioner; wife Joan-
na Simmons, married in 1842; children three—
Alvin W.. H. Francelia, Ann Nettie. Father, Mar-
cus Dockstader.
Dockstader Alvin W.. p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 106 acres,
born in Carlisle April 7, 1844, settled on present
farm in 1876; wife Ellen Empie, married in 18fi7;
daughter— Joanna. Father, George, son of Marks
DocKstader.
Drake Albert, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 100 acres, born in
Cherry Valley in ]818. settled on present farm in
1843; wife Elizabeth C. Nas.li, married in 18-10; chil-
dren six — Cornelia A., Melviii D., Walter K., Helen
E., Albert N., Mary V. Father, Solomon Drake.
Eldredge Robert A., p o Soward, farmer, 5 acres, born ir.
Montgomery county July 20, 1818. settled in county
in 185(1; wife Anna C. P'rauee, of Seward, married
July 1, 1808; children two— Watson and Robert.
Fat'her. Robert, was son of Robert the son of Bar-
nabas Eldredge, one of first settlers of Sharon.
Eldredge Hrnry A., p o Sharon Hill, farmer, born on the
John Finder farm November 1, 1848, settled on
present farm in 1SH, has been assessor nine years;
wife Alviua J. Lehman, married in 1S05; children
four — Duryea li., Elizabeth, Ellen, Van Ness A.
Father, Van Ness, was son of Judge Robert
Eldredge.
Eldredge Van Ness, p o Sharon, farmer, born in Sharon
July 24, 1819, settled on present farm in 1844; wife
Margaret K. Moelli r, born January 11, 1824, mar-
ried January 10, 1839; children five — lU-nry A., Og-
den, John M.. llaxi'lions J., Ellen E. Father,
Judge Robert Eldredge.
Eldredge Nelson, p o Sharou",Centre. farmer and assessor,
100 acres, born in Sharon May :;, is-,1!, settled on
present farm in 18.V.1: wife Philotlie T. lliller, mar-
rii-cl October 4, 1843: children three— William H.,
FiiyettB S., Percy C. Father, Seth, was son of
BarnabajB Kldredge.
Empie Myron O., p o Sharon, farmer, 102 acres, born in Shar-
on. Sriitrtubcr 29. 1843, settled on present farm in
187(1: wife l-.inina Kling. of Carlisle, married Febru-
ary 2::, 1870: children five — Romeyu, Charles, Edgar,
Angie, Louis. Father, Gideon, was son of John
Empie.
Empie Philip A., p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 115 acres, born
in Sharon September 24. 1841, settled on present
farm in ls.1l: wife Rettie Van Zant, of Carlisle,
married April 3, 1878; children two— Clarence and
Clara. Father, John 1., was son of John Empie.
Empie Gideon, p o Sharon Hill, farmer, 375 acres, born on
same farm January 31, 1816; wife Susan Kilts, mar-
ried November 21, 1S40; children five— Sophia E.,
Myron O. L., Martha H., John J. Father, John I.
Empie.
Empie Leander, p o Sharon Springs, farmer. 130 acres, born
in Sharon February 28, 1810, . settled on
present farm in Is50; wife Elizabeth A. Fritcher,
married November 26, 1801 ; children seven.
Father, David Empie, was son of Adam Empie,
one of early settlers in Sharon.
Empie Dewitt C., p o Seward, farmer, 106 acres, born on
same farm April 26, 1810: wife Kate A. Borst, mar-
ried June 21, 1871; second wife Julia A. Atkins,
married June 30, 1880; children one— May Ethel.
Father, Peter Erapie, settled on same farm about
1830, was son of Peter Empie.
Eugell Moses, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 135 acres, born on
present farm September 2(>, 1814; wife Lucinda
Empie, of Sharon, married in 1840; children seven.
Father Peter Engell. died in December. 1853. Came
from Albany county in 1799, built the first grist-
mill in 18ii2, built a new mill in 1822. Moses Engell
built the present mill in 1809.
Engell Peter J., p o Sharon Springs, farmer 80 acres, born in
Sharon December 29, 1824, settled on present farm
in 1830; wife Nancy E. Hinds, of Seward, married
in 1847; children ten. Father Joseph Engell was
Bon of Peter Engell.
Fethers Daniel, p o Sharon Springs, proprietor of hotel, and
has been in same business thirty years, born in
Schenectady, February 4. 1807, settled in county
in 1818, had been deputy sheriff two terms, consta-
ble sixteen years, and collector; wife Laura Adams,
married October 4, 1829; children four — Charles B.T
Margaret E , Daniel L , and Ogden H. Parents
Aaron and Betsey (Wadsworth) Fethers.
Foland Darwin, p o Sharon Springs, farmer. 91 acres, born
in Sharon, December 21, 18:35, settled on present
farm in 1872; wife Sarah Winnie, married October
17, 1855; one daughter— Alice Hone. Father Philip
Foland, born in Sharon, where he still resides.
Fonda Andrew M., p o Sharon Springs, grain farmer and
hop grower 230 acres, born in Albany county No-
vember 6, 1814, settled in county in 1847; wife
Catharine Ottman, married in 1843; children five.
Parents Jacob I., and Maria (Myers) Fonda, natives
of Watervliet, Albany county.
i'KRSONAL STATISTIC^
Frederick I'. II,. p o I'oblenklll, manufacturer of spring beds,
[mm in Si-%vard, .IIIIIIIIIM 5, 1SI.V. wife Charliittn
Kmpic. of Sewurd, nmirmd January tfl. IS«|; chil-
dren two — Clara and Lee, Parent* Henry and
Nancy Fri'derlck.
Frltcber David, p n Sharon Centre.
Ganer Christian, p o Sharon Springs.
Gardner John II . p o Shnron Springs, one of the proprietor!
of 1'ftvllion. senior mi-inher of linn of J. II (tard-
ner & SOIIH, who own r.iu HITCH of Inn. I; horn in
L settled in county in
lie. n cainliilatc for COI>KM<KH; Unit wife Julia
Jiiqui s; second wife Almedu T. Landon: children
ail. Parents, lienrpi and Christina i.
Prior t» Blnf to tthBron Springs, .Mr <
WHS proprietor of the City Hotel on Broadway,
which was for llliy years the principal hotel of New
York city.
Gardner John H. Jr. p o Sharon Springs, one of the pro-
pi-ii'tort* of the Ptt\ ilion, born in New York city,
(>ctol>.-r -,'(, is in. settled in county in 1*13, la
[.r.-.|. I, .ni of the village; wife Su»an E. McClure.
married in lK~i; children three. Parents John and
Julia (Jaques; Gardner.
Gilbert Eugene, p o Argnsvillc. farmer. i:!l acres, born In
Sharon. AIIKUM. •-".', I1-!-*; wife Janet Collins, mar-
ried Octolier ;i. 1ST-'. Father Norman, sou of Rich-
ard Gilbert, of Connecticut.
Gilbert Edwin, p o Argusville, farmer, 65 acres, born in
Sharon. Muy -':!, 1853, settled on present farm In
1880; wife Melvina G. Schermerhorn, married in
1875. Parents Norman and Jane Ana Gilbert.
Grandfather Richard Gilbert.
Hagadorn Menzo, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, and owner of
saw-mill, 55 acres, born ou part of present farm;
wife Charity K. VanScbaick, married October P.I,
isiii; children two, adopted — Birdsley and Dora.
Father Richard, son of Simon llHgadorn, who
settled on part of same farm about 1813.
Ilansen Matthew, p o Sharon Spr'nga, farmer, 108 acres,
born on present farm in IS1,*:}; wife Nancy Somers;
children tbiee— Marinda, Mary, Lillie. Father
Hiclmr.l Hansen, settled in town about 1805, and
settled OD present farm in 1813.
Harper William, p o Sharon Springs, superintendent of the
White Sulphur Spring bath house, born In town
September 3d, 1840, settled in village in 1855, been
interested in bath houses since 1865; wife Julia
Like, married In 1861: children two— Addle and
Anna. Father George Harper.
Hiller George P , p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 100 acres, bora
on same farm August 7, 1837; wife Gertrude M.
Race, married in 1848; children four — Charles M.,
Anna E., Lenora, Feuton. Father John I)., was
SOD of David Hiller, one of early settlers of town.
Hiller Elijah, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 88 acres, born on
part of same farm March 17, 1833, has been inspec-
tor of election; wife Ellen Lane, married in 1859;
children five— Julia T., Gifford H . Frank M., Wil-
liam L., John D. Father John Hiller.
Hiller Frederick, p o Sharon Centre, farmer 185 acres, born
in Sharon Centre, November •-•», 181X1, settled on
present farm In 18%. has been commissioner of
highways; wife I.ydla Taylor, married in 1823;
children two— Phllothethia, and George F. Father.
Frederick Hiller, was son of Frederick, who was
killed in battle at Uriskany.
Hilsinger Adam, p o. Sharon.
Hoffman Marvin N., p o Sharon Centre, farmer and hop
raiser, 30 acres, born In town November, 24, 1854;
wife Cythera, daughter of Hiram Hummel, mar-
ried in 1875; children one— Esty B. Father Barna-
bas Hoffman.
Hoffman Marvin, p o Sharon Centre.
Hone Garrstt, p o Sharon Springs, farmer. 180 acres, born in
Cherry Valley. January 3, 1819, settled in town in
I'M", has been supervisor and commissioner of
highways; wife Maria Dockstader, married Janu-
ary 5, 1847; children six. Father, Henry, son of
Jacob Rone. Grandfather, Blass, settled on same
farm about 1800.
Hone Jacob, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 200 acres, born in
Sharon, January 11, 1821; wife Sarah Eckerson,
married in 1852; children two— J. William, and Or-
cella. Father, Jacob, son of Jacob Hone.
Horton Avery, p o Sharon Springs, resident, 190 acres land,
born in Cherry Valley, Otsego county. November
19 1814, settled on present farm In 1837, has been
commissioner of highways; wife Elizabeth Cannlff,
of Albany county, married in 1838. Parents, John
and Mary Horton.
llvney Jami
I'Oanea A i arrnt*. IH-OTKO and Mergerst
lljney.
Hyney Klchar.l. p o Sharon !«j .<-ri>s. bom
Jackson I. II . p .. M.anm Spring.. : eOMMlor*
l<orn ..
wife Jrnule ."hart .:••-.
ton ll-»d law at rowlrr » l«» - . i,i>ol. of Pottgh-
kerrmli*, and with ,l..l,n II >«n«i ...
-••>. wu admitted to pr».-tu •» m M.,
and i .l»nuarr '.:
Jones Delon. p o Sharon Springs, farmer. MO acres, born In
•>nn !•
1-T1 I- ml. was flrsl settler OB
farm, having bought DUO acres IB twenty-one deeds.
Kilts Wesley H.. n c. sh . «.-ri>s, born
In Carlisle. January IN, IHW. sottlrO on pr»nnt
farm In 1K70; wife Marj
1WJ; cblldn-n three-Harvey (i.. May. Fiord
Father, William, son of John, the son of Adam
Kilts.
Kilts Peter A., p o Aiyusvillr, farmer. 1M acres, born oa
same farm. Father. Adam Kilts, was born In 1'al-
entine, in 17N3. died In !M»; wit* Mar(.
singer; children three— Peter A., Catherine, Elis-
abeth.
Kilts Joshua, p o Sharon Hill, farmer 80 acres, born OB same
farm, February II. 1830; wife Catharine Bail; sec-
ond wife Mary Borst. Father. Conrad Kilts, sun
of Adam.
Kilts George, p o Sharon, fanner, 85 acres, born on same
farm. October HO, I8M, has been overseer of poor;
wife Nancy K. Borst. married In 1R&.1; children two
— Eromett, and Martha. Father, John, eon of
Adam Kilts.
Kilts Daniel, p o Sharon, farmer, 105 acres, bnrn on same
farm, November 7, 1H15, has been collector; wife
Maria Ball; second wife Nancy Sharp; children
five— Daniel F.. George H.. Edward, Ida. Minnie.
Father, Peter, son of Adam Kilts.
La Grange Leonard, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, US acres,
born on same farm February •-•:). 18IK; wife Lucy
Qarlock. of Canajoharle. married In 1*1 ; children
two— George and Jennie. Parents, Michael and
Jane La Grange.
Lefevre Slfrolt, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 96 acres, born In
Quebec July 20, 1H17. settled in county In 1837. Is
postmaster; wife Melissa Drlggs. of Fulton, mar-
ried In 184X; children one— Koswell T. Parents,
Thomas and Angellque Lefevre.
Lehman Leandsr. p o Sharon Springs, farmer 100 acres,
born on same farm February 19, 1*17; wife Mary
K tillborne. married In 1X03; children one— RorelL
Father, Peter, Jr., son of Peter Lehmaa, who set-
tled on farm when It was all woods.
Lehman Stephen, p o Sharon Centre, farmer. I.V) acres bor*
in Sharon December 3, l«£i. settled on present
farm in 1S53: wife Jane Webster, born Febru~ijr
20 1828, married November 5. IH45; children four—
Llbble. Ida. Ella. Bennie. Father, Benjamin, son
of John Lehman.
Lehman Sylvester, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 175 Boras,
born on same farm May IB, 1831, has been assessor;
wife Mary A. Lane, married October 15. 1861; chil-
dren eight. Father, Benjamin Lehman.
Llpe Alfred, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, born In
Montgomery county June 10, 1837, settled In
county in 1K>7; wife Agnes Elisabeth Bait-r.
married In 18«0; children five. Parents, John A.
and Catherine Llpe, natives of Montgomery
county.
Llpe John, p o Seward, farmer, 125 acres, born In Mnntrom
err county April 6, l(t!9. settled on present farm
March 1, 1868; wife Julia Kilts, of Palentlne. mar-
ried June 14, 1853; children six. Father, John A.
Llpe.
Loucks Daniel, p o Sharon Hill, farmer and bop grower. I»
acres, born on same farm February ID, 1840, has
been justice of peace four years; wife Elvlna Dar-
row, married March », 1867; children five. Father,
Isaac, son of Daniel, the son of Peter Loucks, on*
of early settlers.
XXIV
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Low Peter F., p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 45 acres, born in
Sharon October 11', 183:!. settled on present farm in
180:>; wife Jlury Vronian, married in 1853; children
seven. Father, William, ton of Peter Low, an
early settler.
Lycker Henry C , p o Argusville, farmer 203 acres, born In
Montgomery county September t>, 1821, settled in
town iu 1847, has been supervisor several terms;
wife Sally M. Meilick, married September 22,
1846. Father. Captain Cornelius, sou of Colonel
Henry, formerly a Member of Congress, and a
colonel of regiment at Sackett's Harbor.
Lynuk Philip H., po Sharon Springs, farmer 111 acres, born
in Columbia county April 28, 1824, settled on farm
in 1S63; wife l.nvnntia Ward, daughter of Joshua,
who settled on same farm in 17(J4, married Novem-
ber 26, 1851: children one— Martin. Father, Jacob
Lynnk a native of Clermont county. Martin Lynk
was married March SO, 1875, to Anna Belding;
children three.
Lynnk Thomas, p o Sharon, proprietor of wayside hotel,
owns 10 acres land, born in Cherry Valley Septem-
ber 20, 18:10. settled in county in 1880. has been as-
sessor; wife Martha Van Valkenburgh, married in
1859; children three— Blanche Isabelle. W. B., and
B. T. Parents, Jacob and Christina Lynk.
Mallet te Daniel P . p o Sharon Springs, farmer 560 acres, born
in Canajoharie, Montgomery county March 9, is~:!,
settled on present tarm in 180'J; wileSaloma Hem-
street, married in 1809, children one — Jennie.
Parents, Philo and Rhoda (.Taylor) Mallette.
Mereness Gilbert A., p o Sharon Centre, farmer, ISO acres,
born on same farm December 13, 1833, has been
assessor; wife Agnes Milligan, of Canajoharie,
married In 1853; children three— Alice, Harvey,
Romine. Father, Abraham, son of Abraham
Mereness, who settled on farm in 1780.
Maloney John, p o Sharon, dealer in general merchandise,
born in Ireland October 15, 1839, settled in county
in 1862, is postmaster; wife Mary Croby, married
in 1862; children four— llattie, Eva, Gracie, Luella.
Parents, James and Hannah Maloney.
Neville Grantier. p o Argusville, farmer, 160 acres, born on
present farm March 28, 1845; wife Eliza M, Button,
of Cobleskill, married in 1872. Father, John, son
of John Seville, a native of Sharon.
Ottman John \V., p o Sharon, farmer, born in Seward De-
cember 4, 1847, settled in town in 1868; wile Eliza
Bellinger, married in 1868; children, five living-
Henry, Elizabeth, Ferdon, Jay, and an infant.
Father, Peter W., son of William Ottman.
Ottman Jeremiah, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 56 acres,
born in Sharon October 11, 1836, settled on present
farm in 1875; wife Mary J. Low, married June 30,
9 children seven. Father Peter W. Ottman
Mary, Charles. Parents, eter, and Mary O
Pindar John, p o Seward, farmer, ICC acres, born in Otsego
county April 29, 1807, settled in county in 1808,
has been assessor, highway commissioner and
justice; first wife Angelica Sixby; second wife
Mrs. Margaret Eldredge; children five — Elizabeth,
Catharine, John S, Helen, Emma. Parents,
n Katie Becker Pindar.
, , ,
William and Katie (Becker) Pindar.
same rarm in loiu, was son ot Auam rianctf wno
emigrated from Germany previous to the Revolu-
tion and settled in Johnstown.
Flanck Thaddeus W., p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 100 acres,
born in Sharon July 9, 1844, settled on present
farm in 1871, has been inspector of elections; wife
Anna E. Lehman, married June 27, 1865. Father,
John Planck.
Pruyn Henry, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, horn in Mont-
gomery county October 1, 1812, settled in county
in 1864, and on present farm in 1874; wife Ann Put-
nam, married in 1835; children two — Abraham P.,
Frances T. Parents. Francis and Tenet Pruyn.
Grandfather, Jacob Pruyn, of Albany.
Purcell Thomas C., p o Sharon Hill, blacksmith, farmer and
hop growe'r, 40 acres, born In Parish Ballagr t,
county of Kilkenny. Ireland, December 25. 1828,
emigrated to New York June 27. 1847, settled in
county in 1858, and on present farm in 1871; first
wife Caroline Carson, married October 7, 1854;
children two — Kdtnund C. and Anna C.; second
wife Sarah Ann Cronk, married May 1, 1850; chil-
dren two — Thomas C Jr. and Richard H. Thomas
C. receiver! at the international exhibition a medal
and diploma, the latter dated September 27, 1876,
for the best sample of hops. Father, Thomas Pur-
cetl, was born on the old homestead in Parish
Ballagret.
Rase Casper, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 116 acres, born in
Columbia county December 9, 1798, settled
in county in 1818, has been assessor, com-
missioner of highways, and commissioner of
schools; wife Magdalen Van Valkenburgh, married
in 1823; children nine. Father, William, son of
Benjamin Rase.
Ressegieu George F., p o Argnsville, farmer, 75 acres, born
. in Sharon June 2, 1838, settled on present farm in
IKjli; wife Letitia Montanye, of Charleston, Mont-
gomery county, married in November, 1873; chil-
dren one— Merle. Parents, John and Eva Res-
segieu.
Sauer Christian, p o Sharon Springs, proprietor of Union
Hotel, born in Bavaria, Germany, November 17,
1821, came to New York city in 1843, settled in
county in 1870, was First Lieutenant company G,
5th Regiment N. G. S. N. Y.; wife Domtha Bls-
choff, married in 1850; children teven— Maria, Al-
bert, Matilda, Willie, George, Christian, and
Annie.
Sharp Joseph A., p o Sharon, farmer, 154 acres, born in
Oneida county August 3, 1814, settled in county in
1830, and on presGDt farm in 1S46; wife Maria
Wakeman, married in 1842; children five — Mary,
Charles, Clam, Kliza, Jedediah. Parents, John
and Mary (Wales) Shaip.
Sharp Peter G., p o Sharon Springs, proprietor of Sharon
Hotel, also hop dealer and grower, born in town of
Sharon, September 4, 1810, has been supervisor
and constable; wife Christina, daughter of Marcus
Brown; children living four — Mary Jane Jackson,
Julia Kilmer. Gertrude, A. Smith, and John W.
Sharp. Parents John and Eva Sharp.
Shibiey Henry Milton, p o Sharon, farmer, 81 acres, born in
Charleston, Montgomery county October .S
settled on present farm in I860; wife Clara Smith,
married in 186(1. Parents, Henry and Jane (Frank)
Sbibley, of Montgomery county.
Simmons Anthony, p o Sharon Springs, farmer. 113j<r acres,
born in Miaroii October 29, 18118, settled on present
farm in April, 1S55; wife Julia Ann Adams, mar-
ried November 25, 1834; children six. Father,
Martin Simmons, cleared farm here among early
settlers.
married in 1842; children ten. Father, Seymour
Smith, whose Jather came here from Duchess
county among the early settlers.
county among ine eariy seiners.
Snyder George W., p o Sharon Springs, farmer,
born in Delaware county February 15. 1
Sommer David, p o Seward, farmer, 90 acres, born in Sharon
October 1, 18CI6, settled on present farm in 1835;
wife Julia Ann Van Slyke, married June 1, 1*37;
children seven. Father, Nicholas, son of Rev.
Peter Nicholas Sommers, who was born in 1709,
settled in county in 1742, and died in 1795.
Staley William H., p o Sharon Springs, farmer and assessor,
113 acres, born in Montgomery county August 8,
1819, settled in county April 12, 1833; wife Rebecca
Ottman, of Seward, married October 11. 1849;
children four— Virginia, Maria A., Wesley, Leslie.
Parents, Henry I. and Sally Staley.
Staley James S., p o Ames, farmer and teacher, 90 acres,
born in Florida, Montgomery county March 20,
1825. settled in county in 1833, has been commis-
sioner of schools, ot highways, and railroad com-
missioner; wife Ann Eliza Hodge, (if Montgomery
county, married March 20, 1856; children one-
George E.. Father, Henry I. Staley.
1'KKSONAL STATISIH v
XXV
Staley Valet.tlne, p o Amen, fnrnn-r ir, acres, born in Mont-
K"iui'ry county January H, 1; : county
in ing; wife LMMJ linn... ,,r Slmr..n, married in
I'l'.; eUldran four— Mary, Henry, Arabella
Charles. Father, Henry I M
Staley Alexander H , p o Sharon S|>rinK«. farmer, 150 acres
Imrn on Haunt farm Apnl 1'.. w/,; wife L. Jane
Bwift, married In October, 1871 I .:ti,..r. Henry I
siuli'y, bought farm of J. Cady, and settled here
Stevens Kilward II, p o Sharon Springe, farmer, 150 acres,
I""1" "H :.:illi.' faim .MliJ I-. ]•• ,; wif.f Allnlra
Alcer, of Canajpbarle, nntrri.Ml I».M-I.TI,!,, i L".I ]-<..v
children two-Uranl and Frank. Father, Kdward
Stevens.
Snyder Edward P., p o Mmr.m farmer, 75 acres, born la
Canajoharle May :), IHtt, s«ltli-d IK mumy In I8T7,
hitH hi'i-n > oiiHlable; wife Ili'nrii-tta Huddle, mar-
ried January 1, l«ii;; rhiidren one — William.
I'urcnta, Allen and Luclnda Snyder, natives of
Montgomery county.
8tam David, p o Sharon Centre, farmer, 64 acres, born on
same farm January I". !^..'.. has been collector and
• r.mLmis-ioni'r; wifn Kli/iinetb Low. of
Sharon, married , .l.lren four— Carrie,
Jt'imif, Charles, John. Father, John, son of
George Stain, the flrst settler on farm.
Stratton Nathan W., p o Sharon Spring!), merchant, born in
Esperance October 12, 1K.T, settled in town In 1848,
lias been supervisor two years; wife Anna E.
Moeller; second wife, Margaret B. Jones; children
one— Ethel. Parents, James B. and Peace Strat-
tou.
Taylor John P., Sharon Springs, mechanical engineer. 100
acres of land, born in England October 2, IBM,
settled in county April 1, 18TH, having come to
America in 1K4T; wife Mary Catto, of England,
married in 1855; children one — Sally C. Parents
William and Elizabeth Taylor.
Taylor John F . p o Argusville, dealer in stock and farmer.
90 acres, born in Sharon July 20, 1821, has been
commissioner of highways and assessor; children
two— Luther S , and Cora. Parents, Luther and
Magdalen Taylor.
Vanaletine David H.. p o Sharon Hill, keeper of bees, owns
house and lot, born in Sharon October 15, 1839,
settled in village in 1H7.\ is justice of peace; flrst
wife Catharine Kmpie; second wife Louisa Weber;
children one — Catharine E. Father, Michael Van-
alstine, a native of Albany county.
Van Schaick Mary, p o Sharon, milliner, born in Sharon.
Father. Joseph W. Van Schaick; wife Betsey
Slingerland; children five — Elizabeth, Mary, Cath-
arine, John, Emily.
Van Scbaick J. W., p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 78 acres,
born in Sharon October 1, 1NI8. settled on present
farm in 1857; wife Emma H. Canary, married in
1876; children two— Myra W., Maud C. Father,
L. G. Van Schaick.
Tan Schaick Alonzo, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 76 acres,
born in Sharon March 11, 1846, settled on present
farm in 1857; wife Nancy Planck, married in 1871:
children two — Ira and Leon. Parents, Leffert and
Dorothy Van Schaick.
Van Slyke David, p o Sharon Hill, retired farmer, 96 acres,
born in Sharon March 7, 1817, settled on present
farm In 1H19. has been assessor, poormaster, and
excise commissioner; wife Nancy Empie. married
October 2«, 1840; children one— Catharine O. The
son. Peter Austin, died October :i, 1853, aged ten
years and sixteen days. Father, John I., son of
John Van Slyke,
Van Valkenburgh Cort, p o Sharon Springs, farmer, 136
acres, born in Sharon August 35, 1823, settled on
present farm in 1825; wife Catharine Winne. of
Cherry Valley, married February 38, 1850. Father,
Christian, son of John Joseph Van Valkenburgh,
an early settler In town.
Van Valkenburgh Joseph W., p o Sharon Centre, farmer
and shoemaker, 15 acres, born In Ot&ego county
March 13. 1K49, settled on present farm In 18TS;
wife Frances Smith, married November 24, 1875.
Father, Oeorge II.. son of Christian.
Van ValkenbnrRh John J., p o Sharon, farmer, 81 acres, born
in Sharon October 26, 1844, settled on farm in
April, 187:); wife Sarah Bellinger, married in 1865;
children two— Seth J. and Arthur S. Father, John
J. Van Valkenburgh.
VsnValkenburitb John J.A.i..
orn In Sharon January ] (.
-.
1
.
•.
'J • :
. *'
• b, mat
Fall..
who was born J
farm
Van Vslkeu!
owi
ha"
< »
married •
.rrsi
odloal collate of PhAadr
Paine TrtCit I !•• II III (Ijl I Illl I W MBiUMIII IIJ
Van Valkenburrt Joeepb P., p o Sbaron Centre, farmer, tl
• .. ." f.M.. I ..' : ,.,-v • I'.,-
enta. Peter and Sarah Van Valkenburyb.
Vroman Elizabeth T.. p o Sewat.l M r. 1*1 acres,
burn on saute farm August •-.'! l*-,'.. hukhand Joba
W. Vroman, of i>ri«aii« ,.lren tbre»—
Jossle, Willis. L J r,.
native of Bethlehem, Albany county.
Vroman William L., p o Sharon Springe, fanner and bop
grower, 2<i acres, born la New Hartford, Oc.lda
.. February 7, IHI.-I. settled In county In 18U;
wife Sarah < . . m.rrl-d April tl,
1881. Parents, Peter and Eliza (Low) Vroman.
Vroman Low, p o Sbaron Centre, farmer, 1SJ acres, born on
same farm March 24. 1M<; wife Irena Uunburfh.
married December it, IKE; children six Father,
Joaiab Vroman. eettlrd on same farm when It wae
all woods, wae son of Albert Vroman.
Vroman Solomon, p o Seward. keeper of beee, « scree land,
born In Sharon May 22, 101, came to preeent resi-
dence in 1h«5; wife Nancy Kelyea. married Janu-
ary Hi, 1859; cblldn-n four William D . Ella Anna.
Eugene. Father, Nicholas, wae a son of Joaiab
Vroman.
Ward Joseph, p o Sharon Springe, farmer, 101 acres, born
in Sharon October 2. 1H30, settled on preeent farm
In April, 1H60; wife Catharine L. Seeley. of Cherry
Valley; children one— Eetelle. Father, Joshua
Ward, settled here In 17M.
Wessel Isaac, p o Argusvllle. farmer, 117 acres, born In
Montgomery county i I.-I..I..T 15. INOV; wife Pbo>be
Scott, married In 1*11 ; children eight. Parents,
Abrain and Cornelia Weasel
Wood Theodore, p o professor of music, owns boose and
lot, born In Kingston, Ulster county April 18. 18«4,
settled In county In I87M; wife Carrie Brower,
married April 2", 1N75; flrst wife Helen A. Van
Busklrk; children three— Theodore, Jr , Ora Louis,
Ida lola. Parents, William S. and Catharine
». •!
SUMMIT.
Allen William, p o Summit, farmer. 591 acres, born In Sum
mil October II, 1880, settled on preeent farm May
.'. IM-.'; wife Jane Wharton. married July 4. 1M4«;
children one— Warren W. Parents. Kira and El-
mira Allen, the former a grandson of Samuel Allen,
the first settler In Charlottevlile.
Baldwin Daniel W., p o Summit, farmer, SM acre*, bora In
Summit January 24, 18*>. eettled on preeent farm
in I»j6; wife Margaret E Payne, married April 10,
1848. Parents. Daniel and Elisabeth iKIfenbark)
Baldwin, the former a eon of Daniel Baldwin, one
of Bret settlers In Summit.
Barner Dr. Oeorge, p o Charlottevlile, phvalclan and
farmer, 10 acres, born in Coblesklll June «. 18*1,
settled In town in August. 1*7; wife Mary J. Pat-
rick, married February 37, 1841. George studied
with Abraham Patrick, attended lectures In Phila-
delphia and graduated In 1874. Parents. David I.
and Christina Barner, the former a son of Joeeph
Barner, the flrst settler In BarnervUle.
XXVI
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Barger James, p o Summit, merchant and farmer, 80 acres,
born in Rensselaer county March 30, 1812, settled
in county in 1818, has been highway commissioner,
assessor and supervisor; first wire Caroline Judd;
second wife Elizabeth Barger, married April 1,
1878j children two— Eliza and Elorsa. Father,
Thomas liarger, an old resident of Rensselaer
county.
Beard Jacob L., po Eminence, farmer, 250 acres, born in
Bichmondvillo January 15, 1819, settled in Summit
in March. 1*60, has been justice of the peace and
justice or sessions; wife Polly Wiltsey, ot Summit,
married May 23, 1840; children seven. Parents,
John and Abigail Beard, the former a sou of Jacob
lieurd, the first settler of Beard's Hollow.
Beard Franklin P., p o Summit, physician and surgeon, born
in Jefferson November 29, 1853, settled in village
in April, 1876, has been coroner of county; wife
Alice Chickeriug, married in 1873; children three.
Frankliu P. read medicine with Drs. Cornell,
Spaulding and Wood, attended lectures at medi-
cal department or Albany University, and was
graduated from there in 187'5.
Brown James H., p o Summit, dealer in hardware and gen-
eral merchandise, owns 180 acres land, born in
Summit November 2, 1838, has been supervisor and
member of assembly; wife Julia E. Havens, of
Summit, married September 16, 1861. Father,
Elisha Brown.
Burrows James L , p o Eminence, merchant and blacksmith,
1 acre of land, born in Guilford, Chenango county
February 20, 1817, settled in county in 1800, has
been post-master since 1809; -wife Fanny Maria
Cornell, of Gilboa, married May 19, 1840; children
oue— Eniinu Kingsley. 1'arents, Elijah and Betsey
(Smith) Burrows.
Crowe David, p o Summit, farmer 214 acres, born on same
farm September 28, 1831, has been supervisor; wife
Polly Gallup, married December 31, 1800; children
two— Addie, Nora. Father, Francis Crowe. Moth-
er's father, Terpenning Gallup, was one of early
settlers in Summit.
Fox Charles, p o Summit, farmer 196 acres, born in Summit
December 11, 1828, settled on present farm in 1835,
has been highway commissioner, assessor and
inspector of election; wife Mary Ann Moot, mar-
ried November 15, 1851; children eittht. Father,
James Fox, son of William, who came in town
about 1800.
Ferguson, Thomas H., p o Summit, post-master and painter,
30 acres laud, born in Summit January 24, 1841, has
been nolary public. Parents, Thomas and barah
(Borst) Ferguson, the former a son of Little Fer-
guson.
Gaige Benjamin W., p o Charlotteville, farmer 140 acres,
born in Pennsylvania August 31, 1822, settled in
county in 1840; wire Sally Albert, of Worcester,
married October 20, 1852; children six; first wife
Magdalen VanPatten, was married February 22,
1840. Parents, Abraham and Hannah (Vantassle)
Gaige.
Hannis William, p o Richmondville, hop-grower and dairy
farmer, 140 acres, born in Ireland May 14, 1827,
settled in county in 1804, has been commissioner of
highways; wile Jane Burneson, of Otsego county,
married April 11, 1854; children seven. Parents,
Samuel and Alary Hannis.
Harder Willington P., p o Summit, farmer 150 acres, born in
Summit December 20, )829, settled on present larm
April 1, 1865, has been highway commissioner and
assessor; wife Hannah Jane Payne, of Hudson,
Columbia county, married January 1, 1855;children
one -George D. Lost one daughter — Gittie M.,
aged 12 years. Father, Peter I. Harder, was a
native of Duchess county.
Hartwell Miles, p o Charlotteville, farmer 80 acres, born in
Summit November 15, 1809, settled on present
farm in 1874, has been supervisor; wife Catharine
Warner, married February 17, 1842; second wife
Caroline A. Ives, married March 30, 1810 Parents,
John and Sebee (Osborne) Hartwell. Mrs. Hart-
well's grandfather, Levi Ives, settled at Summit
four corners in 1806, where Charles Crowe and T.
Ferguson live.
Havens C. W., p o Summit, physician and farmer, 225 acres,
born in Long Island April 20, 1813, settled in county
in 1815, has been supervisor, town clerk and town
superintendent; wife Martha Baldwin, of Summit,
born in 1816, married October 4. 1838; children
four. Charles W. studied at Jefferson with Dr.
Boice and finished with Dr. Samuel Wells, of Mid-
dleburgb, attended lectures at Castleton, Vermont,
and commenced practice in Summit in 1838.
Jackson David C., p o Cbarlotteville, farmer and nursery-
man, born in bchoharie May !i7, 1812, settled in
Summit in 1816. has been supervisor, justice of
peace and postmaster; wife Rosetta Gardner,
married June 28, 1805; children five; first wife was
Sally Ann Haner. Parents. David W. and Annie
(Carson) Jackson.
Jump Annanias P., p o Summit, merchant, born in Fulton
March 19, 1833, settled in Summit December 1, 1853,
has been town clerk and justice, was married in
December 1854: children six. Father, Annanias,
was son of William Jump, who settled in Summit
from Greene county in 1M(>.
Mitchell Peter H., p o Charlotteville, farmer and banker,
1200 acres, born in town of Summit February 23,
1812. settled on present farm in 1805. has been rail-
road commissioner and director of five banks; wife
Lucy Robinson, of Otsego county, married Octo-
ber 11, 1831; children six. Father. Harmon, was
son of Emanuel Mitchell an early settler on same
farm.
Multer Joseph, p o Charlotteville, farmer and owner of saw-
mill, born in Otsego county December 22, 1832,
settled in county March 27, 1802; wife H. Maria
I'liinkle. of Jefferson county, married January 15,
1862. Father, Joseph, was son of Dr. Multer, who
came from Germany and settled here.
Osboru Eleazer, p o East Worcester, farmer, born in Har-
persfleld, Delaware county May 4. 1799, settled in
Jotfi; eiiiniien live. jpnLuvr, E.ir«£ei v^auuiij, w tvs
a native of Danbury, Connecticut, and a soldier
Rifenbark Hiram, p o Charlotteville, meichant, owns 1 acre
land, born in Summit April 30, 1839, commenced
business as a merchant in 1872, has been justice of
peace and town clerk; wife Amelia Burnett, of
Summit, married March 24. 1863. Parents, Aaron
and Mary (Banks) Rifenbark, the former a son of
Henry Rifenbark, who came from Columbia coun-
ty about 1800.
Stickles Elan N., p o Summit, farmer. 101 acres, born in
Columbia county August 19, 1804, settled in county
in 1810; wife Hannah Mickle, of Fulton, married
January 15. 1850. Parents, Nicholas F. and Debora
(Dean) Stickles, the former of whom was a son of
Nicholas, a resident of this county, and lived to
be ninety-six years of age.
Stilwell Stephen, p o Charlotteville, farmer. 120 acres, born
in Charlotteville November 23, 1815, settled on this
farm in 1H45, has been assessor, supervisor and
overseer of poor; first wife Polly M. Phelps; sec-
ond wife Angeline Hicks, married December 6,
1875; children nine. Father, Samuel, was son of
Thomas Stilwell, who came from Duchess county.
Shafer S. G., p o Charlotteville, printer.
Terpenning James W., p o Summit, f irmer and dairyman, 425
acres, born in Summit September 29, 1828, settled
on present farm in 1849, has been supervisor and
highway commissioner; wife Delaney tseer, of
Summit, married April 23, 1838; children five-
Jerome, Walter, Everet, Achsa, Jennie. Father,
Cornelius, was son of Jacob Terpenning, who was
lieutenant under Washington.
Tinklepaugh Alexander, p o Summit, farmer, 280 acres,
born in Fulton May 15. 1826, settled in Summit fn
1827; wife Delia Ann Snook, married January 12,
18J8; children one— Rebecca. Father, Jacob, son
of Henry Tinklepaugh, one of first settlers in
town.
Tousley Rev. George G., p o Eminence, clergyman, born in
Gilboa September 28, 1852, settled in village in
May, 18M, is minister in the Methodist Episcopal
church; wife Adelaide Thome, of Conesville, mar-
ried May 19, 1874; children one— Claude G., who
died March 11, 1881. Parents, Albert A. and
Esther C. Tousley,
Warner George H . p o Charlotteville, farmer 90 acres,
born in Summit March 2, 1838, settled on present
farm in 1870. Father, Hiram, son of Peter War-
ner, who settled in Summit about 1800.
Wharton Robert E-, p o Summit, farmer, 200 acres, born on
same farm April 11, 1850, has been excise commis-
sioner; wife Mary N. Conroe, of Summit, married
December 8, 1874; children two — James and a
baby. Parents, James and Mary A. Wharton.
I'KKSONAI. STATISTICS
XXVII
Wharton John, p o rharlottevlll.-. farmer. «8 torn, born In
Summit January ,, present farm
in I.-.M, IJMH bean amieKHiir. ci>iniMiiii.i<,iier. autl
overseer ; llr«t wifi- I.am-y l.»|..-: -. r,,n.'. •
ili'iifi. A l.upe: clulilti-ii tw,i
Fox. Father, John Wluirtun. ,-uin<- from England
and settled in Summit .-.],.,,,
Wbarton Holii'it. p n l!i. -hm. n,!\ ill,.. l,,,i,,,r anil lirl<-k
manufacturer, '-'''it i» r.-~. I,>,M, m u
January II. 1M1. s.-ulr.i in ,',.unty in isin
In Mil-Hill. Father, .lulin Wliiiltnii. ,u:
nil when xixti.fii ycarno! age. Wife i,f Hiram,
1> Louisa Neer; children one— Clara K.
Whartou Williiini. p n Miinmlt, dairy farmer, 14U acre*
Inn n iii Summit Hi cfinl.. r "•_':!. \t:a. nettled on
1 fitim in IN'.', has been (:oiniiiit,Miolier of
highway*; first wife Charlotte lliiulx: second wife
i (ialiup; children one— Fouler. Father,
Kilwurd Wharton, settled In Summit In 1815.
WRIGHT.
Becker Daniel, p o Gallupville, farmer. 800 acres, born In
county In 18S9. Father, Jacob Becker, was born In
: wife Elizabeth Spatlesholts, of
county, born In 1788, married In 1806, died In 1878;
children thirteen, living nine.
Becker David, p p o Gallupville, farmer. 30 acres, born In
county in 17W; wife Elizabeth Salsbury, of county,
born in 1806, married in IKS!; children six.
Becker David R., farmer, 110 acres, born In Wright In 1834,
has been assessor; wife Mary Becker, of county,
born in 1840, married in l*i:); children six. Par-
ents, George and Elizabeth (Blitz* liecker. Grand-
father, William Becker, was born on farm now oc-
cupied by David R., which then contained 400
acres, and was purchased before the Revolution.
Becker Gideon E , p o Gallupville.
Becker Joha W., p o Gallupville, farmer, 102 acres, born in
county in ]v,'ii; wife Elizabeth .M.. daughter of
Jacob and Hannah Hilisley, of county, born in
1830, married in 181'J; children one —
David E. Parents, David and Elizabeth (Sals-
bury) Becker. David E. was born in county In
1841; wife Julia Sears, of county, married In icis.
Becker Minor, p o West Berne, farmer, born In county In
l.S-".i. has beeen town collector; wife Elizabeth
Sternbergh, of Albany county, married in 1841;
children six.
Blanchard Levi, p o Gallupville, farmer, born in county in
1830; wile CordelU Rider, or county, born In 1840,
married In 1WK; children three— Ward. Eugene,
and Mary B. Parent*. Lebious and K)ioda(Duel)
Blanchard. Grandfather, Aimer Duel, was born
in Rhode Island in 1755, came to county In 1197,
died in 1857.
Chesebro Sherman, p o Gallupville. farmer, born In Albany
county in is;!!), settled In county in 184-.'; wife Sallie
Armstrong, of Albany county, born in 1839, mar-
ried in 1H58; children throe — Andrew A., Ambrosa,
and J. W. Father, Ambrosa Chesebro.
Cullings Peter, p o Gallupville.
Davidson Samuel, p o Gallupville.
Davis Samuel, p o Gallupville, 130 acres, born in county
in 1H83, has been supervisor; wife Mary Gage, of
Tloga county, married in 1856. Father, Peter
Davis, of county. Lorn in 1787, died January 15,
1863; wife Margaret Young, of Albany county,
born in I7MH, married in 181U, died April 15, 1876.
Dearing Ellas, p o Gallupville. farmer, 168 acres, born In
county in 1820; wife Margaret, daughter of David
and Elizabeth Becker, born in 1822, married in
1844: children one— Elmina, born in I!M7. Parents,
Frederick and Catharine Dearing. born in Duchess
county In 1775, came to county in 1783, died In
1869.
Devoe Jacob I., p o Gallupville, farmer, 160 acres, born in
Albany county in 1803. settled In county In 18S2,
has been assessor; wife Polly Tlgert, of Albany
county, born in 1805, married in 1823; children
four- Amos, born in 1828, Catharine In 1837,
Elizabeth in 1843, and Morgan in 1846.
Domlnlo John J p o GallopTUIe. fa™,, bom i, .o..,.
II, baa bren n>»n,i • • r a**>mt>lr and
•visor.: wlf. .
83})?
Friuk Bug. '
ent*. Ctiarli-M «i
Frlnk Jacob, p o Gallupvllle, fa
county In Igtf*
county. marrl.
twi. •
'• • ' ' .''•.:
•i
•
•
children
/
Flanaburg Henry, p o Gallupvllle. retired farmer own. sad
...lorn anil ..w.n.lll . i. I
mill was built about 3o years aro and the Dreass
one a I.. years since hy U.llup « Wl»,ur. bora
!" .^"l." ' *• ""<• •rttl«l •» «>»»«7
2?:7ilf*,il.M"u1!. Ho«ll'r»n». °' A"*"/ eo«nty,
married In 1KS7; children six.
Frlnk Jabex. p o Oallupvlll*.
Gallup Charlo.. p o (i.llupviiir undtruker, bora IB couoiv
In 1HI2 baa been j,
wife < hrl.tlna A Backer, of county marred In
ildrcntwo. Father. Thomas J Gallup, bon
In Connecticut, came to county ID INI3. died In MM,
Griffeth Darld O.. p o Quaker Street, farmer. »l acres, bora
in county In 1K4«;.wlfc Mellua Ilardi-n nf Srhrore-
. rre-
tady county, man .r— Ad»
L.. born In I8W. Horace 8.. In 1*71, rioranc* and
Flora i twins) bore In 1H7« Fatber. Stephen Orlf-
fetb, born In Hcbrnectady county In
county ID ]NH: «|f,. snuu Soules. born In Mont
corner? county In 1H|«; children two-Amanda M
born In 1K33, and Dari.i (i . m 1-11
Haverly Theodore, p o Gallupville. farmer, born In county
In 1835 has been town collector; wife
Rlckard. of ct.unly, born In 1844. married In IMO;
children three. Parenta Jacob I. and Catharine
Haverly. the latter a daughter of Ira and Catha-
rine Rickard.
Ha
iveriy Jacob I., p o Gallupvllle. farmer. 310 acres, born In
Albany county. June K. 1809, nettled In county In
!M'i; wife Catharine Klckard. of county, born
in ixil. married January 3(1. JKH: children nine.
Father. Chrlntjohn Haverly. of Albany county set-
tled In county In INIH. died In 1MB. aged 77 years;
wife, Hannah Haverly, married In 1NU8. died In
18t)7, aged 79 years.
Hill John S.,po Gallupvllle. farmer, ISO acre*, born In county
In INTO; wife Mary E. Clykeman, born In 1840, mar-
ried In IM6; children eleven.
Hotallng Dr. John, p o Galluprllle. physician and surgeon,
was graduated from Albany Medical College hi
1863. born In Betblebrm. Albany county. In 1MT7
settled In county In lx«3; wife Sellnd K. Zeh. of
county, born In 1M2. married In IW4; children two.
Hunting Fletcher, p o Gallupvllle. farmer. W acres, born In
county In 1Kb!; wife Jane VanAuken. of Albany
county, married In 1858; children three— E»t el Is.
Viola, born In Illinois, and May L.. born In Albany
county. Father. Joseph, was son of Joseph Hunt-
ing, who was horn ID Long Island, and settled In
county In 1770.
Hunting Ambrose R., p o Gallupvllle, farmer, born In Wright
In 1833, has been school commissioner and super-
visor; first wife Amanda Severson. of Albany
county, born in 1X37. married In I8S9. died In KM;
children two— William J . and Edward F.; second
wife Melissa Northmp of county, born In 18ftf,
married In 184B; children one— Florence A., born
In 1880. Father, Joseph H. Hunting, of county.
Hunting Joseph, po Gallupvllle, born In county In 1808; wife
Mary A. Chesebro. of Albany county, born In 1811,
married In April. 1829; children two— Fletcher and
Ambrose R. Father. Joseph Hunting, of Lone
Island, settled In county before 1800. died la 1844.
Kelsch Jacob, p o Gallupvllle. general merchant, bora In
Germany In 1833, settled in county In ISM. has been
Justice of peaee and town clerk : wife Susan "
kern, of county, married In 18W; children
George W.
XXV111
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Markham Prof. C. E.. professor of music, born in Fulton in
1843. Bather Alden Markbam, of Otsego county,
born in 1S17. tame to county in 1S10, died in 1866;
wife Catharine D. Cook, of county, born in 1821,
married in 1842, died in 1804; children four— C. E.,
A. -her, born in 1848, Luther in 1861, and Libbie in
1857.
Martin Peter, p o Gallupville, farmer, 110 acres, born in
county in 1830; wife Melinda Schell, of county,
born iu 1841. married in 1S.V.I; children nne— Bertha
N Father, John Martin, born in Albany county in
1800, came to county in 1803, died in 1861; wife
Hannah Zimmer, of county.
Mattice James, p o Gallupville.
McDonnel Benjamin, p o Gallupville, farmer, 43 acres, born
in Albany county February 111. IHMP. settled in
county iu 1835; wife Sallie Forsythe, of county,
born May 18, 1K19. married in 18* ; children one-
Oliver, born in 183!>, is a watch and clock repairer;
wife Fannie A. Johnson, of Greene county, mar-
ried in 1870; children one— Frank J.
Packard Samuel T , p o Gallupville, born in Grafton, New
Hampshire, in 1807, settled in county in 1832; first
wife Julia A. Jones, died; second wile Phebe Shaf-
fer, of county, married in 1858.
Palmer George E.. p o Gallupville, born in Albany county in
1834, settled in county in 1864, married February 4,
1858.
Plank Oliver F., p o Gallupville, dealer in hardware and
farming implements, born in Wright in 18S7, has
been postmaster; flrst wife Emily A. Hubble, of
county, born in 1840, married in 1861, died in 1873,
children one— Edwin; second wife Mary West,
of county, married in 1875; children one— Kate.
Father, James Plank, born in Greene county, set-
tled in county at an early day, and died in 1874.
Plugh Jacob H., p o Gallupville, born in Albany
county June 24, 1821. settled in county in
1841; wife Christina McCarty, of county, born in
1830, married January 1, 1812; children two— Gran-
ville, born in October, 1853. and John M., born iu
1854. Parents, John and Margaret (Syble) Plugh.
Posson Chester, p o Gallupville, farmer, 2S9 acres, born in
county in 1821, has been supervisor nnd assessor;
wife Dorothy Zimmer, of county, born in 1823,
married in 1845; children four— Melinda. Emma,
Wesley and Etta. Father, Peter Posson. of
Duchess county; wife Ann West, of county. Wes-
ley Posson was born in 1847; wife Sarah, daughter
of Lyman Baker, of county, married in 1868; chil-
dren three— Edwin, Fanny, and Ellis.
Posson Harvey L.. p o Gallupville, farmer, born in county
in 1854; wife Betsey E. Hulbert, of county, born in
1855, married in 1878; children one— Effa. Par-
ents, Rufus and Mary J. (Lemon) Posson.
Bickard George E , farmer, 340 acres, born in county in
1812, died March 19, 1880; flrst wife Hannah Haver-
ly, died leaving four children; second wife Louisa
Snyder, of county, born in 1820, married June 27,
1847; children eight.
Richter William H., farmer, 135 acres, born in Columbia
county in 1836. settled in county in 1837; wife
Sophia M., daughter of John and Elizabeth Miller,
of county, born in 1840, married in 1860; children
three— Henrietta, Libbie, and John S. Parents,
Stickle and Polly Righter, of Columbia county,
Righter Jonas, p o Quaker Street, farmer, 157 acres, born in
Columbia county in 1833, settled in county in 1837;
wife Elizabeth Hayes, of county, born in 1836,
married in 1864; children three— Gertrude, Will-
iam, and Mary E. Parents, Stickle and Polly
Righter, of Columbia county.
Righter John S., p o Gallupville.
Schell Daniel, p o Gallupville, farmer, 120 acres, born in
county in 1811; wife Margaret Steiner, of Albany
county, born in 1822, married in 1841, died in 1860;
children five. Parents, Peter and Sophia Schell.
Schell David, p o Gallupville, farmer, and runs a saw-mill,
bDrn in Wright in 1801; wife Hannah, daughter of
David Becker, born in 1802, married in July, 1821,
died October 1, 1880; children eight, living five—
Seneca L.. Sophia, Margaret, Malinda, and Maria.
Father, Peter Schell. Grandparents came from
Germany at an early day.
.Schi'll Simeon, p o Gallupville-, retired gentleman, born in
county in 1831; wife Julia A. Sand, married in 1861;
children one — a son. Father, William N., son of
Frederick Schell.
Schoolcraft Peter P., p o Gallupville, retired farmer. 170
acres, has been member of assembly; wife Chris-
tina Becker, of county, born in 1815, married in
1K35; children four— Amanda M,, Eve M., Sherman
M., and Ida May.
Stephens Ira, p o Gallupville, stone mason, born in Wright
in 1827, has been town collector; wife Alula H.
Sheldon, of Schenectady county, born in 1832,
married in 1852; children six. Parents, Eliphalet
and Marcia Stephens; children fifteen— of whom
Ira was the youngest. Grandparents were from
Stonington, Connecticut.
Swanu Miner. p o Gallupville,farmer, born in Albany county
in 1834, sbttled in county iu 1844, has held several
town offices; wife Catharine Zimmer, of county,
born in 1835, married in 1850; children one— John
A , born in 1877. Father, John Swan, of Albany
county, born in 171'3, came to county in 1814, died
in January. 1870; wife -Mary Coe, born in 17112, mar-
ried in 1818; children two— Minor, and Peter born
in 1819.
Treddenyer William, p o Gallupville, farmer, 96 acres, born
iu Germany in 1819, settled in county in 1840; wife
Margaret. Bush, of county, born in 183.1; children
three— William H., born in 1857, Celia, in 1881, and
Elmer, in 1873.
Waldeu Hiram, Jr., p o Gallupville, retired gentleman,
born iu county in 182s; wife Elniira D. Xinimer, of
county, married iu 1880. Father, Hiram Walden,
was born in Vermont in 1800, came to county in
18U5. died in 1880; wife Sophia Dominac, of county,
born in 1802, married in 1822.
Weidman Peter I., p o Gallupville, farmer, 92 acres, born in
Albany county in 1815, settled in county in 1818;
wife Edith Hotalir.g. of Albany county, born in
1S?U. married in 1841: children two — Daniel, born
in 184'-', and Albert, born ill 1851. Father, Jacob
W Weidman, died in 1851; wife Elizabeth Weid-
man, died in 1847.
Zeh Dr. Ira. physician and surgeon, born in Albany county
in 1820, died in 1872; wife Christina Litebrant of
county, born in 18-J9, married in September, is.11;
children three — Anna M., Lama, and Edgar. Peter
and Elizabeth (Zeh) Litebrant, parents of Chris-
tina.
Zeh Alfred, p o Gallupville, general custom miller,
born in Albany county in 1835, settled in county in
1830: wife Rebecca Holenbeek, of county, married
in 1862; children two— Minnie, born in 1861, and
Clarence, born in 1873. Mill is located on Fox's
creek, is 2X stories, 40 by 40 feet, has four run of
etoue, 75 horse power, and is a first-class mill.
Zimmer Peter F., dealer in stoves, tin, and hardware, born in
county in 1825, has been town clerk; first wife M. J.
Chamberlin, of Reusselaer county, married In 1857,
died in 186S: children cue — a daughter; second
wife Anna F. Zeh, married in 1870.
Zimmer John G., fatmer, 200 acres, born in county in 1793;
wife Margaret Bassler, of county, born in 1794,
married in 1815; children five, living: two — Elmira
and Lavina. Great-grandfather, Jacob Zimmer,
was born in Germany, settled in county at an
early date, and was the owner of Lawyer and
Zimmer patent.
Zimmer John J.. p o Gallupville, farmer, born in county
in 1825; wife Christina N. Ziramer. of county,
married in 1861; children six. Parents, John and
Elizabeth (Schoolcraft) Zimmer. Christina was
daughter of Adam P. pud Catharine Zimmer.
Zimmer John A., p o West Berne, farmer, 117 acres, born in
county in 1821; wife Harriet Houghtailing, of
county, born in 1825. married in 1842: children
three — Rebecca. Minor G., and Ada. Minor G.
was born in 1S58; wife Evalina Zimmer, born in
1861, married in 1880.
Zimmer Jacob N., p o Gallupville. farmer and horse farrier,
born in county June 30, 1814. has been justice of
peace and justice of sessions; wife Leah, daugh-
ter of David and Elizabeth Rickard. born in 1818,
married in 1835, died November 11, 1864; children
thirteen, living twelve. Father, John Jost Zim-
mer, born in county in 1784: wife Magdalene War-
ner. Grandfather, Adam Zimmer, was a Revolu-
tionary soldier.
Zimmer Minor, p o Gallupville, farmer. 230 acres, born in
Wright in 1832, has been collector of town; wife
Hannah E. Becker, of county, born in 1835, married
in 1853; children two— Austin V., born in 1855,
married Emma Marsellis, of county; and Maoford.
Parents, John W. and Catharine Zimmer.
BINDING SECT. JUL 16 1981
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
Roscoe, William 3.
History of Schoharie County.
New York
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